Forgotton backyard

Everyone seems to be focused on the chaos in the Middle East, ISIS, rogue nuclear states like Iran and North Korea, Russian aggression, Chinese expansionism and European Union disunion. The one area where the US needs to refocus is in our own backyard. Latin America has taken a back, back seat in US foreign policy, with the specific exclusion of the war on drugs (failing), since the end of the cold war.  As as result of our shortsightedness our influence in South and Central America has atrophied like the calf muscle in my broken leg. 


The US took for granted our dominance in Latin America for too long and China is filling the void. China has the tendency to heavily invest in the infrastructure of developing nations in exchange for cheap raw materials.These are very attractive offers to poor and underdeveloped nations and are often taken despite dubious returns. 

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Its also common for the Chinese government to relocate vast numbers of Chinese citizens to act as the labor force (especially true in Africa). This serves two purposes for Beijing,,,1. It keeps Chinese citizens employed and thus preventing anti government protests and 2, they reinforce an indigenous labor force that may lack the requisite skills.  This has led to the Chinese taking over local markets and economies. 

There are many articles out there showing how China has been slowing growing more substantial economic ties to this region. The reasons behind are driven by Latin America’s natural resources. China is trying to secure a stable food source for a population that is quickly adopting a more western like diet based on protein and dairy products. The Chinese manufacturing based economy also requires new and cheaper sources of raw materials. With this investment comes increased influence and we all know that money talks and BS walks. US influence is waning.  

The US should take a more active approach in its relations with our southern neighbors that goes beyond drug interdiction and military aid. Lets focus on rebuilding the long term relationship we have with these nations via trade and investment. The Chinese model for foreign investment is flawed and is set up to primarily benefit the Chinese, we should use this against them to re-establish our influence.