ABSTRACT
This chapter illustrates how domestic politics and varying foreign policy objectives in the two countries helped define as well as limit presidential action and how changes in the regional security context, characterized by alarming levels of drug and organized-crime-related violence in Mexico and Central America. Colombian foreign policy shifted under the Santos administration in comparison with that of President Uribe. The latter's regional and international strategy focused almost exclusively on the "war on terrorism" in Colombia and the implementation of the democratic security policy. That the Santos administration exercised greater independence while maintaining strong and positive relations with the United States is testimony not only to the political skills of Colombian officials but also to the new attitudes in Washington regarding hemispheric policy. The Obama administration has attempts to build regional trust through an explicit emphasis on multilateralism, partnership, and respect for the growing influence and autonomy of Latin American governments.
