Borders and Bridges: A History of U.S.-Latin American Relations / Edition 1

by Stewart Brewer

Overview

The symbiotic relationship between the United States and Latin America has been filled with bitterness and anguish, on the one hand, and hope and cooperation, on the other. Each provides something the other lacks, and thus the relationship has the potential to work to the advantage of both. Brewer provides an introduction to the most important events in the diplomatic, military, social, and economic history of the relationship between the United States and countries of Latin America.

The symbiotic relationship between the United States and Latin America has been filled with bitterness and anguish, on the one hand, and hope and cooperation, on the other. Each provides something the other lacks, and thus the relationship has the potential to work to the advantage of both. Brewer provides an introduction to the the most important events in the diplomatic, military, social, and economic history of the relationship between the United States and countries of Latin America.

Soon after the American Revolutionary War, the new nation needed to build a solid relationship with Latin American countries in order to survive. The apex of hemispheric relations was not reached until World War II, when the area witnessed an unprecedented level of cooperation and mutual collaboration. This era ended with the onset of the Cold War, when the competition between capitalism and communism was fought by proxy throughout the developing world, adversely affecting the ability of Latin American nations to develop independent identities or thriving economies. Brewer argues that the events of 9/11 changed this relationship very little. Indeed, many of the issues that have long plagued U.S.-Latin American relations are returbaning as the United States focuses on the War on Terror in the Middle East and neglects its southern neighbors.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780275982041
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Academic
Publication date:	05/30/2006
Series:	Praeger Security International
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	216
Product dimensions:	6.14(w) x 9.21(h) x 0.56(d)

About the Author

Stewart Brewer is Assistant Professor of History at Dana College.

Table of Contents

Foreword by Michael LaRosa
Preface and Acknowledgments
1 Foundations and Perceptions
2 The European Enlightenment and the Birth of U.S.–Latin American Relations
3 The Independence Movements in Spanish Latin America and Brazil
4 The Monroe Doctrine, Manifest Destiny, and the Mexican War
5 Nineteenth-Century U.S. Imperialism and the Spanish American War
6 Gunboat Diplomacy, Panama, and the New World Policeman
7 The Great Depression, the Good Neighbor Policy, and World War II
8 The Cold War, the Cuban Revolution, and the Cuban Missile Crisis
9 The End of Nonintervention and the End of the Cold War
10 Crossing the Threshold of a New Century
A Chronology of U.S.–Latin American Relations
Notes
Bibliography
Index

What People are Saying About This

Eduardo Obregín Pagán

"Stewart Brewer has written an impressive synthesis of the major works and theses in the field that also offers some of his own insights and interpretations. Spanning several centuries of history, he has a deft command of the trends and influences of Europe on the republics of the Western hemisphere, and the international relations between the United States and the nations of Latin America. His narrative is smart, accessible, and refreshingly free from an over reliance on theory. Borders and Bridges will be a valuable research tool for generalists and undergraduate students alike."

Michael Kryzanek

"Borders and Bridges is a solid introductory history of U.S.-Latin American relations. The author combines thoughtful analysis and keen insight with a thorough understanding of the important events, the key leaders and the influential intellectual movements that have shaped this important regional relationship."

Thomas L. Pearcy

"Stewart Brewer has written an important book that will help beginning students navigate these many challenges and reach a fundamental understanding of U.S.-Latin American relations. His narrative is highly readable....This is a significant accomplishment and the author is to be congratulated."

Eduardo Obregon Pagan

"Stewart Brewer has written an impressive synthesis of the major works and theses in the field that also offers some of his own insights and interpretations. Spanning several centuries of history, he has a deft command of the trends and influences of Europe on the republics of the Western hemisphere, and the international relations between the United States and the nations of Latin America. His narrative is smart, accessible, and refreshingly free from an over reliance on theory. Borders and Bridges will be a valuable research tool for generalists and undergraduate students alike."

Eduardo Obregin Pagan

"Stewart Brewer has written an impressive synthesis of the major works and theses in the field that also offers some of his own insights and interpretations. Spanning several centuries of history, he has a deft command of the trends and influences of Europe on the republics of the Western hemisphere, and the international relations between the United States and the nations of Latin America. His narrative is smart, accessible, and refreshingly free from an over reliance on theory. Borders and Bridges will be a valuable research tool for generalists and undergraduate students alike."

Frederick B. Pike

"All is change,' observed that wise man of antiquity, Heraclitus. Other savants have insisted 'the more things change, the more they remain the same.' The applicability of both appraisals to U.S.-Latin American relations is illuminated in Stewart Brewer's carefully researched, well-written Borders and Bridges. Here is a fine introductory guide for newcomers to the field."

Editorial Reviews

Borders and Bridges: A History of U.S.-Latin American Relations is required college-level reading for any who would approach the modern dilemmas of border protection armed with a historical approach. Here the changing relationship between the U.S. and Latin America is examined over the decades with an attention to US/Latin American collaboration and changing social and political interrelationships. From competition between differing political systems to changing military approaches, Borders and Bridges is a 'must' for any in-depth analysis.” —The Midwest Book Review - The Bookwatch

From the Publisher