2018 national defense strategy Although U.S. policy has shifted toward great power competition, challenges to U.S. influence in Latin America have intensified over the past three decades as America's adversaries have quietly built up influence across the region. There is.
In 2010, Sean Goforth described the emerging coalition of Venezuela, Iran, and Russia.virus“–We have little in common, other than a common ambition to rebuild a US-led world order. With China now acting as a force multiplier, this coalition will continue to support Western countries, such as human rights. It has become a formidable front in great power competition against actors who reject the principles of “and fundamental respect for the rules of the game.”
While some see this as a regional concern, experts argue we have entered a new, more dangerous era. cold war. The stakes are clear from flashpoints such as Russia's illegal and full-scale invasion of Ukraine, China's stance toward Taiwan, Iran's proxy conflicts in the Middle East, and Venezuela's territorial claims. Essequibo region. Whenever a crisis occurs, a parliamentary committee revealed The United States is militarily and industrially unprepared.
To maintain global leadership, Washington must rethink the Monroe Doctrine for the 21st century and secure its position as historically part of the Western world. Through strong cooperation with our allies in Latin America, the United States can prevent the region from becoming a foothold for adversaries and strengthen values such as democracy and free markets.
Not taking action is irresponsible. In this current war of perception, inaction shows weakness to enemies in the hemisphere and beyond. On the eve of future hostilities, and with borders not yet secure, such inaction could have serious security implications for the American people and our national interests.
With the rise of Hugo Chávez in Venezuela in 1998, Russia's presence in the region sharply increased (after a brief hiatus following the collapse of the Soviet Union), increasing the number of Su-30 fighter jets, missile systems, and Bal-E missiles. It was the beginning of a billion-dollar arms deal. . Venezuela currently has one of the world's largest MANPAD stockpiles, a testament to the Russian government's continued support. 2018, Russia landed Nuclear-capable Tu-160 bombers have been deployed in Venezuela, and in June 2024 Russian warships, including nuclear submarines, Exercises conducted in Cuban waters just a few miles off the American coast.
Over the past decade, the number of Latin American countries has increased. purchased weapons It benefited from or received military aid from Russia. Russia's influence in the region is further demonstrated by operations in Nicaragua. GLONASS satellite station and maintain a military presence, demonstrating a continued effort to counter American influence near the US border.
I'm not a historian, but I'm acutely aware that history sometimes rhymes. For this reason, I believe it is essential to remember that it was the Kremlin's partnership with Cuba's Fidel Castro that brought the world to the brink of nuclear Armageddon in October 1962. .
China has established itself across Latin America through large-scale investments and infrastructure projects, securing influence in key countries such as Brazil, Chile, Argentina, and Mexico. Through the Belt and Road Initiative, China has built partnerships with the following countries: Latin America 22 countriesthe construction of port facilities, the integration of dual-use infrastructure and technology, and the establishment of military-to-military relationships.
China's training program is now spreading to more Latin Americans military man It's a more worrying change than the one in the United States. China's cooperation in Cuba includes intelligence activities and discussions regarding Cuba. permanent military training facilityThis marks the strategic expansion of the Chinese government's base near the U.S. coast.
in 2021 interview In a conversation with Axios, former Ecuadorian ambassador to Washington, Yvonne Baki, warned that “the United States is losing Latin America to China without a fight.''
Iran has established proxy networks and operational alliances across Latin America through the Quds Force, collaborating with Hezbollah and reportedly also working with rebel groups in Colombia and other anti-American groups. This infrastructure extends Iran's reach near the U.S. border and creates a significant security threat. Venezuela’s hosting of Iranian drones positions these assets 1,900 miles from Miamioffering Tehran the option of rapid response or covert action.
of 1994 bombing The destruction of a Jewish community center in Buenos Aires linked to the Iranian-backed Hezbollah illustrates the deadly effects of Iranian influence. Now, with a growing military and intelligence presence, Iran has positioned Latin America as a base of operations near the U.S. border, another front in one of Tehran's proxy wars.
To protect our hemisphere, the United States must recognize our common Western heritage and forge deeper partnerships across Latin America. This historical connection should form the basis of a new Monroe Doctrine focused on building industrial and military alliances to strengthen collective security.
Expand and modernize exercises such as UnitasTraditionally, the focus has been on maritime security, which will become essential in the future. Incorporating cybersecurity and asymmetric threat training helps partner countries prepare for today's challenges. Increasing the rotational presence of U.S. forces in countries such as Colombia and Brazil would affirm the U.S. commitment to regional stability and cooperation. It's useful to remember that it actually exists. abandoned american military base In countries where America's power vacuum has sparked widespread violence.
A reconsidered Monroe Doctrine also needs to be prioritized. nearshoring US supply chains in Latin America. Increase resilience to disruption and reduce dependence on adversarial forces. A strategic partnership in critical defense and industrial production could strengthen both economies and create a solid economic buffer against America's strained industrial base.
The United States cannot afford to be passive as our enemies invade our hemisphere. The 19th century chess master Paul Morphy advised, “Help the pieces as they can help you.” New engagement with Latin America is a strategic necessity to counter rival powers. A reimagined Monroe Doctrine must serve as both a shield and a foundation for decisive action.
Now is the time to secure the Western Hemisphere, strengthen it as a bulwark of cooperation, and share Western values.
Johannes Schmidt is a graduate of George Washington University and has worked for free market think tanks and public relations firms in Washington and Latin America.
