Recently, some Puerto Rican politicians have argued that if the U.S. won’t recognize Puerto Rico as a state, then perhaps the island should be militarized again. There’s a belief that Puerto Rico serves as the “American southern border,” and claims are being made that China and Russia are making moves in the Caribbean. So, why not expand the U.S. military presence there?
This narrative has been particularly championed by Governor Jennifer Gonzalez’s party, the PNP, which has suggested reopening former military sites for U.S. defense. It seems like a desperate bid to stay relevant in Washington as the PNP faces declining political influence at home and a growing challenge from a different governing movement.
For years, despite various referendums and lobbying efforts, the PNP has struggled to persuade Congress or the public on the merits of statehood. Now, facing this challenge, they seem to be pivoting toward militarization and reshaping the discourse around it.
The issue is that this approach serves the PNP’s political interests more than the needs of Puerto Ricans. The party frames Puerto Rico as crucial to U.S. security, but at what price? It risks turning the island into a militarized territory.
Historical lessons caution against expanding military presence in Puerto Rico. Previous military facilities, from Vieques to Roosevelt Roads, displaced communities and caused significant environmental damage. Puerto Ricans have always borne the consequences while Washington benefitted defensively.
Reopening bases or establishing new ones wouldn’t enhance the democracy or economy of Puerto Rico; instead, it would likely incite public protests, deepen political divisions, and exacerbate social and cultural tensions, continuing a cycle of colonial dependence.
Puerto Ricans seek a future rooted in dignity, self-determination, and sustainability—not as pawns in geopolitical games. Increased militarization could lead to further conflict, ironically making the Caribbean less stable rather than more secure.
There is a viable alternative: sovereignty. With the end of costly U.S. financial commitments, Puerto Rico has the chance to build its own institutions to collaboratively tackle local threats like drug trafficking and organized crime. These issues are pressing and can be more effectively handled through cooperative arrangements rather than colonial governance.
Sovereignty would enable Puerto Ricans to make their own decisions regarding trade, energy, and foreign policy. As it stands, local politicians often focus on lobbying Washington instead of engaging with local needs. Gaining sovereignty could help break this cycle.
Some state politicians warn that without U.S. oversight, undercurrents from countries like China or Russia could destabilize the island. This kind of fear-mongering seems exaggerated. The U.S. doesn’t need to maintain colonial control to exercise influence—look at its relationships with sovereign nations such as the Philippines and Singapore, which cooperate closely with Washington on various issues. If Puerto Rico were sovereign, it could certainly take on a similar role in the Caribbean.
The reality is that countries like China and Russia find footholds in unstable environments. By imposing colonial governance, the U.S. inadvertently contributes to that instability in Puerto Rico. Supporting Puerto Rican sovereignty could pave the way for stable and supportive allies in the region.
The path forward is clear: the U.S. should seriously consider a transition to sovereignty for Puerto Rico—one that honors the island’s right to self-determination while preserving cooperative security benefits for both parties.
Recently, thousands assembled outside the U.S. federal court in Old San Juan in a major demonstration advocating for independence. The crowd, waving Puerto Rican flags, sent a powerful message. The appetite for sovereignty is growing and should not be ignored.
Puerto Rico’s future shouldn’t be dictated by fear or by colonial politicians chasing relevance in Washington. Americans must recognize that sovereignty is not just a solution for Puerto Rico, but also a wise approach for the United States.
Javier A. Hernandez is a Puerto Rican writer and educator advocating for sovereignty, emphasizing the importance of self-determination for Puerto Rico.
