To Confront or Negotiate

The U.S. has combined its geopolitical interests with its domestic interests, and expressed its reservations about revolutionary plans in the region, both domestically and internationally.

The United States has had a diverse response to issues of political change and the foreign policy of a number of governments in the Americas. Washington has a history of negotiating with countries that have led to coexistence agreements in spite of the latter’s desire for independence. Relations between the U.S., Latin America and the Caribbean have been, in most cases, respectful and stable.

Beginning in the 20th century, the United States has pursued a global hemispheric policy that’s been put to the test at least four times: During World War I, the European geopolitical presence was displaced. Containment of the Axis powers during World War II transitioned into containment of the Soviet Union in 1947. The Missile Crisis of 1962 guaranteed Cuba’s existence, and, at the same time, its ties with the Soviet Union. The 1982 Falklands War pitted Washington militarily against a Latin American country as well as against its allies.

In this context, the United States has combined its geopolitical interests with its domestic interests, and expressed its reservations about plans for revolution in the region both domestically and internationally. This objective is based upon four historic pillars: (1) continental defense, (2) a strong multilateral and bilateral alliance, (3) containing the presence of intercontinental powers, (4) avoiding the propagation of radical governments. At times, Washington has achieved its objectives and at other times it hasn’t, whether through negotiation or confrontation.