American protectionist economic policy and reduced Chinese imports in the United States has led to the phenomenon of “nearshoring.” Mexico has benefitted from this, having received higher foreign direct investment, particularly from China.

Using a missing finger on his left hand as a populist icon, Brazil’s new president may accelerate the de-Americanization process, joining with other Latin American leftists to promote fairness and justice and bridge the wealth gap.

U.S. policy has been greatly influenced by domestic anti-Cuba forces. The idea of engagement led to the loss of two Democratic seats in South Florida — a high price. The challenge for Biden now is to find a balance that avoids incurring the wrath of a key bloc of voters.

Whether China can create an alternative model for economic engagement in Latin America will largely depend on how well it reads history and avoids the worst pitfalls of its predecessors.

The United States on Thursday threatened to pull out of the annual meeting of the Inter-American Development Bank in China next week if Beijing refuses to allow a representative of Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido to attend.

American markets dominate the Mexican economy and will continue to do so for many decades, but the combination of China’s growing presence in Mexico and the election of a leftist firebrand to the Mexican presidency could further strain U.S. relationships with both of these countries.

The United States did not push Latin America and the Caribbean into China’s arms, but by pulling back, it created space for others to fill. Now, it appears that the United States seeks a course correction.

China’s most recent strides in Latin America are due in large part to a series of carefully crafted policies that advance China’s own interests while addressing Latin America’s top development priorities. The U.S. risks losing influence, competitiveness, and control in Latin America.

Is the Monroe Doctrine back?

The United States, China, and other nations are now faced with the decision as whether they will work together to put Venezuela on a more sustainable political and economic course. At some point soon, Beijing will have to determine whether China stands a better chance of realizing its fundamental interests by supporting Maduro or by working with the international community to press for change.