u.s.-latin american relations

PO LITIC A L S C IEN C E 1 46 AWIN TE R 2 0 14

PETE R H . S M ITH

U.S.-LATIN AMERICAN RELATIONS

CONTACT INFO

phsmith@ucsd.eduSocial Science Building 364Wednesday 2-4

Kelly Matushkmatush@ucsd.eduSocial Science Building 343Friday 9-11

Key Questions

What is the current state of U.S. relations with Latin America?

What (if anything) is unique or “new” about the present situation? How much have we seen before?

Where is the relationship headed? What might the future hold?

Subtext: strong vs. weak, disparity in power

Key Questions

What is the current state of U.S. relations with Latin America?

What (if anything) is unique or “new” about the present situation? How much have we seen before?

Where is the relationship headed? What might the future hold?

Subtext: strong vs. weak, disparity in power

Course Design

Course Structure and Conceptual Approaches

Historical Stages1. Imperialism in the Americas2. Cold War in the Americas3. The 1990s: From Geopolitics to Geoeconomics

The Contemporary Scene: 9/11-present

1. The War on Terror and Global Realities2. Neglect and Opportunity for Latin America3. The Political Economy of Drug Trafficking4. Migration and Latino Communities5. Barack Obama and the Politics of Hope (?)

Conclusion and Review

The Contemporary Scene: 9/11-present

1. The War on Terror: Geopolitics and Global Realities

2. Opportunity for Latin America3. The Political Economy of Drug Trafficking4. Migration and Latino Communities5. Barack Obama and the Politics of Hope (?)6. Conclusion and Review

Analytical Tools

Nation-state as unit of analysis (not markets, not psychology)

International systems with distinct “rules of the game”Formulation of “grand strategies” (depending on

perceptions of world arena)Disparities in power“Hard” vs. “soft” power

POINTS OF ENTRY

Readings: Smith, Talons of the Eagle, 4th edition (2013) Domínguez and Fernández de Castro, Contemporary

U.S.-Latin American RelationsVideos (as shown)Guest speakers

ASSIGNMENTS AND DATES

February 19: “mock” midterm March 5: 10-12 page analytical papers (50% of course

grade)TBA: Closed-book final exam (50% of course grade)

“MISSING”

How accurate the factual detail?Role of Chilean military and/or Pinochet?Degree of U.S. complicity?Why the powerful so fearful?Could such a thing happen today? Why or

why not? Where or where not?

“MISSING”

How accurate the factual detail?Role of Chilean military and/or Pinochet?Degree of U.S. complicity?Why the powerful so fearful?Could such a thing happen today? Why or

why not? Where or where not?

PARTING THOUGHTS

Have fun in this course!

Q: If ignorance is bliss, knowledge must be…. ?

A CAST OF CHARACTERS