Latin America History and Politics - Essay Example

Introduction: Latin America refers to a sub-region found in the Americas, and it consists of countries which predominantly speak the Romance Language. Latin America has an approximate area of 19,197,000 square km, and as of the year 2013, the region had an estimated population of 604 million people. The region also has a combined GDP of US Dollars, 5.16 trillion. Examples of countries from Latin America include Brazil, Chile, Peru, Venezuela, Argentina, Mexico, etc (Chodor and Mccarthy-Jones, 2013). This paper generally talks about Latin America. In meeting its objectives, this paper provides an overview of Latin America. Under this section, this document identifies the economic position of Latin America, the languages spoken, and political condition. This paper also talks about the relationship that exists between Latin American countries, and the United States. It further analyzes the important trends that exist in Latin American economics, and in Lain American politics. This paper also explains important trends in Latin American culture, reflections on this topic, and a conclusion. Overview of Latin America: Latin America are territories in America, whereby the Portuguese, as well as the Spanish languages are widely spoken. This includes South and Central America, Mexico, Cuba, the Caribbean, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic. On this basis, Latin America comprises of all those areas of Americas, which were part of the Portuguese and the Spanish Empires. In the United States, Latin America is a term that is used to refer to all American people found in the Southern parts of United States. This includes the Anglophone Caribbean, the Guianas, The Dutch and the French speaking Caribbean, etc. On this basis, Latin American countries have a similar socio-economic history that was characterized by informal or formal colonialism, as opposed to cultural aspects. Chodor and Mccarthy-Jones (2013) explains that Latin American countries normally speak the Romance language. These languages comprises of the French, Portuguese, Spanish and the Creole languages. Latin America is divided into a variety of sub-regions, and this is based on politics, geography, culture, and demographics. The basic and most common geographical sub-regions include Central America, North America, South America, and the Caribbean. South America consists of additional geographical-political subdivisions, and they include, The Guianas, Southern Cone, and the Andean states. Under linguistic grounds, Latin America is divided as French America, Hispanic America, and Portuguese America. In regard to poverty, Latin America is considered as one of the most unequal countries in the world. This is because the gap between the poor and the rich is very high. Inequality in Latin America has been brought about because of the Casta system. This was a racial system that characterized the quality of people, based on their racial origins. On this basis, access to services was based on the type of race an individual belonged to. In proving the assertion that Latin America is one of the most unequal parts of the world, Chodor and Mccarthy-Jones (2013) asserts that there are over 40 million street children in Latin America. This is one of the highest numbers in the world. Chodor and Mccarthy-Jones (2013) further asserts that most people in Latin America normally immigrate into United States for purposes of searching for better opportunities. Furthermore, to improve on its economic condition, there are various trading blocs formed, and this includes the Union of South American countries, the Pacific Alliance, the Caribbean community, etc. Trends in Latin American-US relations: During the period of the Cold War, the United States feared that Latin American countries would begin adopting communism. To prevent this scenario, the United States began overthrowing democratically elected governments, whose leaders were not friendly to the interests of the Americans. Examples of countries that experienced coups that were supported by Americans include Guatemala, in 1954, Brazil, in 1964, and Chile, in 1973. Furthermore, the US government supported the Contra rebels of Nicaragua, and this is because they were led by leaders who were inclined to the interests of Americans (Gardini, 2012). The period of the 1980s, to 85 was characterized by a shift of power towards polarization and corporation of the electrol political system of majority of countries in Latin America. During the periods of 2000s, many left wing parties were able to gain power through elections. For example, the President of Venezuela, Hugo Chavez was very critical of the foreign policy of United States. This also includes his successor Nicola Maduro. Countries such as Bolivia, Ecuador, and Nicaragua have enacted governments that have aligned themselves with Venezuela (Chodor and Mccarthy-Jones, 2013). This is in regard to criticizing the foreign policy of United States. On the other hand, United States and Cuba have continued to have a non-existent relationship. On the other hand, left wing governments in countries such as