ABSTRACT

The US economy is fragile and vulnerable in certain areas, and there is additional pressure from Asia and Europe as well as Latin America. From the Latin Americans' point of view, their new nationalism as well as their sense that the United States is both a diminished presence and a somewhat diminished role model requires that they prudently and carefully diversify their trade patterns, their arms purchases, and their international allegiances. Latin America's priorities are different from those of the United States. From the Latin American viewpoint economic and trade issues—particularly the US deficit, continued high interest rates, and US protectionism—predominate. The domestic politics of the United States is such that Latin American regimes that are or feel threatened for various reasons can no longer count on the United States to come automatically to their rescue.