Heine Offers Insight into Competition for Influence in Latin America

In an interview on Voice of America, Jorge Heine, Research Professor at Boston University’s Frederick S. Pardee School of Global Studies, discusses the state of relations between the United States, Latin America, and China in the wake of the recent Summit of the Americas.

In his remarks, Heine comments on the driving forces behind Latin America’s increased engagement with China, what this means for the region’s relations with the U.S., as well as the need to not mechanically align with one or the other on all major issues. This last sentiment echoes the central thesis Heine makes in his latest book, Active Non-Alignment and Latin America: A Doctrine for the New Century. in which he and his co-authors argue that steering clear of siding with either of the great powers and focusing strictly on Latin America’s own interests is the best strategy for the future. 

Heine’s full interview can be viewed below.

Ambassador Jorge Heine is a Research Professor at the Pardee School of Global Studies at Boston University. He has served as ambassador of Chile to China (2014-2017), to India (2003-2007) and to South Africa (1994-1999), and as a Cabinet Minister in the Chilean Government. Read more about Ambassador Heine on his faculty profile.