US militarisation of Latin America risks undermining democracy and stability
This digest was compiled by AI from multiple sources — links to the originals are below.
The US is expanding military operations across Latin America under the Americas Counter-Cartel Coalition (ACCC), launched by President Donald Trump in March. The coalition includes 17 Latin American and Caribbean nations and has conducted strikes on suspected drug trafficking vessels. Analysts warn the militarisation could undermine democracy and increase violence in the region.
Key Facts
- The Americas Counter-Cartel Coalition (ACCC) includes 17 Latin American and Caribbean nations, excluding Venezuela.
- On August 4, the US Southern Command announced the creation of the Western Hemisphere Joint Task Force to synchronize military operations with allies.
- In June, Trump revealed a US air strike in Venezuela's Bolivar state targeting Tren de Aragua leader Hector Guerrero Flores.
- The ACCC was created in Florida two months after a US ground operation in Venezuela deposed President Nicolas Maduro.
The Americas Counter-Cartel Coalition
The ACCC was launched by President Donald Trump in March and includes 17 Latin American and Caribbean nations. Venezuela is not officially part of the coalition but has opened its territory for US operations. With Venezuela's informal participation, the ACCC completes the 'Andean arc' covering all cocaine production distributed to the US and Europe. Trump stated the ACCC's mandate is to counter 'malign foreign influences from outside the Western Hemisphere', a veiled reference to China.
US Military Operations
In June, Trump revealed on Truth Social that the US army, in coordination with Venezuelan authorities, carried out an air strike targeting Hector Guerrero Flores, leader of Tren de Aragua, in Bolivar state. On August 4, the US Southern Command announced the creation of the Western Hemisphere Joint Task Force to synchronize US military operations with allies and partners. The task force will integrate command and control of the 18 members of the ACCC. The ACCC was created in Florida two months after a US ground operation in Venezuela deposed President Nicolas Maduro.
Regional Implications
The projection of US military power, whether through coordinated operations, US boots on the ground, or the use of regional bases, will not help improve regional security and fight crime. It could undermine democracy and usher in more violence and instability. Washington is seeking to reassert coercive hegemony over the region, in what appears to be a resurrection of the 1823 Monroe Doctrine, now renamed the Trump Corollary.
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