Should the United States help develop the economy of neighbour contries, like Mexico?
Unqualifyingly yes. It is better for us and them. However, the help need not be charitable in nature to truly help them. The Mexican economy which grew almost miraculously from 1945-1968, helped stabilize the region, and prevent illegal border activity (such as smuggling, narco-trafficking, and illegal immigration). The crisis Mexico faced economically in the late 1970s and 1980s meant an increase in illigeal border activity and destabilization in that nation. So, historically, the growing Mexican economy has benefitted the US. Also, by applying economics, we know that an increase in real Mexican income will increase their purchase of US goods and services. This will increase US GDP, and Mexican’s standard of living. Both sides benefit. NAFTA has shown that increaed trade has created jobs and wealth on both sides of the border, so development is no “zero-sum game”, both sides benefit. As the Mexican economy develops, the incentives for them to have an honest, democratic government also