Peru, Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay are always neutral, and centrist. Argentina is one of the most important allies of NATO; however, it is one of the countries that does not support the foreign policy of United States. The country has suspended its alignment policy, and distanced itself from participating in any foreign policy initiated by the American government. Furthermore, the country still has a dispute with United Kingdom in regard to the Falkland Islands. It is important to denote that the United Kingdom is an important ally of United States. Panama, Mexico, Colombia and Chile have a closer relationship with United States. Mexico is the largest economic and trading partner of United States that is in regard to Latin American countries (Chodor and Mccarthy-Jones, 2013). With the introduction of NAFTA agreements, Mexico become the third largest trading partner in the world, and this is after Canada and China. Furthermore, the trading relationship between United States and Mexico is duty free. In 2004, the US signed other free trade agreements with Chile and with Peru in 2007. In 2011, Panama becomes the latest Latin American country to enter a free trade agreement with United States. Trends in Latin American Economics: During the last two years, Latin America has witnessed the Colombian peace process, the hardening of the relationship between Brazil and United States, and the expansion of the regional free trade. The economic development of Latin America is based on five major areas, namely energy, commerce, social movements, drug policy, and immigration. Commerce is an important element of economic growth in Latin America, with countries such as Brazil, and Mexico emerging as economic giants in the world. Some countries in the region are engaged in free trade practices with United States, and this includes Panama, Mexico, Chile, etc (Gardini, 2012). This is beneficial to these countries, since it would help in the expansion of their economies. On the other hand, the Pacific Alliance is making steps on the full integration of the Peruvian, Chilean, Colombian, and Mexican economies (Sabatini, 2012). Furthermore, there is an increase in the production of energy from the Latin American countries. Countries such as Brazil and Venezuela have discovered oil fields, and they are set to become major importers of oil. In fact, one of the major tools of the foreign policy of Venezuela is oil. The decision by Uruguay to legalize the distribution, production and sale of marijuana may also have an impact on the economic development of Latin American countries. This is because chances are high, that its neighboring countries would legalize the production and sale of this drug in the coming years. Chodor and Mccarthy-Jones (2013) explain that the experiments of Uruguay may be a signal of a more fundamental shift in the counternarcotics drug policy of the region. Chodor and Mccarthy-Jones (2013) explain that the emergence of strong social movements in Latin America would also contribute to the growth and development of these countries. For example, the eruption of social protests in Brazil in 2013 was able to depict the manner in which these changes can help in changing policies to the benefit of the people. Countries such as Chile, Mexico, Venezuela and Argentina are potential sites for an increase in social unrest. This is because there is scarcity of basic needs, and rates of crime are on an increase. Trends in Latin American Politics: Latin America is a country that is characterized by autocratic, as well as democratic systems of governance. However, the recent years has seen an increase in democratic governance in Latin America, with countries such as Venezuela, Uruguay, electing presidents through a popular vote (Gardini, 2012). Apart from Venezuela and Cuba, other countries in Latin America are keen at creating a good relationship with United States. In as much as Argentina does not support most of America foreign policy, the country always makes an effort in having a good relationship with United States. This is because they share a similar view on democracy, and the two countries are always eager to promote any democratic practice (Chodor and Mccarthy-Jones, 2013). The current political leaders in Latin America have an intention of opening up their markets, only if the European Union and United States open theirs. Furthermore, they have an intention of removing corruption, and promoting good governance, based on the principles of democracy. However, the problem is that the United States is continuing to ignore the region, and put its focus on other parts of the world, such as Asia, and Europe. Furthermore, the protectionist policy that the US has initiated in its agricultural market does not encourage free trade. This has an effect of straining the economic and political ties that United States has with Latin America. Furthermore, the push for the nationalization of petroleum reserves and minerals has made these countries to nationalize these resources. Chodor and Mccarthy-Jones (2013) explains that if relationships at the international arena worsen in Latin America, then chances are high that there would be an increase