Radical neglect? The "War on Terror" and Latin America

Abstract

The rise of leftist governments in the Americas and the adoption of policy initiatives contrary to U.S. interests highlight a disconnect in interamerican relations, which cannot be understood simply as U.S. " neglect" of Latin America. In contrast to arguments that attribute the deteriorating relations to U.S. preoccupation with the Middle East, the article examines whether the " War on Terror" acted as a guiding paradigm for the George W. Bush administration in Latin America. Opposition to this " War on Terror" paradigm was evident following Colombia's 2008 air strike in Ecuador. Justified as a preemptive strike against a terrorist threat, Colombia's action met regional condemnation. The article argues that this Colombia-Latin America division reflects a larger geostrategic disconnect, whereby the " War on Terror" is challenged, causing the increasing marginalization of Washington and resistance to U.S. policy.