Honduran Crisis points to a new scenario in Latin America
The approximation that the president of the United States, Barack Obama, has been attempting with Latin America indicates that the region is entering a new political moment. In the 90’s, there was the emergence of the liberal experiences driven by parties and governments of the right and center-right. In the 2000’s, it was the left that rose to power, through leaders like Lula, Michelle Bachelet, Hugo Chavez, Rafael Correa, Evo Morales, etc.
Now, a new scenario emerges. Intent on containing anti-Americanism in the region, Obama has been adopting the correct strategic positioning. Instead of confronting countries that declare themselves adversaries and “enemies” of the United States, he proposes a dialogue. This limits the rhetoric employed by leaders like Chavez, Morales and Correa. Meanwhile, the economic problems of Venezuela, Bolivia, Ecuador, and others, intensify.
Another change in the North American Head of State’s foreign policy concerning Latin American regards the White House’s preferential partner. In the Bush administration it was Alvaro Uribe’s Colombia. Now, Obama is turning to Lula’s Brasil.
This new moment that the Latin American continent is experiencing can be seen in the Honduran political crisis. In the wake of Barack Obama’s condemnation of the coup against Manuel Zelaya, Hugo Chavez – the US’s biggest rival in the region – was left without rhetoric. Unlike previous instances, the Venezuelan leader’s actions were restricted to a condemnation of what occurred in Honduras.
There are clear signs that anti-Americanism in Latin America will be reduced in the upcoming years.
Another important lesson to be learned from the Honduran crisis regards the Bolivarian Revolution championed by Chavez. Despite the constitutional alterations that occurred in Venezuela, Bolivia and Ecuador, this model cannot be transposed to any situation, as evidenced by Manuel Zelaya’s failed attempt to consult the population.
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Welcome! Latin America is becoming consistently more important for the world. As the region becomes more stable, the world sees Latin America as a potential business area. In order to understand te potential Latin America has to offer, the world must understand the unique dynamics that the local politics function. This blog already exists in Portuguese since 2005 and is widely read. I believe it can be an important instrument to understand this amazing region. Suggestions, criticisms and opinions are welcome. + learn more
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