in insecurity. On this basis, Chodor and Mccarthy-Jones (2013) believes that it is only through the creation of an equitable political and economic relationship, that the United States would be able to accomplish the goals of peace, progress, and prosperity in the region. Trends in the Latin American Culture: During the first half, of the period of the 20th century, there was an increase of interest in the culture of Latin America. The reason for a growth in the interest of this culture is because of the dramatic increase in communication, technology, immigration, and trade. For example, most Latin American people normally migrate into United States. Due to this immigration, they are always able to influence some of their cultures to the residents and indigenous people of United States. The erosion of the indigenous culture is one of the major reasons given by people who are opposed to immigration in United States. These people believe that by allowing Latinos in America, then chances are high that they would influence their cultural practices into the country (Sabatini, 2012). Furthermore, there is a significant spread of the Latin American music and dance such as Samba. This is mainly because of the emergence of the social media, and development of technology, which makes it easier for people to share their views and attitude towards certain issues. Other artistic movements such as Tropicalia have gained prominence in the 21st century, and this is thanks to the social media, and development of communicative technologies. On the other hand, Latin America is a big exporter of soap operas, to African, as well as Asian countries. Through these soap operas, Latin America has managed to export some of their cultural practices, such as the Samba dance. It is important to understand that some of the methods in which the culture of Latin America has managed to spread includes through trade, immigration, and soap operas. Individual Reflection: Latin America is emerging as one of the most dominant players in the international system. Countries such as Brazil and Mexico have strong economies, and they are growing at such a high rate. Latin America has experienced as series of mixed relations with United States. This is because the super power has been engaged in trying to influence the political process in such countries, and this includes Cuba, Chile, Bolivia, etc. However, countries such as Venezuela and Cuba have managed to have bad relations with United States. The conflict between Cuba and United States began during the cold war era, with the attempt of the US to remove the socialist government of Fidel Castro. At the present, Cuba remains one of the countries in Latin America that greatly criticizes the foreign policy of the US (Gardini, 2012). With the coming in of presidents such as Hugo Chavez, the foreign policy of Venezuela has been hostile towards the United States. Furthermore, Venezuela has used oil as leverage for purposes of attracting other states to its cause. However, countries such as Mexico, Panama and Chile have managed to maintain strong economic ties with United States. In fact, these countries have a free trading agreement with the (Chodor and Mccarthy-Jones, 2013). It is important to understand that the culture of Latin America is shaped by their histories in regard to slave trade. Latin America was one of the regions that was involved in this trade, and this played a role in the development of the Casta system. Under this system, people were treated differently, based on their colors, and this resulted into the economic inequalities witnessed in Latin America today. Conclusion: In conclusion, Latin America is a very important geographical block. The main language spoken by these people is the Romance languages, which comprises of French, Portuguese, and Spanish. In the recent years, Latin America has seen a growth in its economy, with countries such as Brazil and Mexico emerging as strong economic countries. Furthermore, with the expansion of democracy in Latin America, their economies have opened up for international trade. This has made the economies of these countries to experience some growth. Under international relations, the relation of these countries is mainly with United States. This is because majority of their markets is found in the country, and hence they normally seek to acquire some favorable trading practices from the United States. References Chodor, T., & Mccarthy-Jones, A. (2013). Post-Liberal Regionalism in Latin America and the Influence of Hugo Chávez. Journal of Iberian and Latin American Research, 19(2), 211- 223. Gardini, G. (n.d.). Latin Americas International Projection: Trends and Trajectories for 2012. EInternational Relations. Retrieved August 10, 2014, from http://www.e- ir.info/2012/03/29/latin-americas-international-projection-trends-and-trajectories-for- 2012/ Sabatini, C. (n.d.). U.S.-South America Relations: Rising Rivalry, Prickly Partnership. U.S.- South America Relations: Rising Rivalry, Prickly Partnership. Retrieved August 10, 2014, from http://www.worldpoliticsreview.com/articles/10300/u-s-south-america- relations-rising-rivalry-prickly-partnership. Read More