http://worldcat.org/entity/work/id/437043965

Defense reform in Latin America and U.S. strategy

The October 1998 National Security Strategy states that our armed forces serve as a role model for emerging democracies around the world. We are attempting to shape the environment with the commitment of limited resources in order to strengthen new democracies. Shaping the environment in Latin America may prevent the U.S. from needing to respond in the future with a greater commitment of resources. Given the history of Latin American military involvement in politics, democracies cannot survive without military support. Reform of the defense establishments of these transition states is the primary way for the Department of Defense to encourage such support. This paper examines the effectiveness of this strategy within the U.S. Southern Command. It concludes that U.S. military engagement can contribute to democratically obedient armed forces in the region.

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