The history of US involvement in Central and South America, has as many downs as it does ups, mostly of our own doing. With China, not Russia being the most significant threat in the realm of security, largely due to its prominent placement in the global economy, we are at significant risk from their overwhelming influence south of our border.
An interesting and in many ways long overdue assessment of both US involvement in Central and South America as well as the aggressive efforts by China (and Russia and Iran as well for that matter) to gain economic and political influence in Latin America. Overall a good opening presentation that augurs well for further development. Thank you for posting
The history of US engagement with Latin America is far more complicated (if not conflicted) than you have so far indicated. For every altruistic effort by Washington to foster good relations with Latin America (e.g. the Monroe Doctrine or the USNS Comfort's Partnership for the Americas humanitarian missions for example) there have been equally egregious missteps (e.g. invoking the worst elements of La Leyenda negra in the run-up to the Spanish-American War or supporting dictatorships during the Cold War provided they were sufficiently anti-Communist for example) that have fostered justified suspicions throughout Latin America toward the motives of the Colossus of the North.
I agree with your conclusion that the US must "fill a lead role" in working with and supporting the countries of Central and South America Unfortunately the current political administration in Washington shows neither the will nor the interest to make the necessary effort that such a "lead role" would require.
Yes, our track record is easily as poor as it is good, probably worse. I included a link early in the article that is a timeline of significant US interactions with Latin America. The data speaks for itself. I am certain you will find it interesting. We are in full agreement my friend. Well... with one exception. Your concluding statement, likely made in jest to get a response 😉 flies in the face of the facts. First, here’s a document from the most unbiased, credible, publicly available analysis within the US government, the CRS/ Congressional Research Service.
On the other hand, the following CRS report demonstrates that the former administration exacerbated US immigration issues with Latin America via a variety of mechanisms. Both reports are well worth the read.
Paul,
An interesting and in many ways long overdue assessment of both US involvement in Central and South America as well as the aggressive efforts by China (and Russia and Iran as well for that matter) to gain economic and political influence in Latin America. Overall a good opening presentation that augurs well for further development. Thank you for posting
The history of US engagement with Latin America is far more complicated (if not conflicted) than you have so far indicated. For every altruistic effort by Washington to foster good relations with Latin America (e.g. the Monroe Doctrine or the USNS Comfort's Partnership for the Americas humanitarian missions for example) there have been equally egregious missteps (e.g. invoking the worst elements of La Leyenda negra in the run-up to the Spanish-American War or supporting dictatorships during the Cold War provided they were sufficiently anti-Communist for example) that have fostered justified suspicions throughout Latin America toward the motives of the Colossus of the North.
I agree with your conclusion that the US must "fill a lead role" in working with and supporting the countries of Central and South America Unfortunately the current political administration in Washington shows neither the will nor the interest to make the necessary effort that such a "lead role" would require.
You may also wish to review these numbers from the Pew Research Center reflecting the view of Latin America before and during the Trump administration
https://www.pewresearch.org/global/2018/04/12/fewer-people-in-latin-america-see-the-u-s-favorably-under-trump/
Yes, our track record is easily as poor as it is good, probably worse. I included a link early in the article that is a timeline of significant US interactions with Latin America. The data speaks for itself. I am certain you will find it interesting. We are in full agreement my friend. Well... with one exception. Your concluding statement, likely made in jest to get a response 😉 flies in the face of the facts. First, here’s a document from the most unbiased, credible, publicly available analysis within the US government, the CRS/ Congressional Research Service.
https://sgp.fas.org/crs/row/IF10460.pdf
On the other hand, the following CRS report demonstrates that the former administration exacerbated US immigration issues with Latin America via a variety of mechanisms. Both reports are well worth the read.
https://sgp.fas.org/crs/row/IF10371.pdf
Best for your weekend Doc