Geopolitics in the Western hemisphere after Trump: Has the united states abandoned hegemony in Latin America?

Abstract

The isolationist presidency of Donald Trump was only the last, albeit the most radical, of a series of United States administrations that have largely ignored fostering close relations with Latin America and the Caribbean. This apparent withdrawal has resulted in the steady rise of Brazil as a significant regional power as well as the incursion of Russian and Chinese influence in the region. In light of these developments, this article presents a historical overview of United States hegemony in the western hemisphere before outlining how recent setbacks have undermined this trend in the areas of regional trade, diplomacy, and security. As the Biden administration makes its transition, the article finishes by proposing how the United States could regain influence in the region by collaborating with its southern neighbors to promote economic development, defend human rights, and confront the region’s ongoing security issues.

Keywords

• Geopolitics
• United States foreign policy
• International relations
• Latin America