The End of the Monroe Doctrine

[Oberon]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-32261550

Obama has essentially ended 192 years of US policy regarding Southern America. Is this a wise move? It's certainly a shrewd foreign policy one, to take a more concilatory tone towards the United States southern neighbours, rather than the traditional 'You do as we say'.

Of course, the next president might well do a 180 on this declaration, and I dare say that the CIA isn't going to stop its missions in Southern America, but this is a big announcement to make, and I have no doubt it'll give the Republicans something to complain about.

[Betonov]

Well, we Europeans are certainly not capable of forcing any kind od influence, let alone colonise, in S. America.
American influence is already too far rooted by now so this is only a PR stunt.

The Monroe doctrine continues in all but name.

[Rockstar]

Originally Posted by Betonov

Well, we Europeans are certainly not capable of forcing any kind od influence, let alone colonise, in S. America.
American influence is already too far rooted by now so this is only a PR stunt.

The Monroe doctrine continues in all but name.

ummm you may not have the ability to colonize your own backyard now. but all of south, central and north america has been colonised and exploited by europeans and left a lasting impression. I suppose since Europeans have stopped or are unable to directly meddle in South America there is no need to enforce such a doctrine.

[Von Tonner]

I think the fat lady started singing on the MD when the Iron Lady went to claim her rocks back. Reagan sat and clapped.

[Gargamel]

Africa seems to be the only region left that "requires" meddling, from my Elitist American point of view.

But generally, the world is settled and matured enough, that most nation states should only request help, not require it.

[Rockstar]

Originally Posted by Gargamel

Africa seems to be the only region left that "requires" meddling, from my Elitist American point of view.

But generally, the world is settled and matured enough, that most nation states should only request help, not require it.

Frankly all the powers great and small meddle in foreign affairs to further their own interests. If anyone thinks otherwise they are simply naive or their governments have done a fantastic job diverting their attention elsewhere.

But ya wouldn't it be great if there were no borders and people were able to just mind there own business and live a peaceful life with their neighbor.

[Oberon]

Originally Posted by Gargamel

Africa seems to be the only region left that "requires" meddling, from my Elitist American point of view.

But generally, the world is settled and matured enough, that most nation states should only request help, not require it.

There is thought to be a quiet second scramble for Africa going on between the US and China, primarily for oil and precious metals, it's conducted mainly between petrochemical companies rather than by nations, but governmental support here and there makes it through. The Chinese are quite liked because they have cheap weapons, and no taboos about exporting them publicly:

[Betonov]

Originally Posted by Rockstar

ummm you may not have the ability to colonize your own backyard now.

I am quite capable of colonising my own backyard. I am exploiting it to the fullest with warm weather vegetables and other produce
I was also capable of colonising, not only my backyard, but my forest plot as I have a working cam ground and will soon be upgraded with a log cabin