Trump Administration Inherits SOUTHCOM’s Expansion in Latin America and the Caribbean – Antiwar.com

 Trump Administration Inherits SOUTHCOM’s Expansion in Latin America and the Caribbean

During her tenure as Commander of the U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) from October 2021 to her retirement in November 2024, General Laura J. Richardson oversaw a significant expansion of U.S. military presence and strategic alliances in Latin America and the Caribbean. This initiative reflects Washington’s continued influence in the region, reinforcing a modern interpretation of the Monroe Doctrine aimed at maintaining U.S. dominance over hemispheric affairs, particularly concerning natural resources, trade routes, and geopolitical stability within the U.S. Rules-Based Order paradigm.

Expansion of U.S. Military Presence

Throughout the Biden Administration, under General Richardson’s leadership, the U.S. expanded its military footprint by bolstering existing bases and establishing new facilities. SOUTHCOM focused on key locations in Central America, the American Pacific Coast and the Caribbean, securing control over critical infrastructure and natural resources as well as countering foreign influence, specifically Washington’s perceived threat from China.

Colombia: With seven U.S. military bases (two naval, three air force, two army), Colombia remains one of the closest U.S. military partners in the region. Under Richardson, joint operations, training exercises, and infrastructure investments increased, ensuring U.S. influence over the country’s energy and mineral resources.

Ecuador: In 2023, the U.S. secured a security cooperation agreement with Ecuador, deploying military personnel and resources to combat narcotics trafficking and organized crime within Ecuador. Discussions ensued about developing a new security cooperation site, reinforcing U.S. oversight of regional security and economic interests. Additionally, the U.S. gained access to the Galápagos Islands for military operations, expanding maritime control in the Pacific.

Guyana: Amid Washington-provoked tensions with Venezuela, the U.S. bolstered military collaboration with Guyana. In late 2023, SOUTHCOM conducted joint operations with the Guyana Defense Force, including air and maritime security exercises, reinforcing ties with this key oil-producing nation.

Peru: In May 2023, amid social unrest following the parliamentary coup against Pedro Castillo, Peru’s Congress approved the deployment of U.S. troops to train the Peruvian military and National Police. The measure continued a tradition of U.S. military training in the region – a practice dating back to the 1990s Fujimori dictatorship when U.S. SOUTHCOM maintained multiple bases in the country.

Deepening Alliances and Military Partnerships

Beyond physical expansion, SOUTHCOM intensified diplomatic and military engagement through security agreements, joint training programs, and capacity-building initiatives, solidifying U.S. hegemony while ensuring continued access to strategic resources and trade routes.

National Guard’s State Partnership Program (SPP): In fiscal year 2024, SOUTHCOM and the National Guard engaged in over 300 joint military activities with partner nations, strengthening defense cooperation and crisis response capabilities.

Panama: Recognizing Panama’s strategic importance, in 2022 General Richardson reaffirmed commitments to securing the Panama Canal, enhancing joint security measures to ensure control over this critical global trade corridor.

Caribbean Operations: SOUTHCOM reinforced partnerships in the Caribbean through military training, counter-drug operations, and humanitarian assistance. In Haiti, the U.S. ramped up contingency operations…

🔗SOURCE ➡️ Antiwar.com

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