Asian‐Pacific economic control

The Asia‐Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) organization, which began in 1989, constitutes the culmination of efforts for economic cooperation extending from North and South America to Asia and the Pacific. APEC could play three possible roles: First, it could be a forum for discussion. Second, it could, like the European‐based Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), act as a fact‐gathering body. Third, APEC might set policy that champions free trade to destroy infant industries and maintain low wages in less developed countries. Arguably, in the last five years, APEC has moved from the first to the third role. It has emerged as part of a long line of efforts by developed countries to exploit less developed nations. We can see why by examining the historical precursors and plans that led to APEC, how APEC expanded, and the fate of the East Asian Economic Caucus as an alternative to APEC.