The national security interests of the United States in Latin America are related to the overall objectives of U.S. policy. These objectives include the protection and defense of U.S. citizens, the development of regional security by supporting democratic allies, and the maintenance of an open and free economic system (Bush, 1990, p. 1). These basic strategic interests apply to the Latin American region as well as to the rest of the world. As noted by General Fred Woerner (1989), U.S. security policy in Latin America throughout this century has been focused on shared interests which include "economic and social well-being and national defense" (p. 329). In addition, the United States has been committed to supporting democratic and economic development in the region (p. 329).
Lowenthal (1990) has pointed out that there are three major threats to these national security interests (pp. 314-315). These are the debt crisis, drug trafficking, and the fragility of Latin America's democratic governments. The debt crisis poses a threat to Latin America's economic development and the drug problem creates a threat to the security and safety of U.S. citizens. In addition, the U.S. objective of preserving stability in the region has resulted in a policy of "nurturing Latin American democracy" (Lowenthal, 1990, p. 315). It may also be noted that the solution of each of these problems is dependent upon the solution of the other two. Thus, the development of democracy is dependent upon the development of free trade, and the development of both of these is related to the removal of drug trafficking organizations.
The health of the economy of the United States is dependent to a large degree on the health of the economies of the Latin American countries. Woerner (1989) indicates that Latin America is an important source for strategic raw materials. In addition, the region provides a valuable export market for the United States as wel...