U.S. Military Nation-Building Peru - A Question of National Interests
Abstract
This thesis examines the advisability of U.S. military nation - building exercises (MNBES) in Peru, specifically active component engineer deployment for training and reserve component 'Fuertes Caminos' exercises. It examines advisability by looking at how a U.S. MNBE affects the national interests of both the U.S. and Peru; and at the risks involved in conducting a U.S. MNBE in Peru. The thesis traces the history of relations between the U.S. and Latin America from the 1800s to today, and between the U.S. and Peru from 1945 to 1985. It determines contemporary interests in U.S.-Peruvian relations by examining issues that dominate interactions between the two nations today and concludes that U.S. interests/objectives in Peru are: to foster regional stability by supporting democracy, to curtail cocaine trafficking, and to reduce Soviet influence. It also finds that these interests are important but not vital to U.S. survival. After examining potential benefits and risks, it concludes that U.S. MNBEs are 'desirable' because they may promote national interests in such ways as assisting in Peru's economic development, helping counterinsurgency and counter-narcotics efforts, and bettering life in rural Peru. Risks such as the possibility of insurgent attacks against U.S. troops, competition with the private sector, and increased 'perceived relative deprivation' are examined. The paper concludes that U.S. MNBEs are feasible because the risks involved can be mitigated through judicious planning, use of a multi-year program, and an integrated Country Team approach. Military exercises.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 02, 1989
- Accession Number
- ADA212542
Entities
People
- Leonardo V. Flor
Organizations
- United States Army Command and General Staff College