Chapter 4: Latin America

In: Strategic survey: the annual assessment of geopolitics, S. 107-145

Abstract

In this chapter, the Annual Review of World Affairs turns to events in Latin America, beginning with a discussion of the emergence of the left as a core value in the region's political scheme, pointing to leftist leaders such as Hugo Chavez in Venezuela, Fernando Lugo in Paraguay, and Mauricio Funes in El Salvador. At the same time, many of the region's up-and-coming leaders have proven interested in taking a more conciliatory left-center position in emulation of Brazil's President da Silva. The author maintains that the Obama administration has proven itself interested in recovering its damaged relations with Latin American countries, willing to cede its hegemonic status in favor of a more supportive role. According to the author, Mr. Obama's election in the US has meant new opportunities for collaboration between the United States and its Latin American neighbors, with loosening embargo restrictions on Cuba and new levels of cooperation in Mexico's drug war. Adapted from the source document.