U.S. Relations With Peru: History, International Ties, and Collaborative Efforts

Date: 03/08/2024

U.S. Relations With Peru

History of Peru

Ancient Peru served as the cradle of several prominent Andean civilizations, most notably the Incas, whose empire fell to Spanish conquistadors in 1533. Peru officially declared its independence in 1821, successfully defeating the remaining Spanish forces in 1824. Following a period of military rule, Peru transitioned back to democratic governance in 1980. However, the nation faced economic challenges and the rise of a violent insurgency during this time.

The election of President Alberto FUJIMORI in 1990 marked the beginning of a transformative decade for Peru, characterized by a remarkable economic turnaround and significant progress in quelling guerrilla activity. Despite these advancements, the late 1990s witnessed an economic downturn and the president’s escalating use of authoritarian measures, leading to growing discontent with his administration. Ultimately, this dissatisfaction culminated in President Fujimori’s resignation in 2000.

Peru’s International Relations

Peru has forged close ties with the United States through their mutual membership in various international organizations. Both countries are part of the United Nations, Organization of American States, Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, International Monetary Fund, World Bank, and World Trade Organization. Notably, Peru is set to host the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum in 2024, marking the third time it has welcomed APEC member economies after hosting the event in 2008 and 2016. Additionally, Peru hosted the 52nd General Assembly of the Organization of American States (OAS) from October 5-7, 2022, and the VIII Summit of the Americas on April 13-14, 2018, which focused on addressing political and economic priorities in the region as well as finding collective strategies to combat corruption.

U.S. Assistance to Peru

In FY 2022, the Department of State and USAID allocated a total of $240 million in foreign assistance to Peru. This included $100 million in humanitarian aid and $140 million in development, security, and health assistance. The collaborative efforts between the United States and Peru encompass various shared priorities, such as the rule of law, migration management, human rights, and inclusive socio-economic programs.

The support from the United States is aligned with common goals, including promoting effective governance and economic prosperity, enhancing access to justice for all Peruvians, combating narcotics through eradication and interdiction, addressing environmental crimes and trafficking in persons, as well as integrating Venezuelan migrants and refugees. Additionally, the assistance aims to foster regional peacekeeping capacities, military professionalization, and security sector governance, while also focusing on countering corruption and promoting economic prosperity.

Over the course of 61 years, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has invested over $4.2 billion in more than 1,500 programs to facilitate economic, social, and political development in Peru. Presently, USAID’s tailored strategy is dedicated to supporting the country’s ongoing challenges in government effectiveness and preventing corruption, in alignment with Peru’s development objectives and U.S. foreign policy.

The economic and commercial ties between the United States and Peru have significantly strengthened since the implementation of the U.S.-Peru Trade Promotion Agreement (PTPA) in 2009. This agreement has played a pivotal role in setting high standards for market access, investment safeguards, intellectual property rights, and environmental and labor rights protections for both nations. As a result, bilateral trade in goods has experienced substantial growth, with trade between the two countries increasing from $9.1 billion in 2009 to $22.2 billion in 2022, thereby driving economic expansion and generating employment opportunities in both countries.

Particularly noteworthy is the remarkable surge in bilateral food and agricultural trade, which surged from $1.5 billion in 2009 to $5.4 billion in 2022, marking a substantial 260 percent increase. This intensified trade partnership underscores the mutually beneficial nature of the relationship, fostering economic development and prosperity for both the United States and Peru.

Furthermore, the collaboration between the United States and Peru extends to combating nature crimes, including wildlife and timber trafficking. Efforts in this arena have included support for enhancing enforcement measures and fostering regional cooperation. Notably, initiatives such as the First High Level Conference on Illegal Wildlife Trade in the Americas and support for the South American Wildlife Enforcement Network (SudWEN) have served as prominent demonstrations of joint commitment in addressing these transnational criminal activities.

It is evident that combatting wildlife trafficking is of great importance, as it not only supports criminal organizations and fosters corruption but also undermines the rule of law, jeopardizes community livelihoods, and heightens the risk of zoonotic disease spillover. This collaborative approach reflects the shared commitment of the United States and Peru to address pressing environmental and security challenges, ultimately contributing to the well-being of both nations and the broader international community.