MARIO E. CARRANZA*
Leaving the Backyard: Latin America's European Option

US policy towards Latin America has returned to "benign neglect" in the wake of September 11. Negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement of the Americas (FTAA) are in difficulties. Latin American countries are striving for more independence and new alliances. A strategic partnership with the European Union, based on an EU-MERCOSUR free trade agreement, would significantly alter the power structures in the triangle.