U.S.-Latin American Relations

Since the third edition was published in 1996, there have been significant developments in this key strategic and economic relationship. Kryzanek builds on the text and themes of previous editions and further examines the ties between the United States and the nations of Latin America. These ties reveal new opportunities, challenges, and tensions. During the second term of President Bill Clinton and now in the Bush presidency, hemispheric relations have been centered on issues of trade, investment, and resource development. The impact of globalization on the region was only beginning to be felt when the third edition of the text went to print, but now it is clear that the rules and demands of a globalized economy have changed the face of Latin America. Numerous areas of public policy that are critical ingredients to the national interests of both the United States and Latin America, such as immigration, drug smuggling, gang violence, leftist revolution, cultural transformations, and regional security continue to test the relationships between the United States and Latin American governments.