Synopses & Reviews
World events since 1989 have shattered long-held assumptions about the global international order and drastically reshaped relations between the United States and Latin America.
Talons of the Eagle presents a vivid portrayal of this rapidly changing relationship and casts important new light on contemporary issues such as economic integration, environmental protection, drug trafficking, and undocumented migration.
Smith's examination encompasses the imperialism of the late 18th and 19th centuries, ideological conflicts deriving from the Cold War, and the very recent surge of optimism and pessimism attending NAFTA and the emerging "new world order." From the early politics of U.S. expansion through the Cold War to the continuing "war on drugs," Smith provides a thoughtful and thorough evaluation of more than 200 years of turbulent history. By focusing on international systems, the distribution of power, and the perception and pursuit of national interests, Smith uncovers recurrent regularities in the resulting interaction between Latin America and the United States, makes available a compelling analysis of continuity and change, and offers provocative insight into portents for the future.
Review
"A well-written, provocative exploration of the relationship between Latin America and the United States since independence....An excellent overview."--
Library Journal"Peter H. Smith...has written a timely and valuable book that aptly recalls how Roosevelt's decade of the 1930s still stands out as 'a golden era of U.S. relations with Latin America.' He then expertly traces the decline of the region's importance since the Roosevelt era until it has become a mere appendage to the East-West conflict."--The Washington Post Book World
Description
Includes bibliographical references (p. 397-404) and index.
About the Author
Peter H. Smith is Professor of Political Science, Simon Bolivar Professor of Latin American Studies, and Director of Latin American Studies at the University of California, San Diego. He is a prominent author, commentator, and advisor on Latin American politics and on U.S.-Latin American relations. His most recent books include pathbreaking studies on drug trafficking and regional integration. He is the co-author of
Modern Latin America (Fourth Edition, 1996).
Table of Contents
Introduction: International Systems and U.S.-Latin American Relations
1. The European Game
2. The Gospel of Democracy
3. Mr. Roosevelt's Neighborhood
4. Latin America: Repsonses to Imperialism
5. The Cold War: Closing Ranks
6. Making Friends
7. Crushing Enemies
8. Latin America: Fighting the Cold War
9. Hegemony by Default
10. The New Economic Agenda
11. Illicit Flows and Military Force
12. Latin America: In Quest of Alternatives
Conclusion: Structure and Change in U.S.-Latin American Relations
Notes
Appendix
Bibliography
Index