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  Chavez, Cuba and the New Populism: Are We Losing Latin America?

Chavez, Cuba and the New Populism Are We Losing Latin America?

By Peter H. Smith

Part 6: Concluding Reflections

Large questions underlie this analysis. To promote discussion and reflection, they are presented here in telegraphic form.

1. Visions

What is the most desirable future for Latin America? Almost all Europeans and Americans would support hopes for prosperity, justice, and democracy. Beyond that, however, the Bush administration wants a Latin America that is characterized by free-market economics, right-of-center politics, pro-American sentiments, and support for U.S. global policies. In contrast, Europeans would accept (or prefer) a region with a strong state role in economics, an ideological spectrum spanning from left to right, tolerance of anti-American (or pro-American) sentiments, and an independent stance in world politics. The Bush team dislikes Chávez because he is anti-American; Europeans dislike him because he is authoritarian.

2. Differences

While the EU and the United States share many common interests in Latin America, they have important differences as well. In many instances, an active European role can mitigate negative consequences of U.S. policy. Healthy competition of this kind would redound to the long-term benefit of Latin America. How willing is Europe to accept this role, and how tolerant will the Americans be?

3. Receptivity

Europeans and the EU are regarded highly in most of Latin America and, in any event, are regarded more favorably than Americans and the U.S. government. This differentiation results from longstanding historical traditions, from Europe’s appreciation of Latin American society, and from the hope that a strong European presence could offset the hegemonic power of the United States. At this juncture, it means that Europe could take advantage of a special entrée into the affairs of Central and South America.

4. Spheres of influence

Is it still appropriate to maintain European and American “spheres of influence” in the developing world? Should Latin America be regarded as the “backyard” (patio trasero) of the United States? Should America be left to the Americans? Such a conception relies essentially on historical trends and imperial legacies.

Peter H. Smith is a distinguished professor of political science and Simon Bolivar Professor of Latin American Studies at the University of California, San Diego.

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