BLUF: Washington Turns West

As year one of the Trump administration has unfolded, it’s clear that the Western Hemisphere has taken increased priority. Recent reporting suggesting that the Western Hemisphere will have a larger emphasis in the forthcoming National Security Strategy – as compared to years past – combined with U.S. actions in the region reflect the administration’s growing interest and focus on reaffirming security across Latin America. 

The renewed emphasis comes at a time as China has expanded its economic, technological, and military footprint across Latin and South America. Over the past two decades, Beijing has become South America’s largest trading partner, investing billions through its Belt and Road Initiative. China has also deepened its presence in critical sectors such as energy and infrastructure, industries historically relied on from the U.S.

Against this backdrop, President Trump’s second-term strategy toward the region might both reassert American influence through initiatives that aim to both counter Chinese leverage and reduce dependency on adversarial markets – echoing broader efforts in the Indo-Pacific. In short, the Western Hemisphere is emerging in many ways as the next front in the global competition with Beijing.

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