Talons of the Eagle Dynamics of U.S.-Latin American Relations

by Smith, Peter H.

• ISBN13: 9780195083040
• ISBN10: 0195083040
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 1996-08-01
• Publisher: Oxford University Press

Summary

World events since 1989 have shattered long-held assumptions about the global international order and drastically reshaped relations between the United States and Latin America. Talons of the Eagle presents a vivid portrayal of this rapidly changing relationship and casts important new light on contemporary issues such as economic integration, environmental protection, drug trafficking, and undocumented migration. Smith's examination encompasses the imperialism of the late 18th and 19th centuries, ideological conflicts deriving from the Cold War, and the very recent surge of optimism and pessimism attending NAFTA and the emerging "new world order." From the early politics of U.S. expansion through the Cold War to the continuing "war on drugs," Smith provides a thoughtful and thorough evaluation of more than 200 years of turbulent history. By focusing on international systems, the distribution of power, and the perception and pursuit of national interests, Smith uncovers recurrent regularities in the resulting interaction between Latin America and the United States, makes available a compelling analysis of continuity and change, and offers provocative insight into portents for the future.

Author Biography

Peter H. Smith is Professor of Political Science, Simon Bolivar Professor of Latin American Studies, and Director of Latin American Studies at the University of California, San Diego. He is a prominent author, commentator, and advisor on Latin American politics and on U.S.-Latin American relations. His most recent books include pathbreaking studies on drug trafficking and regional integration. He is the co-author of Modern Latin America (Fourth Edition, 1996).

Table of Contents

Preface
Acknowledgments
Introduction: International Systems and U.S. - Latin American Relations	p. 1
The Imperial Era
The European Game	p. 11
The Gospel of Democracy	p. 38
Mr. Roosevelt's Neighborhood	p. 63
Latin America: Responses to Imperialism	p. 87
The Cold War
Closing Ranks	p. 117
Making Friends	p. 143
Crushing Enemies	p. 164
Latin America: Fighting the Cold War	p. 190
Age of Uncertainty
Hegemony by Default	p. 219
The New Economic Agenda	p. 249
Illicit Flows and Military Force	p. 284
Latin America: In Quest of Alternatives	p. 318
Conclusion: Structure and Change in U.S.-Latin American Relations	p. 353
App.: Statistical Tables	p. 371
Notes	p. 383
Select Bibliography	p. 397
Index	p. 405
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