Welcome Senator Rubio

By Francisco Santos

After four terrible years of U.S. foreign policy towards Latin America, Americans voted for a radical change in how things are done and how they have been done in the past. This clear political message led President Donald Trump to make a 180-degree turn, appointing Florida Senator Marco Rubio as the new Secretary of State.

Friends in Mexico have told me that Marcelo Ebrard, the country's finance minister, reacted with anger and intense pain to Rubio's appointment. I am not surprised, as Rubio represents a radical shift in how that institution functions and the role it plays, not only in this region but also globally. This change is welcome because the previous approach only left Latin America with the consolidation of dictators, the destruction of democracy, the growth of drug cartels, and the increasingly active disruptive presence of China, Russia, and Iran.

"Hugs, not bullets?" Biden said calmly. The result? A country slowly becoming a narco-state. "Negotiations with Maduro?" Of course, we release Alex Saab and ease sanctions. The result? A consolidated dictatorship with more political prisoners than ever, and Russia, China, Iran, Hezbollah, and global drug cartels operating freely within the country, with state support.

It’s better to look ahead, as the future holds hope for those of us who believe in democracy and freedom. That said, it must be understood that Americans voted for a drastic change in every sense, including foreign policy. The tools that can and should be used in this regard must be part of that change. Ultimately, those who fight against democracy and freedom in the hemisphere will face a force that many of us hope will take off the gloves.

We already know Marco Rubio and his commitment to freedom and democracy. His Cuban heritage, his Colombian wife, and his political history in a state that lives and feels the daily consequences of these dictatorial regimes and their autocratic allies are crucial elements in understanding what may come next.

First, there must be a clear, tough, and increasingly robust policy of sanctions and actions against the continent's dictatorships. Nothing should be off the table, and it is worth looking at policies such as those of Ronald Reagan in Nicaragua, adapting them to the present day and considering them as an option. Second, it is essential to seek allies in the region—not just governments, as there are many actors and organizations today that support an aggressive policy defending democracy and freedom. Establishing a forum for countries and organizations, such as the IDEA group and others, to support this new policy is necessary.

It would be ideal to update the OAS’s Democratic Charter so that nations that dismantle their democracy face commercial, political, and military consequences, as a last resort that should not be discarded. In the 21st century, actions of this nature carry many nuances compared to those of previous decades. Russia, Iran, and China are experts in this.

We must not fear defending democracy. Its enemies use every tool available to destroy it in the region. Today, Venezuela is a country invaded by Russia, Cuba, Iran, and Hezbollah, and no one says a word. The same is true for Nicaragua. China now has a satellite espionage base in Argentina, and everyone is silent. Furthermore, China ousted Brazilian Foreign Minister Ernesto Araujo for being a strong defender of the West and rejecting Chinese vaccines due to a lack of scientific evidence. Total silence. Can you imagine the uproar if the same had happened due to U.S. pressure and manipulation of Brazilian lawmakers, the way China maneuvered to deliver a blow to democracy?

We need to end the double standard regarding foreign intervention and be prepared with options to counteract what these foreign agents are currently doing freely from Cuba, Nicaragua, and Venezuela.

January 10 is one of the key tests. Biden has already handed over democracy in that country, but Trump and Rubio can start tightening the grip on the mafias that have taken hold there. Some ideas: make them leave power or, starting January 21, increase the reward for their capture to $150 million, and announce other measures, such as sanctions on their families, that will hurt the Venezuelan kleptocracy. Two more: announce a program for free satellite internet access in Cuba and Venezuela, and end remittance transfers, including to Nicaragua. Additionally, exclude Nicaragua from the U.S.-Central America Free Trade Agreement.

I can think of many other actions, which I will leave to U.S. intelligence operatives, but again, nothing should be off the table. It’s now or never. That’s why welcome, Senator Marco Rubio, to your new role. Latin America needs you. Many of us in the region are ready to support you. Let’s get to work.