US Military Policy towards the Caribbean in the 1990s

Abstract

Ever since the United States attained its independence in 1783, one of its basic security concerns has been the defence of its frontiers. But its frontiers at that time were fluid, so fluid in fact that its present boundaries with Mexico, Canada, the Pacific and the Caribbean attest to a remarkable process of expansion lasting more than a hundred-odd years. Referred to as the ‘back yard’, the ‘American Mediterranean’ and, more recently, as the ‘front porch’ of the United States, the Caribbean region is the only one where a US military presence (including interventions) has been constant throughout its history. This chapter examines US military policy towards the Caribbean region during the twentieth century by dividing it in five phases. Emphasis is on the last two phases, comprising the Cold War and its afteraiath. A detailed analysis is made of the impact of recent international changes in the regional military policy of the United States, specifically of the role of the US Atlantic Command (LANTCOM). First, however, we proceed to a brief historical overview and a discussion of the first three phases of US policy towards the Caribbean.

The United States possesses, both by geographical propinquity and historical tradition, a legitimate interest in the Caribbean area. What she does not possess is the illegitimate claim… to become policeman of the area. The American future in the region, then, depends upon whether Washington prefers to assert the illegitimate or legitimate role.

Gordon K. Lewis¹