Marco Rubio's initial overseas trip as Secretary of State begins in Panama amid tensions related to Trump's aggressive policies towards Central America, which have prompted fears of economic fallout. With President Trump resorting to coercive tactics and military threats, regional leaders face enormous pressure, demonstrated by their fragmented response to U.S. overtures. Key focuses of Rubio's discussions will include immigration control, countering China's regional influence, and drug trafficking. Latin American nations are eager to maintain beneficial relations with the U.S., particularly in terms of trade and foreign aid, despite Trump's uncertain approach.
Latin American nations want to maintain the status quo in their U.S. relations: keeping trade open, maintaining American investments, and leaving the spigots of foreign assistance open.
It's every country for himself, said Michael E. Shifter, highlighting the fragmentation of the region. U.S. leaders know how easy it is to pick them off.
Mr. Rubio's visit comes during a tense period for the region, grappling with the potential economic repercussions of Mr. Trump's policies, including mass deportations.
Now, with Mr. Trump treating Latin America as a critical focus, the stakes are high for Mr. Rubio's overseas trip, marking a complex diplomatic landscape.
Collection
[
|
...
]