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

by Peter H. Smith

Talons of the Eagle offers a vivid portrayal of the last two hundred years of U.S.-Latin American relations, casting new 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 U.S. 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. With an entirely new introduction and thorough revisions of the last four chapters and conclusion, as well as completely updated bibliography, this continues to be the ideal text for students in general courses on Latin American history and politics as well as courses on U.S. and inter-American foreign relations.

Genres: History, Politics, Nonfiction, American History, International Relations, Latin American History, Political Science

432 pages, Paperback

First published April 18, 1996

Reviews

[Eren Buğlalılar · Rating 3 out of 5]

Half of the book is a good summary of historical relations between the US imperialism and the South American nations starting from the 19th century, but nothing original. Smith's analysis blends various approaches from World Systems Theory, great powers competition, a pinch of class analysis. I found the general analytical framework of the book to be quite similar to LaFeber's Inevitable Revolutions: The United States in Central America. Narrative is very similar too: Cold War ended and finally democratic and independent regimes could be established.

The second half of the book is dedicated to a boring analysis of the US policy in South America after 1990 with various left-liberal recommendations, and it is already outdated.

[Kelsi · Rating 5 out of 5]

An approachable primer on the politics and history of US and Latin American relations throughout the last century, this is a must-read. This book lends a deeper context to the distrust Latin America has for the US and the connotations of present day US involvement.

[Kelsey]

I don't normally rate textbooks. Very straightforward and informative.

[Hannah (Klein) Rockwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Instrumental in understanding US imperialism and interferences in Latin America.

[Cole · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read (most of) this book for my International Relations of Latin America class this last semester. It gives an in-depth account of the history of Latin America, especially with their relations with the United States. The talons of the eagle represents the US's hold on Latin American affairs. This book is very insightful for people interested in why Latin America is the way it is, and the US's role in the region!

[Taire Cuevas · Rating 4 out of 5]

A history of Latin America- US relation.A comprehensive book that explains the many issues that Latin America faced and is facing right now due to US imperialism. Furthermore, this book also analyzes Latin America's responses to the United States.

Very good. I find it depressing the way Latin America has been manipulated, violated and misunderstood over and over.

[Edward · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was OK. The premise was alright but the book consisted of listing off meetings, accords, panels, think groups, accords, etc. Pretty dry stuff, particularly if this is your first time being exposed to this. Was considering using it for a class but won't work after all.

[Naeem · Rating 4 out of 5]

An analysis limited to some of the things done by the US to other peoples and societies in the Americas.

[Matt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Certainly learned a lot

[Jon-David · Rating 1 out of 5]

Incredibly biased and actually has inaccurate data. Other than that it was a decent read.

[Roger Green · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent and informative history of the U.S. influence and imposition on the region. Smith makes a broad but defensible argument that U.S. policy toward Latin America has been based on imperialist tendencies from the beginning. It is an important corrective to ideological assumptions about U.S. commitment to democracy around the world.