ABSTRACT
Latin America is a region of more than 30 countries ranging in size from Brazil, the world’s fifth largest nation, to Barbados, one of the world’s smallest states. The population of the region is approximately 360 million, with one-third of that number living in Brazil and nearly one-quarter in Mexico. Historically, Latin American relations have had a relatively low priority on the agenda of US Presidents and cabinet members. The low level of attention reflected Latin America’s relative isolation from the main currents of international relations. The Monroe Doctrine, which sought to exclude foreign powers from the Western Hemisphere, was successful. The discussion of US interests in its relations with Latin America and the Caribbean countries reflects a continuing absence of consensus about the basis for US Latin American relations, the importance of Latin American relations to the United States in global context, and the benefits that derive from a strong “inter-American system.”.
