It is difficult to understand the culture and politics of Latin America, in particular the Caribbean basin, without examining the role of the U.S. While the U.S. has generally seen its role in Latin America as that of a protector, many Latin Americans have perceived the U.S. as a heavy-handed superpower. The first half of the course provides a historical overview of U.S. interests and interventions, and how these have shaped Latin American societies. The second half examines contemporary problems and issues. Also offered as POL 3340.
- Teacher: John Gitlitz