What the US militarisation of Latin America could look like

Latin America is seeing growing military activity by the United States. Under the umbrella of the Americas Counter-Cartel Coalition (ACCC), launched by President Donald Trump in March, US forces are carrying out strikes on vessels suspected of drug trafficking, while US officials are deepening ties and cooperation with Latin American militaries.This reflects the growing push from Washington towards militarisation of the region, as left-wing politics decline. For Latin America, this may spell the return of coercive US policies.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. If anything, it could undermine democracy and usher in more violence and instability.Return of the Monroe DoctrineApart from the US, the ACCC includes 17 Latin American and Caribbean nations: Argentina, Bahamas, Belize, Bolivia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Guyana, Guatemala, Paraguay, Jamaica, Panama, Trinidad and Tobago, Honduras, El Salvador, the Dominican Republic, Colombia and Peru.Although Venezuela is not officially part of the coalition, it appears it has opened up its territo...