ABSTRACT
Distinctive aspects of the Latin American naval hierarchy are evident when contrasted with the Latin American military expenditure hierarchy. The Tlatelolco Treaty on a regional nuclear-free zone encompasses naval arms control in part, but with very limited results in the ocean sphere so far. Hemispheric defense co-operation has included implicit arms control measures, as well as military measures to enhance defense. The United States has traditionally been able to rely on its hegemonial position in the hemispheric defense network to promote its preferred designs of both military co-operation and arms control. Rising Latin American determination and ability to charter a more autonomous course in the naval and other spheres has contributed to reduced US ability to impose its policy preferences on the region. Increasing national military capabilities, alternative arms sources, and decreasing dependency on the United States all contribute to enhanced regional ability to pursue more autonomous national security policies.
