Foreign Policy in the Caribbean

Synonyms

Diplomacy; Foreign Relations; World Politics

Introduction

Foreign policy is a key goal of governments within the Caribbean region. As stipulated in Article 6 of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas (2001), it is the “enhanced co-ordination of Member States’ foreign and [foreign] economic policies.” It is an aim that can be sought after even though efforts at integration are slowed down now. Not much coordination in this aspect of Caribbean policy is actually happening now. This can be attributed to years of growing disharmony, and this has diminished the already inadequate and restricted influence which small states can wield in global affairs. Unfortunately, this is occurring at a point in time when such coordination and cooperation are most desirable, due to the unrelenting global crises.

No longer can nationalistic concerns take priority over the need for an organized and well-coordinated foreign policy. A coordinated Caribbean foreign policy is urgently required, and as a...