Mexico’s largest airline, Volaris, has concluded a partnership with Hainan Airlines of China as a further step in the deepening economic relationship between the two countries. Depending on the developing nature of its trade circumstances with the United States, Mexico which puts no political conditions on its international commerce, is setting measure in place to assure its continuance as the industrial capital of the continent.
Mexico’s changing economic role in North America comes mostly as a result of America’s evolving decision to isolate itself from its friends and adversaries. The tariff culture that appears on its way is designed to be the mainstay of a deliberate policy of retrenchment and an example of a calculated effort to withdraw from leadership on the world stage.
Associated with the global economic leadership has been a strong political presence underscored by a powerful military always available, as the people of different regions find their voice and developed their democratic instincts. That is also changing.
The budget now before the United States Senate proposes to generally maintain the tax benefits for the rich oligarchs, increase military spending and reduce benefits for the rest. Part of the plans for military spending is the development of an “Iron Dome” missile defense system to protect the homeland.
The emphasis on protecting the homeland at the expense of also protecting our neighbors, allies and friends around the world is another symbol of abdication of world leadership. The United States is on a path of voluntarily constricting its defense mechanisms to include only American territory.
When America was more or less “dragged” into World War II by the attack of the Japanese Empire on Pearl Harbor, there was a general feeling of righteousness in undertaking a state of war. When Hitler soon after declared war on the United States, our country became a full partner in the fight against fascism.
America’s economic strength and ingenuity provided for a two-ocean war and victory on both fronts. The outcome led to the country becoming an economic giant and a military superpower.
When matched against the Soviet Union during the Cold War, the United States eventually prevailed because its adversary was a military superpower but lacked the economic base to sustain its territorial ambitions.
When the Soviet Union fell, it left the United States as the sole superpower U.S. economic and military might allow it to project its strength, set the example as a democratic state, contribute to the rules for international commerce and allow for the development of its partners around the world.
That world order is now in jeopardy. The country is in danger of losing its friends and emboldening those that want to take its place. Among those that are driving toward world power are the Chinese that are projecting an economic strength that promises to very soon surpass that of the United States and a military industrial complex that is making a lot of noise.
America is in a position to accept the challenge of international trade competition without a military confrontation or war. Instead, the United States leadership seems to have decided to “throw in the towel” and withdraw from its responsibilities.
At home, our county’s main engine of progress, the immigrant, is being shown the door. In the long run, the racially motivated retrenchment will not keep the country from its color bound future.
Abroad, America is turning over the keys to world commerce to China. This abdication is fast becoming the strongest symbol yet of cultural decadence.
The views expressed by David Conde are not necessarily the views of LaVozColorado. Comments and responses may be directed to News@lavozcolorado.com.
