Donald Trump launched the Shield of the Americas in Florida, a military coalition with 17 Latin countries to combat cartels and drug trafficking. The initiative, formalized by the Doral Declaration this weekend, also aims to curb the influence of China and Russia in the region. Brazil was left out.
What is the main objective of this new military coalition?
The central focus is the use of military force to destroy drug cartels and human trafficking networks in Latin America. Trump compared the initiative to the international alliance used to defeat the Islamic State. In addition to security, the plan serves to reaffirm the power of the United States on the continent, creating barriers against investments and military presence from rival countries, such as China and Russia.
Why didn’t Brazil and other important countries join the plan?
Brazil, Mexico and Colombia are not part of the alliance. In the Brazilian case, there is a political impasse: the current government resists classifying factions such as the PCC and Comando Vermelho as terrorist groups, a term defended by the USA. Brazilian diplomats fear that this classification gives freedom to Americans to carry out direct military interventions in the national territory, harming the country’s autonomy.
How will cooperation between participating armies work?
The agreement provides for the standardization of training, the sharing of intelligence information and logistical support on trafficking routes, especially in the Caribbean and the Pacific. Countries like Paraguay have already approved agreements that allow the free movement of United States troops and equipment within their territory, in addition to guaranteeing that American military personnel on missions only respond to justice in their own country.
How is China affected by this strategy?
The United States wants to regain its position as preferred partner in the region. The Shield of the Americas seeks to hinder Chinese advancement in sensitive areas, such as 5G technology, energy and port infrastructure. By consolidating American military and regulatory standards among Latin allies, Washington creates a shield against the technological and economic dependence that China has been building over the last decade.
Can the United States act alone even without an invitation from a country?
Yes, this possibility is not ruled out. The American government adopts a security doctrine that allows unilateral military actions if they understand that there is an ‘imminent threat’. Although the preference is to act together with neighbors who signed the Doral Declaration, the US Secretary of War stated that the country is prepared to act offensively against organized crime on its own.
Content produced based on information gathered by the Gazeta do Povo team of reporters. To access the full information and delve deeper into the topic, read the report below.
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