1st Edition

The United States And The Caribbean Challenges Of An Asymmetrical Relationship

By Anthony Maingot Copyright 1994
    270 Pages
    by Routledge

    275 Pages
    by Routledge

    This book explores the complex interdependence between the small Caribbean states and the United States and looks at their changing relationships throughout history. The main difficulty for the small state is to discern where and when synergies may be found in its relations with more powerful states?in this case, the United States. The need for cooperation among the less powerful states, for sharing interests and values, must be combined with respect on both sides for democratic and human rights.The author traces the history of these relationships from 1823 to the end of the Cold War, then examines the U.S. response to the Marxist challenge. He then turns to an investigation of different aspects of modern Caribbean relations, such as the problems of drug trafficking, offshore interests, and migration. The book concludes with a discussion on the limits to sovereignty and the challenges that have evolved in U.S.-Caribbean studies.

    Preface -- Introduction The nature of complex interdependence -- The US enters the Caribbean -- Geopolitics and racial destiny: 1823–1903 -- Geopolitics and the perceived duties of the policeman: 1903–35 -- Reinforcing perceptions: U-boats and fifth columns in World War II -- The Marxist challenge and US responses -- From anti-Fascism to anti-communism: Costa Rica and British Guiana -- The CIA unleashed: Containing communism in Guatemala and Cuba -- The Caribbean plays the Cuban card: The US response -- Problems of the modern Caribbean -- Threats to social and national security: The internationalization of corruption and violence -- The 'offshore' development strategy: Is it for everyone? -- Migration and development: All roads lead north -- Haiti: Intractable problems, shifting commitments -- Conclusion The challenges of sovereign consent in US-Caribbean relations

    Biography

    Anthony P. Maingot is professor of sociology at Florida International University and is the editor of Hemisphere, a magazine of Latin American and Caribbean Studies at FIU.