democratization of Latin America
The Democratization of Latin America Question: #1 The fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 brought along not only the end of the Cold War between the United States and the Soviet Union, but a major shift in foreign policy by the United States. ... It not only meant improving relations with Canada and Mexico, but closer ties with other countries of Latin America. Not all the countries in Latin America had the same problems and needed the same type of attention, however one factor remained constant in US foreign policy towards Latin America and that was the promotion of Democracy. ... Many US presidents, from Wilson to Johnson and from Kennedy to Clinton, have emphasized on the importance of democratization. Many times however US leaders find themselves advocating other issues and problems, and overshadowing the promotion of democratic values and principles in Latin American countries. It is not until their own national security is threatened that they recur to the principle of democratization often making its importance a mere excuse. ... In the case of democratization, the United States implemented a foreign policy that persuaded other countries to follow the example of the United States. ... As we have said before, in theory, the United States foreign policy on the issue of democratization is aimed at promoting their own system of democracy abroad. ... Human rights were of no importance and democratization just an excuse. ... In my opinion this is one of the best examples that describes US foreign policy especially dealing with democratization. ... First of all, I would begin by understanding the culture and history of the Latin American countries. It is impossible to even begin to try to discuss ways in which we can ease the suffering and solve the problems of many Latin American communities if we do not have a clear understanding of what those problems are and more importantly where do they come from. ... His most recent attempt was a 3day tour of Central and South America. ... On the issue of democratization for example, I would try to emphasize on the fact that democracy is not only characterized by free elections. ... Sometimes what is best for Latin American countries is not what the American people perceive to be the safe route. ... The countries of Latin America are no exception to this knowledgeable fact. ... When it comes to Latin American countries, Colombia has been one of the most democratically stable countries in the region. ... The Nixon administration as well as the Carter and Reagan administrations also concluded that if they fought the drug virus at the supply end of the spectrum they would in a way extend political and military hegemony in Latin America, which they did. ... Most of the time, Latin American nations were not “encouraged” but persuaded and forced into entering the drug war. Often times, economic assistance or economic resistance for that matter swayed less advanced Latin American countries into entering a drug war so complicated and so complex that its effects are only now being observed. The United States however, egoistic as usual in understanding the Latin American point of view, was determined to fight a war in which they only entered when their own interest were in danger. ... As stated by Thomas and Dunkerley this helped to send a clear signal that cooperation on the part of Latin American countries was not only desired but also eminent and necessary. ... As stated by Iacson, this law is by “far the largest single infusion of US military aid that Latin America has ever seen”. ... It would not be fair or the Colombian government to carry the burden of a war that affects the entire Latin American region.