political science 146a winter 2014 peter h. smith u.s.-latin american relations
TRANSCRIPT
P O LITIC A L S C IEN C E 1 4 6 A
W IN TER 2 0 1 4
P ETER H . S M ITH
U.S.-LATIN AMERICAN RELATIONS
CONTACT INFO
[email protected] Science Building 364Wednesday 2-4
Kelly [email protected] Science Building 343Friday 9-11
Key Questions
What is the current state of U.S. relations with Latin America?
What (if anything) is unique or “new” about the present situation? How much have we seen before?
Where is the relationship headed? What might the future hold?
Subtext: strong vs. weak, disparity in power
Key Questions
What is the current state of U.S. relations with Latin America?
What (if anything) is unique or “new” about the present situation? How much have we seen before?
Where is the relationship headed? What might the future hold?
Subtext: strong vs. weak, disparity in power
Course Design
Course Structure and Conceptual Approaches
Historical Stages1. Imperialism in the Americas2. Cold War in the Americas3. The 1990s: From Geopolitics to Geoeconomics
The Contemporary Scene: 9/11-present
1. The War on Terror and Global Realities2. Neglect and Opportunity for Latin America3. The Political Economy of Drug Trafficking4. Migration and Latino Communities5. Barack Obama and the Politics of Hope (?)
Conclusion and Review
The Contemporary Scene: 9/11-present
1. The War on Terror: Geopolitics and Global Realities
2. Opportunity for Latin America3. The Political Economy of Drug Trafficking4. Migration and Latino Communities5. Barack Obama and the Politics of Hope (?)6. Conclusion and Review
Analytical Tools
Nation-state as unit of analysis (not markets, not psychology)
International systems with distinct “rules of the game”Formulation of “grand strategies” (depending on
perceptions of world arena)Disparities in power“Hard” vs. “soft” power
POINTS OF ENTRY
Readings: Smith, Talons of the Eagle, 4th edition (2013) Domínguez and Fernández de Castro, Contemporary
U.S.-Latin American RelationsVideos (as shown)Guest speakers
ASSIGNMENTS AND DATES
February 19: “mock” midterm March 5: 10-12 page analytical papers (50% of course
grade)TBA: Closed-book final exam (50% of course grade)
“MISSING”
How accurate the factual detail?Role of Chilean military and/or Pinochet?Degree of U.S. complicity?Why the powerful so fearful?Could such a thing happen today? Why or
why not? Where or where not?
“MISSING”
How accurate the factual detail?Role of Chilean military and/or Pinochet?Degree of U.S. complicity?Why the powerful so fearful?Could such a thing happen today? Why or
why not? Where or where not?
PARTING THOUGHTS
Have fun in this course!
Q: If ignorance is bliss, knowledge must be…. ?
A CAST OF CHARACTERS
