DECLINING US INFLUENCE AND RISE OF LATIN AMERICA’S REGIONAL POWER: SOME LESSONS FOR THE MIDDLE EAST

Year 2008, Issue: 39, 99 - 119, 01.05.2008

Evren Çelİk Wiltse

https://doi.org/10.1501/Intrel_0000000219

Abstract

DECLINING US INFLUENCE AND RISE OF LATIN AMERICA’S REGIONAL POWER: SOME LESSONS FOR THE MIDDLE EAST

Abstract

This article highlights the recent changes in US-Latin American relations and the consequences of gradually shifting power balance for the Latin American countries. After providing a brief history of hemispheric relations, it analyzes the post-Cold War dynamics. Particular emphasis is placed on recent economic performances and democratic progress achieved by most Latin American nations. In the final section, this article acquires a comparative lens and draws some conclusions for Turkey and the Middle East in light of the Latin American experience. It argues that endemic security threats and high military spending in the Middle East hinder the virtuous cycle of regional solidarity, cooperation and development

Keywords

US-Latin American Relations, Democratization, Regional Development, Hegemonic Decline, Middle East, Turkey