1. POPULAR CULTURE AND U.S. POLICY TOWARD LATIN AMERICA

2. KEY PERSPECTIVES
1. U.S. more powerful than countries of Latin America (including region as a whole)
2. Therefore U.S. has wide latitude for policy—though decision-making often restricted or “bounded” by ideology
3. And Latin America has less latitude, must operate within (explicit or implicit) limits

3. LATIN AMERICAN RESPONSES
1. Result of rational calculations, thus “rational choice”
2. Not psychological: love-hate relationships, adolescent outlooks, etc.
3. Menus of “strategic options”—in differing periods, under differing circumstances—key topic here
4. Hence view of dynamic relationship, not only U.S. policy

4. PUBLIC OPINION AND FOREIGN POLICY
Questions:
Does popular culture matter?
Does public opinion shape foreign policy?
What is the role of mass media?

5. America’s Prestige around the World, 1999-2006

6. Popular Support for GWB and Iraq Policy

7. BASIC HYPOTHESES
1. Public opinion has significant effects, especially in democracies
2. Public opinion has little if any effect:
a. foreign policy belongs to bureaucrats and/or big business
b. citizens unconcerned or uninformed
b. international issues do not win elections: “all politics is local”
3. State apparatus can mold and mobilize public opinion, which in turn provides legitimacy for elite decisions

8. PAUSING A MOMENT…
What kinds of attitudes are relevant? And where do they come from?
Information?
Media
Education
Experience?
Socialization?
Friends
Family
Institutions/associations

9. AND NOW…. Taking an intergenerational perspective, let us examine…
Hollywood’s depictions of Latin America, especially during post-WWII period
Question: How much has changed?

10. “The Gringo in Mañanaland”
The hero discovers paradise
The hero has a dream about bananas
The hero has a problem with women
And with bandits
The hero calls in the Marines (who save the day)
The bandits cooperate (from prison)
The Good Neighbors are happy