Should the United States help develop the economy of neighbour contries, like Mexico?

Question

Should the United States help develop the economy of neighbour contries, like Mexico?

Answer 1

No. Just read 'Atlas Shrugged' By Ayn Rand to answer that specific question. (That is, if you have a lot of hours to waste)

But that doesn't mean we should be hurting them either with aggressive trade policies. It's not 'tis for tat' protective barriers anymore, because the IMF makes them take down subsidies, while we subsidize our agriculture like crazy.

Answer 2

I think it is to best interest of the U.S. to further our own economy.  There are a lot of people living in poverty, unemployed, and lots of people who can't afford good housing, health care, education past high school and the list goes on.  Not to mention our own problems we need to fix such as inflation, pollution, energy dependency etc... So no there is a lot to work to be done to better the life of our own citizens.

I think citizens on countries such as Mexico and the less under-developed countries (not saying Mexico is a very under-develop country) must take the steps to better their own economic condition by any means and not hope that another country will improve their conditions.

Answer 3

No...

Answer 4

Why cant Mexico develop it's own economy?

Answer 5

its more a question of not holding back developing nations like mexico, with protectionist policies, a free market is the natural extension of capitalism which is so widely adopted in america, if america was to buy what products developing nations do make instead of protecting inefficent industries, then overall both america and developing nations would benefit

Answer 6

We all should help our neighbor, however Charity begins at home.

Answer 7

Unqualifyingly yes. It is better for us and them. However, the help need not be charitable in nature to truly help them.

The Mexican economy which grew almost miraculously from 1945-1968, helped stabilize the region, and prevent illegal border activity (such as smuggling, narco-trafficking, and illegal immigration). The crisis Mexico faced economically in the late 1970s and 1980s meant an increase in illigeal border activity and destabilization in that nation.

So, historically, the growing Mexican economy has benefitted the US. Also, by applying economics, we know that an increase in real Mexican income will increase their purchase of US goods and services. This will increase US GDP, and Mexican's standard of living. Both sides benefit. NAFTA has shown that increaed trade has created jobs and wealth on both sides of the border, so development is no "zero-sum game", both sides benefit.

As the Mexican economy develops, the incentives for them to have an honest, democratic government also changes, so we will find more policital allies across the border too. Poor nations all to often look for the empty promise of communism and government totalitarianism. We don't need that here.