In the book "Next" by Michael Crichton, Valdez is portrayed as an advocate for industrialists and major corporations that have historically exploited countries like Costa Rica. This perspective aligns with the influence that American businesses exerted in the region, treating it more as an extension of their interests than an independent nation.

The narrative emphasizes that the presence of figures like Valdez is unsurprising, considering the longstanding control exerted by the CIA over Costa Rica. The depiction of the country as a mere subsidiary of American business interests highlights a disregard for environmental concerns by these corporations, underscoring the detrimental impact of such exploitation on the region.