An Overview of United States Policies over South America
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Running Head: US policies towards South America 1
An Overview of United States Policies towards South America
Muhammad Khubaib Sarfraz
Lahore School of Economics
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US-South America policies
Abstract
This paper gives an overview of policies adopted by United States towards South America. I will
evaluate several policies, assess them and make some recommendations. I will also look these
polices in detail and try to explain why they were implemented and what are their affects on
those countries. I will discuss whether countries in this area have any kind importance to United
States or it is in best interest of United States to stay out f the business of these countries. South
American countries include Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, French
Guiana, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Uruguay, Venezuela but due to words and time
constraint I will limit my discussion to few of these countries and policies.
http://geography.about.com/library/maps/blargentina.htmhttp://geography.about.com/library/maps/blbolivia.htmhttp://geography.about.com/library/maps/blbrazil.htmhttp://geography.about.com/library/maps/blchile.htmhttp://geography.about.com/library/maps/blcolombia.htmhttp://geography.about.com/library/maps/blecuador.htmhttp://geography.about.com/library/maps/blfrenchguiana.htmhttp://geography.about.com/library/maps/blfrenchguiana.htmhttp://geography.about.com/library/maps/blguyana.htmhttp://geography.about.com/library/maps/blparaguay.htmhttp://geography.about.com/library/maps/blperu.htmhttp://geography.about.com/library/maps/blsuriname.htmhttp://geography.about.com/library/maps/bluruguay.htmhttp://geography.about.com/library/maps/blvenezuela.htmhttp://geography.about.com/library/maps/blvenezuela.htmhttp://geography.about.com/library/maps/bluruguay.htmhttp://geography.about.com/library/maps/blsuriname.htmhttp://geography.about.com/library/maps/blperu.htmhttp://geography.about.com/library/maps/blparaguay.htmhttp://geography.about.com/library/maps/blguyana.htmhttp://geography.about.com/library/maps/blfrenchguiana.htmhttp://geography.about.com/library/maps/blfrenchguiana.htmhttp://geography.about.com/library/maps/blecuador.htmhttp://geography.about.com/library/maps/blcolombia.htmhttp://geography.about.com/library/maps/blchile.htmhttp://geography.about.com/library/maps/blbrazil.htmhttp://geography.about.com/library/maps/blbolivia.htmhttp://geography.about.com/library/maps/blargentina.htm -
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US-South America policies
Overview
South America with its twelve independent states is acontinent situated mostly in theSouthern
Hemisphere,with a relatively small portion in theNorthern Hemisphere.The continent is also
considered asubcontinent of theAmerica.It is bordered on the west by thePacific Ocean and on
the north and east by theAtlantic Ocean;North America and the Caribbean Sea lie to the
northwest. For United States this region is the largest supplier of Oil and strong partner in
development of fuels. South America is fastest growing trading partner, the biggest supplier of
illegal drugs (mainly from Colombia), and largest source of legal and illegal immigrants to
United States. All of this reinforces deep U.S. ties and concerns with the region.
But instead, for decades experts have complained that Latin America only attracts the attention
of the State Department and others in Washington when there are wars or natural disasters. U.S.
leaders are always too distracted by other priorities to worry about this part of America. At a
time when much of the South America is experiencing economic and political instability and a
general reaction against free-market reforms that were partially implemented in the 1990s, the
United States should exercise its influence by opening its market to the regions goods and by
encouraging market reforms. Since the passage of the North American Free Trade Agreement
with Mexico and Canada in 1993, however, the United States has shown no such leadership.
Instead, Washington promised to create a free-trade zone, known as the Free Trade Area of the
Americas, but made little effort to promote the idea. The result was unfortunate and a window of
opportunity was lost. Latin American countries that were keen to enter into an FTAA gradually
became disillusioned with years of U.S. inaction, and many have turned decidedly against the
idea of free trade. Thats whyother powers have begun to take notice. China, for one, seems to
have a strong strategic interest in a region where the U.S. is losing influence. China is Brazil and
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Continenthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Southern_Hemispherehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Southern_Hemispherehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northern_Hemispherehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Subcontinenthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Americashttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pacific_Oceanhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atlantic_Oceanhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_Americahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caribbean_Seahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caribbean_Seahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_Americahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atlantic_Oceanhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pacific_Oceanhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Americashttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Subcontinenthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northern_Hemispherehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Southern_Hemispherehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Southern_Hemispherehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Continent -
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Chile's main trading partner, and in 2009 and 2010, the China Development Bank agreed to lend
more than $35 billion to borrowers in Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Ecuador, and Venezuela. This
is three times what the Inter-American Development Bank approves every year for the region as
a whole. China has gained significant economic influence in Latin America, and Iran has forged
an unprecedented political presence with several countries there, notably Venezuela and others.
Russia has also made unique strides as a supplier to the armed forces of countries which, in the
past, mostly relied on U.S. companies for their arms supplies. According to former President Bill
Clinton the power of our example, not the example of our power which is true for Latin
America which shares American democratic values more than any other region. The US military
relationship with the region includes arms transfer, training of over 13,000 South American
military and police each year exercise and exchanges, bases, hundreds of deployments of US
personnels and wide verity of engagement activities.
