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Intro to International Relations
Table of Contents
Unit 11 Overview: Comparative Analysis of Global Regions
11.1 The Americas: North America and Latin America
11.2 Europe and the European Union
11.3 Asia-Pacific: China, Japan, and Southeast Asia
11.4 Middle East and North Africa
11.5 Sub-Saharan Africa

North America and Latin America form a diverse region with complex relationships. From economic partnerships like USMCA to political doctrines shaping foreign policy, these nations navigate shared challenges and opportunities. Immigration, border policies, and regional integration efforts play crucial roles in shaping the Americas.

Latin American countries pursue integration through organizations like OAS and MERCOSUR, aiming for economic cooperation and political solidarity. However, they face obstacles like political instability, economic disparities, and sovereignty concerns. The region also grapples with transnational crime, security issues, and diplomatic tensions, impacting regional dynamics and stability.

North American Relations

Economic and Political Cooperation

  • NAFTA transformed into USMCA in 2020 promotes free trade between US, Canada, and Mexico
    • Eliminates tariffs on most goods traded between member countries
    • Establishes rules for intellectual property protection
    • Includes updated provisions for digital trade and labor standards
  • Monroe Doctrine asserted US opposition to European colonialism in the Americas
    • Proclaimed in 1823 by President James Monroe
    • Warned European powers against further colonization or interference in the Western Hemisphere
    • Shaped US foreign policy towards Latin America for nearly two centuries
  • Pan-Americanism fosters cooperation and unity among nations in the Americas
    • Promotes cultural exchange and diplomatic ties
    • Manifests through organizations like the Pan American Union (predecessor to OAS)
    • Encourages economic integration and political solidarity

Immigration and Border Policies

  • US immigration policies significantly impact North American relations
    • Fluctuate between restrictive and more open approaches
    • Include programs like DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals)
    • Affect labor markets and demographic trends in the region
  • Canada maintains a points-based immigration system
    • Prioritizes skilled workers and economic migrants
    • Implements programs like Express Entry for faster processing
  • Mexico serves as both a source and transit country for migrants
    • Cooperates with US on border enforcement
    • Faces challenges managing Central American migrants traversing its territory

Latin American Integration

Regional Organizations and Economic Blocs

  • Organization of American States (OAS) promotes cooperation among American nations
    • Founded in 1948 with 35 independent states of the Americas as members
    • Focuses on democracy, human rights, security, and development
    • Serves as a forum for political dialogue and conflict resolution
  • MERCOSUR establishes a common market in South America
    • Full members include Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay
    • Aims to eliminate customs duties and implement a common external tariff
    • Facilitates free movement of goods, services, and factors of production
  • ALBA represents an alternative model of regional integration
    • Founded by Venezuela and Cuba as a counterweight to US influence
    • Emphasizes social welfare and mutual economic assistance
    • Includes members like Bolivia, Nicaragua, and several Caribbean nations

Challenges to Integration Efforts

  • Political instability in member countries hinders consistent cooperation
    • Frequent changes in government can disrupt integration processes
    • Ideological differences between administrations affect commitment to regional bodies
  • Economic disparities among nations complicate harmonization efforts
    • Varying levels of development create uneven benefits from integration
    • Smaller economies fear domination by larger regional powers (Brazil, Mexico)
  • National sovereignty concerns sometimes impede deeper integration
    • Resistance to supranational decision-making bodies
    • Reluctance to cede control over key policy areas (monetary policy, trade regulations)

Regional Challenges

Transnational Crime and Security Issues

  • Drug trafficking poses a major threat to regional stability
    • Cartels operate across borders, challenging law enforcement
    • Fuels corruption and violence, particularly in Mexico and Central America
    • Impacts US-Latin American relations through initiatives like Plan Colombia
  • Organized crime networks extend beyond drug trade
    • Engage in human trafficking and arms smuggling
    • Exploit weak governance and poverty in certain areas
  • Cybercrime emerges as a growing concern for regional security
    • Targets financial institutions and government systems
    • Requires increased cooperation in cybersecurity measures

Political and Diplomatic Tensions

  • US-Cuba relations have undergone significant shifts
    • Cold War era marked by hostility and embargo
    • Obama administration initiated a thaw in 2014
    • Trump administration partially reversed normalization efforts
    • Biden administration reviews Cuba policy amid ongoing human rights concerns
  • Pink tide refers to the rise of left-wing governments in Latin America
    • Began in late 1990s with election of Hugo Chávez in Venezuela
    • Included leaders like Evo Morales in Bolivia and Rafael Correa in Ecuador
    • Characterized by policies favoring social welfare and economic nationalism
    • Faced challenges from economic downturns and allegations of authoritarianism
  • Venezuela's ongoing crisis impacts regional stability
    • Political turmoil under Nicolás Maduro's government
    • Massive exodus of Venezuelan refugees strains neighboring countries
    • OAS and regional powers struggle to find diplomatic solutions

Key Terms to Review (19)

