THE EFFECT OF THIRD WORLD POVERTY ON US SECURITY

Abstract

Abstract : The persistence of poverty and stagnation in the Third World poses certain problems for American policymakers. Before the United States can achieve mutually cooperative relations with Third World countries, we must decide whether there are limits to growth or whether the economic pie can expand continuously, If the possibilities for growth are not infinite, we may expect more confrontation with less-developed countries (LDCs) as they demand an international redistribution of wealth. We must clarify the role of trade (and especially free trade) as an engine for development. Do we want Third World states to participate in free trade if it means that some American enterprises are to be forced our of business and that larger shards of the international market are captured by Third World producers: Free-trade advocates suggest that such developments would make for a healthier international economy in the long run. Also, there would be greater incentive for American manufacturers to innovate and become more competitive. However, there would be serious short-term consequences in this country. WE must ask whether it will become necessary for the United States to compromise certain policy objectives as the international economic and political environments become more interdependent. If such compromises are required, which goals are expendable? In other words, what are our goals, how do we assign priorities to our goals, and how are our goals related to the dynamics and realities of the international system? For instance, the type of government and political programs the United States favors will depend in part upon whether we identify Soviet subversion of the eradication of hunger as the most pressing concern in the Third World. Does the United States want to integrate Third World states into a global network of alliances? Moreover, could the United States achieve such a network, if doing so were thought to be advisable? This objective may be at odds with an LDC's plans.