Brief description
In recent years the fundamental importance of the Latin American region has been underscored by a range of significant developments: revolution, counter-revolution and military confrontation in Central America; the Latin American debt crisis and its implications for the world economy; the spread of neo-liberal policies; the inclusion of Mexico in NAFTA; the potential global implications of the destruction of the environment. Latin America has also been a key component in the formulation of US foreign policy, and relations between the North and South of America provide a guide to the likely future of relations between developed and developing worlds. This module examines how Latin America has been influenced by international forces, as well as how developments within the region have, in turn, had an impact on the international system.

Aims
The aim of this module is to provide an introduction to the Latin American region and to its role in international politics.

Objectives
By the end of this module you will be able:

• assess the legacy of the Spanish and Portuguese colonial period.

• describe US interests in the region and how these have been promoted and protected.

• describe the differential impact of international forces on gender relations in the region.

• assess the causes of the debt crisis and its implications for Latin American countries.

• discuss the impact of the drugs trade.

• describe the role of inter-regional co-operation and security organisations.

• assess the extent of environmental degradation and its implications.

10 ECTS Credits