Rafael Correa: Rafael Correa is an Ecuadorian economist and politician who served as the President of Ecuador from 2007 to 2017. Known for his leftist policies and leadership style, Correa aimed to reduce poverty and inequality in the country while promoting a strong anti-imperialist stance in Latin America.
Nicolás Maduro: Nicolás Maduro is a Venezuelan politician who has served as the President of Venezuela since 2013, succeeding Hugo Chávez. His presidency has been marked by significant political turmoil, economic crisis, and widespread protests, highlighting the deep divisions within Venezuela's political landscape and its impact on the region.
Evo Morales: Evo Morales is a Bolivian politician who served as the first Indigenous president of Bolivia from 2006 to 2019. His presidency is significant for its focus on social and economic reforms, including nationalizing key industries and promoting the rights of Indigenous people, which made him a symbol of leftist politics in Latin America.
Us-cuba relations: US-Cuba relations refer to the diplomatic, political, and economic interactions between the United States and Cuba, which have been historically characterized by tension, conflict, and occasional attempts at normalization. These relations were significantly shaped by the Cuban Revolution in 1959, leading to a long-standing US trade embargo and Cuba's alignment with the Soviet Union during the Cold War. Over the years, there have been efforts on both sides to improve ties, particularly during the Obama administration, but challenges remain due to differing political ideologies and ongoing human rights concerns.
Organization of American States (OAS): The Organization of American States (OAS) is a regional intergovernmental organization founded in 1948, aimed at promoting peace, justice, and collaboration among its member states in the Americas. The OAS plays a crucial role in addressing political, economic, and social issues across North America and Latin America, fostering dialogue and cooperation among countries to enhance stability and development in the region.
DACA: DACA, or Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, is a U.S. immigration policy established in 2012 that allows certain undocumented immigrants who arrived in the country as children to apply for a renewable two-year period of deferred action from deportation. This policy connects deeply with discussions about immigration reform and the experiences of young immigrants in North America, highlighting issues of legal status, education, and economic opportunity.
Drug trafficking: Drug trafficking is the illegal trade of drugs and controlled substances across borders, involving the production, distribution, and sale of these drugs. This global issue is particularly significant in the Americas, where regions like North America and Latin America are both major producers and consumers of illicit drugs, creating complex socio-economic and political challenges.
Cybercrime: Cybercrime refers to criminal activities conducted through the internet or involving computer systems, including hacking, identity theft, and online fraud. This type of crime has significant implications for national security and economic stability, especially in regions like North America and Latin America, where the digital landscape is rapidly evolving.
ALBA: ALBA, or the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America, is a regional organization founded in 2004 to promote social, political, and economic integration among Latin American and Caribbean countries. It was created as an alternative to other regional agreements like the Free Trade Area of the Americas, focusing on solidarity, cooperation, and mutual support among its member states.
Mercosur: Mercosur, or the Southern Common Market, is a regional trade bloc in South America that was established in 1991 to promote free trade and economic integration among its member countries. The founding members include Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay, with Venezuela's membership currently suspended. Mercosur aims to facilitate the movement of goods, services, and people across borders, fostering economic cooperation and enhancing regional stability.
Pan-Americanism: Pan-Americanism is a political and cultural movement that promotes cooperation and unity among the countries of the Americas, particularly between North America and Latin America. This concept emphasizes shared interests, cultural ties, and economic collaboration, aiming to foster a sense of solidarity across the continent. Pan-Americanism has been historically linked to diplomatic initiatives and organizations that seek to enhance inter-American relations.
Pink Tide: The Pink Tide refers to the wave of leftist political movements and governments that emerged in Latin America during the late 1990s and early 2000s. This phenomenon is characterized by a shift towards progressive policies, social reforms, and increased state involvement in the economy, often in response to neoliberal policies from previous decades.
National sovereignty: National sovereignty refers to the authority of a state to govern itself and make decisions free from external interference. It is a core principle of international law and relations, emphasizing the independence of nations in political, legal, and economic matters. In the Americas, this concept plays a critical role in shaping the relationships between countries and their capacity to navigate issues such as trade, diplomacy, and security.
Economic disparities: Economic disparities refer to the unequal distribution of wealth, resources, and opportunities among different groups or regions. This concept highlights how economic conditions can vary greatly, leading to differences in living standards, access to education, and overall quality of life, particularly in the context of regions such as North America and Latin America.
Hugo Chávez: Hugo Chávez was the President of Venezuela from 1999 until his death in 2013, known for his socialist policies and strong anti-American rhetoric. His leadership marked a significant shift in Venezuela's political landscape, emphasizing the redistribution of wealth and the nationalization of key industries, which had profound implications for both domestic affairs and international relations in Latin America.
USMCA: The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) is a trade deal that replaced NAFTA, aiming to enhance trade relations and strengthen economic ties between the three North American countries. It focuses on modernizing trade rules to address new economic realities, promoting fair trade practices, and fostering job growth in all member nations.
Political instability: Political instability refers to the likelihood of governmental change or upheaval, often characterized by frequent changes in leadership, political violence, or civil unrest. It can significantly disrupt a country's political, social, and economic systems, leading to issues such as migration and refugee crises, especially when citizens feel unsafe or disenfranchised. Countries experiencing political instability often see an exodus of individuals seeking safety and stability elsewhere.
NAFTA: NAFTA, or the North American Free Trade Agreement, was a trade agreement established in 1994 between Canada, Mexico, and the United States aimed at promoting trade by eliminating tariffs and reducing other trade barriers. It significantly reshaped economic relations in North America and laid the groundwork for further regional cooperation.
Monroe Doctrine: The Monroe Doctrine was a U.S. policy established in 1823 aimed at opposing European colonialism in the Americas. It asserted that any intervention by external powers in the politics of the Americas would be viewed as an act of aggression, necessitating U.S. intervention. This doctrine played a significant role in shaping U.S. foreign policy and establishing the Western Hemisphere as a sphere of influence for the United States, particularly regarding North and Latin America.