United States Influence in
Latin America
Early in the Twenty-First Century
Teaching Democracy to our
“Children”
DISTANCING??

Are Latin Americans distancing
themselves from the United States at a
moment when the United States has
become the only global superpower and
the largest and most influential external
force in the Latin American
environment?
Structural Perspective: United
States Influence Remains
MULTIFACETED & Intense

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Society
Education
Financial system
Other Dimensions of United
States Influence:
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Culture
Consumption patterns
Lifestyle
Relational Perspective

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Quiet phenomenon of relational delinking is going on
Washington no longer the main agenda
setter in the region
Reduction in diplomatic influence can’t
be compensated for through economic
means
In Addition
Globalization has diminished the
influence of all nation states
Convergence of Interests

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No longer disillusionment because of
lack of attention
Values and interests of the two peoples
is more alike – perhaps??

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Democracy
Free market capitalism
Washington: More Relaxed
with the End of the Cold War

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Economic potential of Latin America
occupies center stage
Drugs: important but less a matter of
survival
Terrorism’s impact yet to be seen on
hemispheric relations
Diversification Remains
Important

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Failed and unfortunate attempts of the
1960’s have not been forgotten
Europe as a more natural partner in
diversification
Asia-Pacific region now taken seriously
Ibero-American summits (since 1991)
Regional economic organizations
Economic Dependence is
Different in the 21st Century

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Latin America is an important target for U.S.
exports
Competition with other export blocs is fierce
Latin America has increased its exports to the
United States, but as a share of total U.S.
purchases the region’s importance has
declined
Latin Americans (except Mexico) are
increasing their trade with each other
United States citizens are divided
over increased economic
interaction with Latin America

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U.S. government is having problems in
gaining fast track authority from
congress (eg: close call CAFTA)
Economic assistance has been reduced
sharply
Latin Americans searching for
alternatives to linkages with the United
States economy
Manifestations of More
Assertive New Latin American
Regionalism

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U.S. on the margins at hemispheric
meetings during the 1990’s
Mercosur: important economic concern of
Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay
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Government to government
Private sector (local)
Declarations on the Defense of Democracy
(XI Summit of heads of state of the Rio
Group – 1997)
Contemporary Reality

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Economic importance of United States
remains high
Market oriented policies and have turned
inter-American trade & investment into
private channel relations
Disappointment growing with results of
market-oriented policies
More Contemporary Realities

Other countries are challenging United States
influence, especially in South America

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Venezuela
Argentina
Brazil
Influence stemming from government policies
and preferences is much reduced

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Helms-Burton has had little impact
Ernesto Samper completed his presidency despite
having his tourist visa revoked
CONCLUSION
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United States and Latin America have
grown apart in recent years
Will this new reality facilitate a mature
and mutually advantageous
relationship?
In any case: unlikely that InterAmerican relations will repeat the
patterns of the 1960’s. 70’s and 80’s.