Latin America: How Russian and Chinese Influence will redefine the next 30 years of U.S. Foreign Policy

• In Event: Innovations in foreign policy analysis

Abstract

This project will look at the current Russian and Chinese influence that is being experienced throughout the region, analyze how it is changing politics and policies, as well as tap into the future effects it might have on the region 30 years from now. This research will draw on unclassified documents that exhibit their presence, as well as articles by scholars and journalists that discuss how disinformation and 21st century influence methods (such as language and social media) have changed the game of international politics. Latin America is the focus because it is the region with the most vulnerabilities when it comes to foreign aid, and with the changing of the tide on a political wave, China and Russia are no longer seen as a rare partner for trade, infrastructure, or economic growth. This constant presence has left the United States to fight for their sphere of influence. Because this is a recent development, the limited research on this topic revolves around how it is influencing us now. This project will dive into long-term consequences of having Chinese and Russian influence in the region, as well as how foreign policy will change based on its emergence. It will most likely include Barry Buzan’s Security: A New Framework for Analysis.

Authors

• Kamila P Manzueta, Columbia University GSAS

• Gustavo S Azenha, Columbia University