Under-attended Latin America/US summit underachieves

Significance

The main significance of the summit series has been to give a reading of US relations with Latin America. As such, US President Donald Trump’s last-minute decision to cancel his attendance underscored the perception that the region is a low priority for Washington.

Impacts

• The focus on corruption throws up few options for addressing the problem seriously on a hemispheric rather than domestic level.
• Caracas will be unmoved by the summit’s disapproval absent serious diplomatic efforts to address the crisis.
• The perception that US influence in Latin America is fading is likely to boost rising trade ties with China.