The United States and the Caribbean

by Maingot, Anthony P.

• ISBN13: 9780813322421
• ISBN10: 0813322421
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 1994-11-01
• Publisher: Westview Pr

Summary

This book explores the complex interdependence between the small Caribbean states and the United States and looks at their changing relationships throughout history. The main difficulty for the small state is to discern where and when synergies may be found in its relations with more powerful states—in this case, the United States. The need for cooperation among the less powerful states, for sharing interests and values, must be combined with respect on both sides for democratic and human rights.The author traces the history of these relationships from 1823 to the end of the Cold War, then examines the U.S. response to the Marxist challenge. He then turns to an investigation of different aspects of modern Caribbean relations, such as the problems of drug trafficking, offshore interests, and migration. The book concludes with a discussion on the limits to sovereignty and the challenges that have evolved in U.S.-Caribbean studies.

Author Biography

Anthony P. Maingot is professor of sociology at Florida International University and is the editor of Hemisphere, a magazine of Latin American and Caribbean Studies at FIU.

Table of Contents

Series preface
Preface
Introduction: The nature of complex interdependence	p. 1
Geopolitics and racial destiny: 1823-1903	p. 14
Geopolitics and the perceived duties of the policeman: 1903-35	p. 29
Reinforcing perceptions: U-boats and fifth columns in World War II	p. 46
From anti-Fascism to anti-communism: Costa Rica and British Guiana	p. 72
The CIA unleashed: Containing communism in Guatemala and Cuba	p. 90
The Caribbean plays the Cuban card: The US response	p. 114
Threats to social and national security: The internationalization of corruption and violence	p. 142
The 'offshore' development strategy: Is it for everyone?	p. 163
Migration and development: All roads lead north	p. 183
Haiti: Intractable problems, shifting commitments	p. 204
Conclusion: The challenges of sovereign consent in US-Caribbean relations	p. 228
Bibliography	p. 250
Index	p. 255
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