U.S. Empire & Latin America
The list of U.S. invasions, occupations, coups and sanctions in Latin America is a mile long. It is after all, “our little region over here,” and our “backyard” according to policymakers in Washington. Starting with the Monroe Doctrine in 1823 the continent and its people have been a laboratory for U.S. intervention, a kind of piñata, a punching bag. As the U.S. became a world power techniques perfected in Latin America were then globalized. Today, once again Washington turns its hegemonic gaze south. The National Security Advisor John Bolton denounces the “troika of tyranny”— Cuba, Venezuela and Nicaragua and the leaders of those countries as “the three stooges of socialism.” Apparently with no sense of shame or of history Bolton declared, “We’re not afraid to use the phrase ‘Monroe Doctrine’ in this administration.”
Speaker
Lawrence Wilkerson
Lawrence Wilkerson teaches Government and Public Policy at William & Mary College. He was Secretary of State Colin Powell’s Chief of Staff and Associate Director of the State Department’s Policy Planning staff. Before working at the State Department, he served 31 years in the U.S. Army, retiring with the rank of colonel.
Larry A Andreassen –
Thanks, Col. Wilkerson, for your up-close and personal insight to a side of US involvement behind the scenes seldom seen in the mainstream.
DAY ACHESON –
Please do tell me WHO are those that will not see this overwhelmingly convincing perspective?! It has a large enough perspective of history to present a clear view of our past posture and such effect of this posture. It is indeed a valuable gift to all of us in this beautiful country for us as citizens to be able to reflect and then act in new and constructive ways. We can become a strong supportive contributor to this world of ours, locally and globally. Thank you Mr. Wilkerson.
Michael Halyard –
Wilkerson does an excellent job explaining the wrong-headed, often secret, foriegn policy that has brought death and destruction to many parts of the world. He explains how this hubris-inspired foriegn policy, like that of the Roman Empire, is leading to the end of the American Empire. Trump is not an aberration, but a continuation of the corporatist policies that have existed since the 1954 CIA led Guatemala coup. The Obama CIA Honduran Coup, and related interference in Latin America has resulted in unlivable conditions in those countries, leading to mass migration now headed towards our southern border.
Linda –
Amazing!
Arthur Panaro –
Professor Wilkerson’s lecture is overwhelming but welcome due to its range, depth and good will. Though I feel sad regarding the empire, at least his is a voice for good, though the wilderness is vast.
Kevin Flanigan –
Really enjoyed the broadcast. Good insight into what powers the coming collapse of the American Empire.
Max –
Outstanding due diligence on the military/industrial/intelligence state from one who was on the inside of the beast. If you have a weak stomach or high blood pressure, keep your meds handy. I knew this stuff was going down but Col. Wilkerson weaves it all together masterfully. His William & Mary students are fortunate to have such an objective and insightful instructor to connect the dots of US foreign policies and military actions with such clarity.