Power Transition: The U.S. vs. China in Latin America

Abstract

Based on Power Transition Theory, the paper investigates how China competes with the US in Latin America. The paper divided into four main sections. The first section reviews why the U.S. has tried hard to prevent Latin America and the Caribbean from developing relations with China. It also explains why Secretary of State John Kerry announced "The era of the Monroe Doctrine is over" in November 2013. The second part discusses China's expansion in Latin America. The more states that trade with China, the more likely they are to converge with it on issues of foreign policy. Consequently, the US, whose foreign policy preferences have diverged from those of China, may find it harder to attract allies in Latin America. The third part explores how Latin America has become more assertive. It also examines how such acquiescence increases the responsibility of those states to think carefully about what kind of relationship with China is in their interest, and that of the region. The last section concludes the article and provides policy implications for the US, China, and Latin America.