Regional Assessment of South America
Abstract
The vast South American continent poses some conceptual challenges for most North Americans. Simply using the term "Americans" (referring to US citizens) can be a source of some sensitivity as South Americans also fiercely consider themselves Americans. Their self-identity, however, is not the same as that of North Americans for considerable historical and cultural reasons. The historical and cultural context of South American identity helps to explain what US policies may or may not succeed--and how they might be perceived in the region. While significant US interest in the region began as early as the 1880s, South Americans perceived US policies and attention as inconsistent due to higher US security concerns in other parts of the world. With the end of the Cold War, the US has turned its focus to South American economic potential and those issues of transnational concern. Complicating this renewed interest is the South American perception and suspicion of external intervention and threats to sovereignty.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 02, 1998
- Accession Number
- ADA441930
Entities
People
- Glenn M. Desoto
- Katharine J. Burton
Organizations
- National War College