Talons of the Eagle: Dynamics of U.S.-Latin American Relations, 2nd Edition [Paperback]

Peter H. Smith (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0195129989 | ISBN-13: 978-0195129984 | Publication Date: September 9, 1999 | Edition: 2

This text offers a vivid portrayal of the last 200 years of US-Latin American relations, casting light on issues such as economic integration, environmental protection, drug trafficking and undocumented migration. Rather than concentrating only on US policy, as many texts do, it addresses the structural relationships of both regions. Focusing on international systems, the distribution of power, and the perception and pursuit of national interests, Smith uncovers recurrent regularities in the interaction between the US and Latin America and offers a compelling analysis of the continuity and change in their relations, as well as provocative insights into the possible future of these relations. This second edition contains an entirely new introduction and thorough revisions of the last four chapters and conclusion, as well as a completely updated bibliography.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Smith, the coauthor of a widely read text on Latin American history, provides a well-written, provocative exploration of the relationship between Latin America and the United States since independence. Synthesizing other works, the author uses an international relations approach to illuminate the posture of each toward the other and to speculate about the consequences of their interaction. Although Smith explores many variables in explaining the relationship, he considers extrahemispheric actors fundamental, seeing the relationship as having traveled through three stages: imperial, Cold War, and uncertainty. He concludes that over time this relationship responded to prevailing international rules but that these rules are as yet undefined for the immediate future. An excellent overview; highly recommended for academic collections.?Roderic A. Camp, Latin American Ctr., Tulane Univ., New Orleans
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review

"Excellent book! Helps to shape the nature of the U.S./Latin American relations for new students of Latin American Politics and refocuses many old students of Latin America on the core issues."--Anthony C. Coveny, Belmont University

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Product Details

• Paperback: 432 pages
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA; 2 edition (September 9, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0195129989
• ISBN-13: 978-0195129984
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.1 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #993,670 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars First rate interdisciplinary approach to history., September 14, 1998

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TCB (Birmingham, Al) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Talons of the Eagle: Dynamics of U.S.-Latin American Relations (Paperback)

In this very readable historiacl survey of U.S.-Latin American realations, Smith develops a template which demonstrates the logic of U.S. policy and Latin American response within the context of the global situation. To accomplish this, he breaks history into three general time periods: 1790s-Cold War, The Cold War, and the post-Cold War. In each of these periods, Smith develops the global context or "rules of the game", then moves on to the resulting U.S. policy. He finishes each historical era with an incisive analysis of Latin American options for response. This book is a must for students of Latin America and certainly for those individuals whose activities, whether they be commercial or official in nature, are shaping the book's next chapter.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must-have, March 26, 2011

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rosque - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Talons of the Eagle: Latin America, the United States, and the World (Paperback)

I had the privilege of having Peter H. Smith as my professor last quarter and this quarter, and of course he assigned his book. A very interesting read on the history of US-Latin American relations. He has a very unique and interesting perspective--one that I've adopted as my own. I've been thinking about letting my dad borrow it since I know he really loves history, but only when it's written in an imaginative, non-boring way. I recommend this book to anyone who is interested in the history of US-Latin American relations starting all the way back from European imperialism to George H. W. Bush's presidency.

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Very solid analysis, September 19, 2007

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NMBS (Ecuador) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Talons of the Eagle: Dynamics of U.S.-Latin American Relations, 2nd Edition (Paperback)

Very good analysis. Well written. An excellent read whether you are a beginner or somewhat versed in LatAm and US relations. It serves as a great review of history as well.