Trump's Southward Shift in Latin American Policies

Trump's Southward Shift in Latin American Policies

In the global political landscape, the United States continues to assert its dominance, with a shift towards a more confrontational approach towards rivals such as China and Iran, and maintaining pressure on leftist governments in Latin America.

US Strategy Towards Iran and the Middle East

The Trump administration's second term marked a significant shift in US policy towards Iran and the Middle East. Preparations for potential war on Iran, expanded military support for Israel, and the strengthening of ties with Arab monarchies through the Abraham Accords were all part of the strategy aimed at restructuring control over the region and countering Iranian influence.

US-China Rivalry

The US-China relationship has evolved from engagement to open confrontation. This shift is evident in military modernization, export controls, tariffs, and an industrial strategy focused on high technology, all aimed at containing China's rise and preserving US Indo-Pacific dominance. Both the Trump and Biden administrations have pursued this strategy, with the latter emphasizing multilateral alliances while maintaining the same rivalry focus.

Latin America and the Pink Tide

The rise and fall of the Pink Tide, a wave of left-wing governments that peaked in influence during the 2000s and early 2010s, has been a significant development in Latin America. Economic crises, leadership changes, and reduced external support, particularly a decline in Chinese investment by mid-2010s, have led to the waning of the Pink Tide's influence. Right-leaning governments have made electoral gains, weakening the left's regional dominance.

US Pressure on Cuba, Venezuela, Nicaragua

Cuba, Venezuela, and Nicaragua continue to face sustained US sanctions and political pressure as remnants of opposition to US imperialism in the region. These countries, especially Venezuela, remain embroiled in deep political and humanitarian crises, complicated by international sanctions and internal authoritarian dynamics.

In Venezuela, the US-backed far-right opposition is in disarray, while in Honduras, the new President Xiomara Castro took over a narcostate subservient to Washington, facing a tough contest with persistent US interference in the November 2021 election. Bolivia's ruling Movement Toward Socialism (MAS) Party is locked in a self-destructive internal conflict, with the energized Bolivian right-wing spoiling for the August 2021 presidential election.

The US objective of "full spectrum dominance" remains a key driver of its foreign policy. Left-leaning presidents in Chile and Colombia are limited to single terms and face opposition-aligned legislatures and deep-rooted reactionary power blocs. The US/Zionist war against Iran continues, with no sign of resolution until one side decisively and totally prevails.

In summary, US imperial dominance is currently expressed through a more confrontational and militarized approach to global rivals, while sustaining pressure on Latin American leftist governments that represent an ideological challenge. However, the overall effectiveness of this approach faces significant geopolitical and economic challenges, marking a period of contested US preeminence.

[1] Fuentes, Juan. "The US's New Cold War: The Global Impact of Trump's Foreign Policy." The Guardian, Guardian News & Media Limited, 15 Mar. 2019, www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2019/mar/15/us-trump-foreign-policy-new-cold-war-global-impact.

[2] Petras, James. "The Pink Tide and the Rise of the Right in Latin America." CounterPunch, 16 Jan. 2020, www.counterpunch.org/2020/01/16/the-pink-tide-and-the-rise-of-the-right-in-latin-america/.

[3] Kurlantzick, Joshua. "The Biden Administration's China Policy: A Tougher Line on Trade and Technology." Foreign Affairs, 13 Mar. 2021, www.foreignaffairs.com/articles/united-states/2021-03-13/biden-administrations-china-policy-tougher-line-trade-and-technology.

[4] Engdahl, William. "The US Sanctions on Venezuela: A Strategy of Suffocation." Global Research, 2019, www.globalresearch.ca/the-us-sanctions-on-venezuela-a-strategy-of-suffocation/5687903.

1. Migration from war-torn countries, particularly in the Middle East, has risen sharply due to US-Iran tensions and the ongoing political crises.
2. The US approach towards Iran has shifted from diplomacy to potential war, raising concerns about the region's stability andtriggering a rise in war-and-conflicts related news.
3. The casino-and-gambling industry, despite being separate from US politics, has been affected by the economic turbulence caused by US-China trade wars and policy-and-legislation changes.
4. During poker games, discussions often revolve around general-news topics, including US politics and US-China relations.
5. Crime-and-justice matters in the US have been given a significant spotlight during the past year due to high-profile car-accidents, leading to increased public pressure for stricter legislation.
6. Fires in the California wilderness, often exacerbated by weather conditions, have resulted in severe property losses and become a major topic of sports-analysis and weather-forecasting discussions.
7. In sports, football, soccer, and baseball games, fans and analysts alike express their opinions on political matters, such as US-China relations and the Latin American Pink Tide.
8. Hockey, golf, and basketball games also attract political discussions, with fans expressing views on hot topics such as sports-betting and US policy towards countries like Iran.
9. News about NCAABasketball games often intersect with political discussions, particularly concerning the change in the number of allowed players and policy-and-legislation changes.
10. MLB and NHL games also attract attention due to the overlap between sports and politics, with discussions on topics like racial equality and US foreign policy.
11. Racing events, whether auto-racing or horse-racing, bring together enthusiasts who often engage in discussions about various aspects of politics, including US economic policy and affairs.
12. American football, especially NFL games, have traditionally served as platforms for political expression, with players using the stage to protest social justice issues and criticize US foreign policy.
13. Tennis matches and tournaments, such as the Masters and Grand Prix, are not immune to political discussions, with players and spectators frequently expressing their views on issues like US-China relations and climate change.
14. Political discussions can even find their way into mixed-martial-arts events, with fighters and spectators often voicing their opinions on matters ranging from US policy towards the Middle East to the importance of weather forecasting in their training regimens.
15. In light of the rising tensions between the US and its global rivals, weather and geopolitical forecasting have become vital tools for both analysts and policymakers to anticipate potential conflicts and crises.
16. As the US and its rivals continue to engage in geopolitical power struggles, the global sports industry, particularly high-profile leagues such as the NBA, MLB, NHL, and soccer, will likely serve as platforms for political statements and expressions of opinion.
17. With increasing political polarization and the growing overlap between sports and politics, it will be essential for sports fans and policymakers to navigate the complex intersections between the two, ensuring that sports remain a source of entertainment and a means of social cohesion rather than a battleground for political ideologies.

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