Americas Quarterly, Hard Talk
by Moiss Nam
February 27, 2011
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Colombia
In 1810, when Colombia declared its independence from Spain, the United States was one of the
first countries to recognize the new republic. From the Korean War, during which Colombian
soldiers fought and gave their lives alongside Americans, to the current conflict in Afghanistan,
where elite Colombian soldiers contribute their expertise in fighting drug trafficking and
terrorism Colombia and the United States have been allies. United States policy towards
Colombia supports the Colombian Government's efforts to strengthen its democratic institutions,
promote respect for human rights and the intensify counter-narcotics efforts, foster socio-
economic development, address immediate humanitarian needs, and end the threats to
democracy posed by narcotics trafficking and terrorism. The United States shares Colombia's
vision of a successful democracy, free from narcotics and terrorism, which respects human rights
and the rule of law. To achieve these goals US policy objectives include:
Continue assistance to remove illegal drugs and terrorism, defend human rights, promoteeconomic, social and alternative development initiatives, reform and strengthen the
administration of justice
Enhance counterterrorism capability by providing advice, assistance, training andequipment, and intelligence support to the Colombian Armed Forces
Promote economic growth and development through support for market-based policiesand implementation of the Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA) and the Andean
Trade Preferences Act (ATPA)
Substantially reduce the production and trafficking of drugs from Colombia bystrengthening counter-narcotics programs that assist with removal of illegal drugs,
advice, train, and assist counterdrug organizations and units.
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U.S. drug-control policy has failed. Despite recent annual expenditures of about $20 billion on
domestic law enforcement and supply reduction, U.S. drug use has not declined significantly
since the early 1990s. Under the programPlan Colombia, more than $6 billion was spent with
the stated goal of cutting coca cultivation in Colombia (the major producer) by 50% from 2000
to 2006, but in fact coca cultivation rose slightly. Not only has U.S. policy failed to achieve its
objectives, but the methods used to try to reduce supply, in particular, aerial fumigation
endangers and alienates near-by communities.
Another failed policy is immigration, which has been started since the mid-1990s mainly on
border control. Since 1996, the number of border patrol officers has more than tripled, and
currently a 700-mile-long, 16-foot "wall" is being constructed along the border at a cost of about
$9 billion. However, since 2000, the possibility that an illegal immigrant is apprehended at the
border has not risen significantly and the number of illegal immigrants from Latin America has
increased by roughly 40%. Laws against the hiring of illegal workers should be strictly
enforced, to this a new, Social Security card should be introduced, and fines against employers of
illegalsincreased. Upon strict enforcement at the workplace, the immigration control practices
at the U.S. border and U.S. consulates, which are prone to racial stereotyping and are often
demeaning, should become more humane.
On August 14, 2009 US and Colombian government signed an agreement known as Defense
Cooperation Agreement (DCA) which deepens the two-sided cooperation between both
countries. The DCA will cooperate Colombia on security matters which include
preventing narcotics production and trafficking, terrorism, illegal smuggling of all types, and
humanitarian and natural disasters.
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Bolivia
Although no other country in South America has experienced violence like Colombia but they
also suffered from several various problems. In Bolivia, controversy over benefits from newly
discovered natural gas reserves have added to tensions caused by the drug trade and increasingly
radical movements. Besides providing support to Bolivias counternarcotics efforts, the United
States has provided significant support and alternative development assistance, and it has
forgiven all of Bolivias debt for development assistance projects, and most of the debt for food
assistance. For the past several years, Bolivia has been among the largest recipients of U.S.
foreign assistance in Latin America. Bolivia received an estimated $116.5 million in fiscal year
2006, including some $79.2 million in counternarcotics funds.Despite initial cooperation US-
Bolivia relations get worse in 2006, US officials become concerned about Bolivian governments
commitment to combating illegal drugs, its increasing ties with Venezuela and Cuba, and its May
2006 nationalization of Bolivias natural gas industry.
Venezuela
United States-Venezuela relations have traditionally been close, mainly consist of important
trade and investment relationship and cooperation in combating the production and transit of
illegaldrugs. However, aggression by U.S. administrations increased after the socialist
PresidentHugo Chvez assumed elected office in 1999. Tensions between the countries
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Recreational_drug_usehttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hugo_Ch%C3%A1vezhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hugo_Ch%C3%A1vezhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Recreational_drug_use -
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increased after the administration of George W. Bush supported the Venezuelan failed coup
attempt in 2002 against Chavez. Venezuela broke off diplomatic relations with the U.S. in
September 2008 in unity withBolivia after a U.S. ambassador was accused of cooperating with
violent anti-government groups in that country, but relations were reestablished under
PresidentBarack Obama in June 2009. Despite Venezuela's stated desire for improved relations
with the U.S. and its appeals for mutual respect, tensions between both nations are still high as of
2012 due to continuity in U.S. foreign policy under Obama.
