1. Warm Up
Consider the geography and resources of North and South America. What interests does the United States have on those 2 continents?

2. The Monroe Doctrine
James Monroe warned the nations of Europe to stay out of the affairs of both North and South America
“any attempt on their part to extend their system to any portion of this hemisphere as dangerous to our peace and safety”
This was tested in 1867 in Mexico
Many Latin Americans saw this as a selfish policy designed to protect the political and economic interests of the United States

3. Foreign Policy in Latin America
Assist nations in the region in the fight against violent drug cartels and trafficking of humans and drugs
Mexico
Colombia
Help coordinate efforts to reduce violent crime in the region
Northern Triangle (El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras)

11. Foreign Policy in Latin America
Continued support for democratic governance
Cuba
Venezuela: speak out against human rights and political abuses
President Nicolas Maduro essentially leads a dictatorship
A rival government backed by the United States exists, since the opposition does not recognize Maduro as a legitimate leader

13. Closing
Which of the issues we discussed today about Latin America do you think is the most important for the United States to solve? Explain using details from today’s discussion.