Sixth Summit of the Americas - A Primer

April 6, 2012

On April 14 and 15, President Barack Obama will gather with 33 other hemispheric leaders at the Sixth Summit of the Americas in Catagena de las Indias, Colombia.  The meeting is sponsored by the Organization of American States (OAS) and offers heads of state and delegations a chance to discuss mutual concerns and promote cooperation throughout the region.  However, expectations should be tempered by a low common denominator of agreement on projects, the small likelihood that most commitments will be fulfilled, and the possibility of contentious intromissions on Cuba, drug legalization, and Argentina's Malvinas/Falkland claims. From a U.S. perspective, the Obama administration, facing shrinking foreign operation budgets will have little to offer.  So while the summit may be useful, its impact will be limited.