Right-wing Latin American leaders are openly backing Donald Trump for the upcoming US presidential election. Javier Milei‚ Nayib Bukele‚ and Jair Bolsonaro (along with their allies) have shown support for the former president
These leaders think Trumps return to office would stop US meddling abroad and make the world more peaceful. Eduardo Bolsonaro‚ the ex-presidents son said at a conference in Brazil about two years ago “With Trumps election we can see a major turnaround And we will God willing“
However‚ evidence suggests that Trumps return might lead to more US involvement in Latin America – just like during his first term. Back then‚ he used tough methods against Cuba and Venezuela and tried to get countries to ban Huawei (a Chinese tech company)
A second Trump presidency could mean more pressure on Latin American countries to choose sides between the US and China. This might cause problems in the region‚ like it did before when many countries got closer to China
Trump and his allies have supported the Monroe Doctrine which was made about 200 years ago. This old policy was often used as an excuse for US to get involved in Latin American affairs. At a UN meeting roughly 6 years ago‚ Trump said that the US rejects foreign nations interfering in the Western Hemisphere
The Monroe Doctrine is alive and well
Trumps isolationist foreign policy for the rest of the world seems to mean a stronger desire to control the Western Hemisphere. This detail is often missed by his supporters in the region
Looking back Trumps strategy in Latin America didnt work well. Despite tough sanctions and threats‚ the governments he targeted are still in power. His efforts to get countries to ban Huawei or reduce ties with China didnt succeed either
Latin American countries have been able to resist US pressure and keep good relations with both the US and China. They take a practical approach to foreign relations‚ trying to benefit from ties with different world powers
In the end‚ Trumps attempts to reduce Chinas role in Latin America through a renewed Monroe Doctrine will probably backfire again. Latin American leaders see his unpredictable approach to foreign affairs as unstable and feel they need to balance their relations with the US by strengthening ties with other major powers