LATIN AMERICA AS BATTLEGROUND

Introduction: What To Do?

•National goals: sovereignty and flexibility

•Political interests: survival in power, weakening of rivals

Strategic Options: The Menu of Responses

1. Reformist: seeking U.S. aid

2. Radical: supporting revolution

3. Reactionary: joining the anti-communist crusade

4. “Non-aligned”: promoting Third World solidarity

John F. Kennedy, 1962

Eduardo Frei Montalva (1964-70)

Salvador Allende Gossens (1970-73)

Ernesto “Che” Guevara

Fidel Castro Ruz, ca. 1979

The Cold War: Consequences for Latin America

1. Polarization, weakening of political center

2. Ascendancy of right-wing forces

3. Assaults upon the political left

4. Transitions toward democracy

5. Acknowledgement of U.S. hegemony