Diplomat says Latin American countries have ‘options’ besides the U.S.

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Is James Monroe spinning in his grave?

For decades, under the Monroe Doctrine, the United States regarded the Western Hemisphere as its sphere of influence, and warned Europe’s Great Powers to keep their imperialist, colonialist paws off this part of the planet.

But this is 2008, not 1823. Today’s emerging Great Powers, such as China, are more likely to pose an economic than a military challenge to U.S. dominance in the region, and the U.S. State Department is taking notice and reviewing its strategy, according to the Miami Herald.

‘The State Department’s top diplomat for Latin America said Tuesday that Washington is interested in avoiding conflict with the region and instead favors partnership and patience to strengthen relations,’ the Herald reports.

‘’ ‘We do not need to be walking through the Americas looking for additional confrontation, and we’re not,’ Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs Thomas A. Shannon, Jr. said in a speech in Coral Gables,’ Fla.

‘Shannon repeatedly stressed the profound political and economic changes that have occurred in Latin America as he outlined the Bush administration’s recent initiatives.’

‘’ ‘This is a very, very competitive environment,’ Shannon told a well-attended meeting organized by the University of Miami’s Center for Hemispheric Policy.’

‘As new democracies, many Latin American nations have redefined their national interests and established ties with Europe, Asia and other parts of the world, he said.’

‘’ ‘We are no longer the only option for these countries,’ said Shannon.’

‘Despite criticism about lack of interest in Latin America, Shannon said the Bush administration has been very engaged in regional issues and is trying to establish programs such as the proposed Merida initiative to extend $1.4 billion in aid to Mexico and Central America over the next three years to fight drug traffickers.’

-- Reed Johnson in Mexico City