Latin American History and Politics - Essay Example

1. What are your thoughts and feelings about the devastating earthquake that shook Haiti? While the Haiti earthquake is a huge tragedy with all the loss to human lives and property, it was also a moment of inspiration as the world gathered together to help the country get its feet back immediately after the calamity. The United States, for example, was able to mobilize its contribution to the relief efforts mere hours after the calamity struck, making its efforts its largest humanitarian operation ever, at one time involving more than 22,000 personnel conducting assistance and relief activities (Cecchine et al., 2013, p. 40).

The contributions of other countries, though not in the same magnitude, show the kind of cooperation and fraternity that that we as humans should be proud of.2. After reading Skidmore chapter 14, what are some of the major features of Latino culture? One of the most remarkable features of the Latino culture concerns the values and perceptions involved with family. Based from Skidmore’s discourse, one is able to understand how this social unit is the source or an influence to its various features and characteristics.

The closely-knit Latino communities, the Latino’s perspectives in life, education and relationships – these are all embodied within the larger familial dynamics that permeate in this ethnic group.3. Cuba casts a very large shadow over Latin America. What is going on in Latin America today?  Is it changing ideologically? How would you describe Cuba’s influence over Latin America?  Is it largely positive or negative?  What is Cuba’s relationship like with Venezuela?  What has been the long-term impact of Fidel Castro on Cubans and on Latinos overall?

I believe that much of the ideological influence that Cuba has had over Latin America could be attributed to Fidel Castro. This was reflected with how scholars see Castro not just as the embodiment of military and political leadership but also of the entire Cuban revolution that have seized the imagination of many in Latin America, inspiring some to launch their and continue their own revolutionary causes (Venegas, 2010, p. 183). In some cases, it is a positive development as such influence steered Latin American countries towards self-determination, as it offered a counter to American influence.

The strong bilateral relationship between Cuba and Venezuela demonstrates this point. The latter – in its objective to oppose the US – sought a agreements with military dimensions (Corrales & Romero, 2013, p. 27). On the other hand, it exerted negative impact particularly with the nature and frequency of political conflicts in the region. All in all, without Castro, the Cuban influence is diminished especially in the face of American influence and the deluge of modernity. ReferencesCecchine, G.

, Morgan, F., Wermuth, M., Jackson, T., and Schaefer, A. (2013). The U.S. Military Response to the 2010 Haiti Earthquake: Considerations for Army Leaders. Santa Monica, CA: Rand Corporation.Corrales, J. and Romero, C. (2013). United States-Venezuela Relations Since the 1990s. London: Routledge.Venegas, C. (2010). Digital Dilemmas: The State, the Individual, and Digital Media in Cuba