Toward a New Concept of Hemispheric Security

The author states that the political, economic and technological changes that international society is experiencing require nations to restate or readjust their respective foreign policies particularly in relation to security. Because of this, this essay proposes a new definition of security in the American hemisphere that encompasses economic, political and social aspects based on opening, dialogue and negotiation more than on military power. The author also stresses that the basic principles for countries to live together, such as non intervention and selfdetermination, are fundamental in achieving a new concept of hemispheric security. With respect to this point, the author makes a detailed analysis of the Cuban case; he points out the need to bring Cuba back into the inter-American system so as to advance toward a new concept of security that respects political pluralism and democratic institutions, and that makes it possible to search for peaceful solutions. The author also points out that the complementing of the political and the economic on the one hand, and the universal and regional on the other, are the main points that most direct Mexico’s foreign policy.