Brazil
Looking at South American countries, if we look atBrazil whichis the fourth largest democracy
in the world, the fifth largest nation, and among top ten largest economies in the world. Brazil
became independent in 1822 and has been through periods of military and democratic rule. The
current constitution and democracy were established in 1988. Brazil is increasingly a global
energy giant. Its uniqueness and resourcefulness lie in an energy mix of ethanol, hydropower,
and offshore petroleum that has given Brazil an energy self-sufficiency that is the envy of the
world
Brazil is the U.S.s 10th-largest trading partner, acquiring $39 billion in U.S. goods and $12.7
billion in U.S. services. The U.S. ran an $11 billion trade surplus with Brazil in 2010.
The United States and Brazil have enjoyed generally close relations for 200 years. The two
countries cooperate on trade issues, HIV/AIDS efforts, regional concerns, and the
internationalpeacekeeping operation.
In past years Presidents Bush and Lula signed an agreement to promote and increase the
worldwide trade in ethanol. Brazil and the United States are the top global ethanol producers.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_W._Bushhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2002_Venezuelan_coup_d%27%C3%A9tat_attempthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2002_Venezuelan_coup_d%27%C3%A9tat_attempthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boliviahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barack_Obamahttp://geography.about.com/library/cia/blcbrazil.htmhttp://www.un.org/Depts/dpko/missions/minustah/http://www.brazzilmag.com/content/view/7981/54/http://www.brazzilmag.com/content/view/7981/54/http://www.un.org/Depts/dpko/missions/minustah/http://geography.about.com/library/cia/blcbrazil.htmhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barack_Obamahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boliviahttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2002_Venezuelan_coup_d%27%C3%A9tat_attempthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2002_Venezuelan_coup_d%27%C3%A9tat_attempthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_W._Bush -
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involvement on a range of issues will inevitably lead to disputes with the United States and that
management of those disputes in a comprehensive and respectful manner will be very important
in maintaining and building strong friendly relations with United States.
Despite of disputes The United States increasingly regards Brazil as a significant power,
especially in its role as a stabilizing force in Latin America. The Obama Administrations
National Security Strategy states that the United States welcome Brazils leadership and seek to
move beyond dated North-South divisions to pursue progress on bilateral, hemispheric, and
global issues.
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References
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america
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http://usforeignpolicy.about.com/od/countryprof4/p/usbrazil.htmhttp://usforeignpolicy.about.com/od/countryprof4/p/usbrazil.htmhttp://www.cipamericas.org/archives/1655http://www.cipamericas.org/archives/1655http://www.moisesnaim.com/writings/does-obama-adminstration-have-foreign-policy-latin-americahttp://www.moisesnaim.com/writings/does-obama-adminstration-have-foreign-policy-latin-americahttp://www.moisesnaim.com/writings/does-obama-adminstration-have-foreign-policy-latin-americahttp://www.heritage.org/research/reports/2012/04/us-brazil-summit-time-for-a-bold-policy-visionhttp://www.heritage.org/research/reports/2012/04/us-brazil-summit-time-for-a-bold-policy-visionhttp://www.heritage.org/research/reports/2012/04/us-brazil-summit-time-for-a-bold-policy-visionhttp://www.state.gov/p/wha/rls/rm/2011/156757.htmhttp://www.state.gov/p/wha/rls/rm/2011/156757.htmhttp://www.cato.org/pubs/handbook/hb108/hb108-65.pdfhttp://www.cato.org/pubs/handbook/hb108/hb108-65.pdfhttp://www.fas.org/sgp/crs/row/RL33456.pdfhttp://www.fas.org/sgp/crs/row/RL33456.pdfhttp://www.fas.org/sgp/crs/row/RL32580.pdfhttp://www.fas.org/sgp/crs/row/RL32580.pdfhttp://www.cfr.org/mexico/us-latin-america-relations/p16279http://www.cfr.org/mexico/us-latin-america-relations/p16279http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2009/aug/128021.htmhttp://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2009/aug/128021.htmhttp://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2009/aug/128021.htmhttp://www.cfr.org/mexico/us-latin-america-relations/p16279http://www.fas.org/sgp/crs/row/RL32580.pdfhttp://www.fas.org/sgp/crs/row/RL33456.pdfhttp://www.cato.org/pubs/handbook/hb108/hb108-65.pdfhttp://www.state.gov/p/wha/rls/rm/2011/156757.htmhttp://www.heritage.org/research/reports/2012/04/us-brazil-summit-time-for-a-bold-policy-visionhttp://www.heritage.org/research/reports/2012/04/us-brazil-summit-time-for-a-bold-policy-visionhttp://www.moisesnaim.com/writings/does-obama-adminstration-have-foreign-policy-latin-americahttp://www.moisesnaim.com/writings/does-obama-adminstration-have-foreign-policy-latin-americahttp://www.cipamericas.org/archives/1655http://usforeignpolicy.about.com/od/countryprof4/p/usbrazil.htm