12.3 Latin America's Relations with the United States
4 min read•august 6, 2024
Latin America's relationship with the U.S. has been complex and often tense. From early policies like the to Cold War interventions, the U.S. has wielded significant influence in the region.
Economic ties, including trade agreements and neoliberal policies, have shaped Latin American economies. Meanwhile, U.S. security initiatives and cultural influence continue to impact the region, sparking both cooperation and resistance.
U.S. Foreign Policy Doctrines
Early U.S. Policies Towards Latin America
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Monroe Doctrine (1823) asserted U.S. opposition to European colonialism in the Americas and declared the Western Hemisphere off-limits to further European colonization or interference
Established the U.S. as the dominant power in the region and laid the foundation for future interventions
Used to justify U.S. interventions in Latin American affairs, such as the (1898) and the occupation of Haiti (1915-1934)
Good Neighbor Policy (1933) under President aimed to improve relations with Latin America by pledging non-intervention and cooperation
Sought to reduce U.S. military interventions and promote economic and cultural ties
Included the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Haiti and Nicaragua and the abrogation of the Platt Amendment, which had allowed U.S. intervention in Cuba
Cold War Era Policies
(1961-1973) was a U.S. economic and social development program for Latin America initiated by President
Aimed to counter the appeal of communism and promote economic growth, social reforms, and democracy
Provided billions of dollars in aid for infrastructure projects, education, health care, and land reforms
Had mixed results due to corruption, political instability, and resistance from conservative elites
policy, initiated by President in 1971, focused on reducing drug production and trafficking in Latin America
Involved military aid, training, and operations to combat drug cartels, particularly in Colombia, Mexico, and Central America
Critics argue that it has had limited success in reducing drug supply and has contributed to human rights abuses, corruption, and violence
Economic Relations
Washington Consensus and Neoliberal Policies
refers to a set of neoliberal economic policies promoted by the U.S., the International Monetary Fund (IMF), and the World Bank in the 1980s and 1990s
Emphasized privatization, deregulation, trade liberalization, and fiscal austerity as a prescription for economic growth and development
Implemented through structural adjustment programs that required Latin American countries to adopt these policies in exchange for loans and aid
Critics argue that these policies exacerbated poverty, inequality, and social unrest in many countries
() was a trade agreement between the U.S., Canada, and Mexico that took effect in 1994
Eliminated most tariffs and trade barriers between the three countries to promote economic integration and growth
Controversial due to concerns about job losses, labor rights, and environmental impacts
Renegotiated as the () in 2018, with some changes to labor and environmental provisions
Security and Intervention
U.S. Security Policies in Latin America
(2000-2015) was a U.S. aid package to support Colombia's efforts to combat drug trafficking, guerrilla insurgencies, and paramilitary violence
Provided billions of dollars in military and economic assistance, including training, equipment, and aerial fumigation of coca crops
Helped to weaken the guerrilla group and reduce violence, but also led to human rights abuses and displacement of rural communities
U.S. immigration policies have had a significant impact on Latin American countries, particularly Mexico and Central America
Tightening of border security and deportations have separated families and disrupted communities
Demand for low-wage labor in the U.S. has encouraged undocumented migration, often in dangerous conditions
Remittances from migrants working in the U.S. have become a major source of income for many Latin American economies
Soft Power and Cultural Influence
refers to the ability to influence others through attraction and persuasion rather than coercion or force
The U.S. has exercised soft power in Latin America through cultural exports (music, movies, television), educational exchanges (Fulbright Program), and public diplomacy ()
American culture and values have had a significant influence on Latin American societies, but have also been met with resistance and criticism of
The U.S. has also used soft power to promote democracy, human rights, and civil society in Latin America
Supported election monitoring, media freedom, and anti-corruption efforts through organizations like the and
However, these efforts have sometimes been perceived as interference in domestic affairs and have faced backlash from leftist governments critical of U.S. influence