A Call for Unity in Our Hemisphere
When Peruvian leaders visited the Pentagon, their talks with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth lit a spark of possibility. The discussion centered on shared challenges: migration, trafficking, and China’s growing presence. For anyone paying attention, this moment underscores a truth. The Americas flourish when nations work as partners, not rivals. Our region’s future depends on it.
Hegseth’s rhetoric about strength signals a focus on military solutions. As someone who values human dignity, I believe security comes from addressing root causes, not just building defenses. Migration, crime, and foreign influence stem from poverty and instability. Solving them demands investment in communities, not just arsenals. The U.S. and Peru can lead this charge together.
Peru’s leaders laid bare their nation’s struggles. Illegal mining, drug cartels, and human trafficking threaten their people, echoing crises across Latin America. These issues cross borders, tying our fates together. The U.S. has a responsibility to act—not only for strategic interests, but to uphold the shared values of justice and opportunity that define our hemisphere.
This hits close to home. The Americas belong to millions yearning for stability. Peru’s foreign minister spoke of a 200-year partnership with the U.S., a bond that carries weight. To honor it, we must forge a new path, one that puts people first and builds a region where hope outshines fear.
China’s Influence Tests Our Resolve
China’s grip on Latin America has tightened dramatically. Trade surged from $18 billion in 2002 to $450 billion in 2022, with Peru’s Chancay megaport showcasing Beijing’s reach. Beyond economics, China’s military ties in Venezuela and suspected intelligence operations in Cuba signal broader ambitions. This reality demands a response rooted in partnership, not panic.
Some advocate a hardline stance, painting China as a looming enemy. That risks pushing allies like Peru toward neutrality or rival powers. The U.S. should instead offer sustainable investments in education, clean energy, and infrastructure. Peru seeks progress, not conflict. By meeting those needs, we counter China’s influence while strengthening regional ties.
History informs this challenge. China’s presence in Latin America, from 19th-century laborers to today’s Belt and Road projects, reflects centuries of engagement. The U.S. cannot erase this history, but it can shape the future. Peru’s plan to host the 2026 Conference of Defense Ministers opens a door for deeper collaboration. Let’s walk through it.
Migration and Crime Require Collective Solutions
The Americas face intertwined crises. In 2025, 14.3 million people, including 4.7 million children, need humanitarian aid. Venezuela’s collapse has displaced 6 million, while 50,000 minors crossed the Darién Gap this year. Peru battles illegal mining and trafficking, which fuel cartels and environmental ruin. These problems demand regional action, not unilateral fixes.
Some champion fortified borders and strict asylum limits, pointing to a drop in U.S. border encounters to 81,800 in early 2025. Yet barriers fail to address why people leave home. Violence, poverty, and climate disruptions drive migration. Peru’s defense minister urged a unified strategy, and he’s right. Enforcement alone cannot break this cycle.
The U.S. should expand initiatives like Safe Mobility Offices and family-reunification programs, paired with targeted operations to disrupt cartels profiting from drugs and illegal gold. Investments in Central America and the Andes can reduce the desperation fueling migration. This approach builds security by empowering people, not isolating them.
Building a Stronger Future Together
The U.S.-Peru partnership sets a powerful example. Joint exercises like RIMPAC and Peru’s naval support for U.S. operations reflect shared commitment. But true security requires more. Investments in schools, healthcare, and sustainable jobs give people reasons to stay. Reforming asylum policies to protect the vulnerable strengthens trust across borders.
Critics may argue that only force deters threats. That view misses the mark. Power without compassion alienates allies and fuels instability, creating openings for rivals like China. A U.S. that prioritizes human rights and development can unite the Americas. Peru’s leaders are eager to collaborate—let’s meet their call with action.
This matters because the Americas are our shared home. From Bogotá to Boston, we dream of peace and opportunity. The Pentagon’s dialogue with Peru marks a beginning. Let’s make it a foundation for a region where cooperation defeats division, and hope prevails.