The CantmIre Post

The recent election of President Joe Biden has put a spotlight on the controversial trade policies he hopes to implement as part of his administration. One of the most pressing issues is how these changes will affect foreign policy, and Derek Maltz, former Special Ops Director for the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), is offering his insight into how this could play out.

Maltz warns that while Biden’s proposed policies may be well-meaning, they could have unforeseen consequences that could endanger our relationships with foreign nations, particularly those in Central and South America. He points to past failed attempts to try and influence drug policy in Colombia as an example of when US intervention can backfire and cause further instability in a region.

The DEA veteran also believes that any unilateral action taken by the US could lead to retaliatory measures from other countries, potentially setting off a cycle of tit-for-tat responses that would only further harm international relations. He notes that any attempt to impose stricter rules on trade should be done in collaboration with partner nations rather than unilaterally by the US government.

At the same time, however, Maltz concedes that there are certain aspects of Biden’s proposed plan that could benefit both the US economy and foreign relations if implemented correctly. He cites potential diplomatic benefits of increasing access to markets abroad in order to create jobs at home as one possible upside, though he cautions against getting too carried away with such an endeavor.

Ultimately, Maltz believes that it is important for Biden’s team to take a measured approach when it comes to foreign trade policy so as not to inadvertently damage fragile relationships with other countries. A well thought out plan could open avenues for peaceful cooperation between nations while still protecting American interests both abroad and at home.