In this article from The Diplomat, author Dawisson Belém Lopes opens up by giving historical examples of countries using a method called pendulum diplomacy. This form of diplomacy involves a third party country avoiding full investment in a single country when conflict arises between multiple governmental superpowers. The author first gives the example of Brazil reaping benefits from both the United States and Nazi Germany following World War II. Egypt is also mentioned in reference to the Egyptian president, Gamal Abdel Nasser’s refusal to choose sides during the Cold War, allowing them to prevent losing territory or jurisdiction within certain regions of Egypt. The author proceeds with more examples of pendulum diplomacy in Latin America following World War II, noting Brazilian President Kubitschek’s Operation Plan America, which forced JFK to pour funds into an impoverished Latin America, protecting the vulnerable South American countries from communist influence.

Juscelino Kubitschek, Brazilian president responsible for Operation Plan America

Link to picture: https://archive1.jfklibrary.org/JFKWHP/1962/Month%2004/Day%2003/JFKWHP-1962-04-03-C/JFKWHP-AR7144-G.jpg

In the final section of the article, Lopes discusses the modern day application of pendulum diplomacy. In recent years, a need has arisen for the now dormant use of pendulum diplomacy. But whether or not such tactics will work in today’s society, the author expresses doubts. For one, the region does not contain any of the world’s dominant superpowers (at the moment), and Latin America is expressly non nuclear, increasing the threat of Chinese and Russian intervention. Furthermore, difficulties to pursue strengthened relationships with the US have increased as a result of the Trump administration and it’s unprofessional prejudice towards Latin America. For this reason, several counties in South America have shifted their dependance away from countries like China, Japan, and South Korea, and instead are focusing on leveling their relationships across Asia. This means emphasizing trade between countries in Southeast Asia, like Taiwan, as mentioned in the article. Resulting from the recent conditions and arising conflicts between governmental superpowers, Latin American countries may likely look for new tactics to ensure their prosperity in the 21st century.

Hub of business and Brazilian metropolitan culture in São Paulo where the growth of the city can be seen at an exponential rate. Avenida Paulista, São Paulo, Brazil.

Link to picture: https://www.instagram.com/will.kos/

Little perspective and opinion on Latin America is shown, until the end of the article where an image of poverty and corruption is illustrated about Latin America. The author holds a surprisingly aggressive and ignorant viewpoint on South America. Interesting enough, Lopes references an “ugly” speech by Donald Trump in which the president remarks Latin Americans (Mexicans) as “outlaws” and “rapists.” Two paragraphs later, Lopes describes all of Latin America as one region, saying that Latin America as a whole, “does not apparently have what it takes to becoming a strategic asset to either side of the Pacific Ocean – North America and Asia,” (Lopes).  By grouping Latin America as a whole into one, this scrutinizes the ability and potential of countries like Brazil who are soon to join the world’s top economies. However, the author is correct that Brazil and other Latin American countries are unable to compete with the US and China in their current state.

The class theme expressed in this article outlines encounters in Latin America from outside forces. The primary concern of countries like China and the US is to exploit Latin American countries who rely on their aid. As Latin American economic influence begins to increase, both Latin America and its allies must adapt in order to declare their dominance over one another. In this instance, some Latin American countries such as Brazil have the power to rival the world’s largest economies, and reverse their economic reliance on them.

Picture of the Museum of Tomorrow, built before the Olympics, the museum focuses on the future of the earth, and how countries will be forced to adapt in order for the human race to prosper. Museo do Amanhã (Museum of Tomorrow), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Link to picture: http://imgsapp2.correiobraziliense.com.br/app/noticia_127983242361/2017/07/22/610899/20170719143643158816a.jpg

In the New York Times article In Latin America, Pence Aims to Soften ‘America First’ Message, the author, Ernesto Londono, outlines a recent trip by Vice President Mike Pence to several countries in Latin America. The purpose of his visit being to President Trumps “America first” message, however little action is actually being taken. The US plans to create deals to open imports of avocados from Columbia, and exports of rice to Columbia, with the author regarding Pence’s actions as doing “ little in the way of concrete measures to announce,” (Londono). Many Latin Americans are hesitant to believe that the Trump administration truly intends to work towards a greater compromise for the US and its allies. Instead, many have stated that they are fearful of the common theme of the US being a bully. The severity is of this current crisis is apparent when a Member of the US Congress notes that, “unsure of what the White House’s intentions are and fear either a return to the days of U.S. arrogance and bullying or, at best, benign neglect,” (Member of US congress).

Furthermore, this statement comes from Mexican media outlets, giving the weight of the Member of Congress’s statement further magnitude. Camila Capriglioni, 21, a medical student in Buenos Aires proclaims that,.“if I put myself in the shoes of an American citizen, I understand the appeal of trying to prioritize your national interests.” The US has no reason to act so hostile towards Latin American countries; his intents are extreme.

The strong-willed Latin American community coming forth and visualizing their opinions to the Vice President of the United States, personifies nothing less than the bully that Donald Trump has become in concordance with Latin America. The class theme of Identity can be seen here with the Latin American decisiveness portrayed by general population that inhabits Latin america.

Link: https://www.nytimes.com/2017/08/16/world/americas/latin-america-pence-trump-relations-united-states.html

Link to video: https://nyti.ms/2vBDvsb