Look at the Direction of US-Latin America Relations from Bush’s Visit to Latin America

From March 8th to 14th, 2007, US President George W. Bush paid an visit to five Latin American states of Brazil, Uruguay, Colombia, Guatemala and Mexico. This visit, with the largest number of Latin American states visited and the longest duration since Bush came to office, was an important diplomatic move that demonstrates the US's determination to regain its "backyard" as well as major policy adjustments of the US towards Latin America.     

On the Obama Administration＇s Latin America Policy

Unlike his predecessor George W. Bush whose Latin America policy is characterized with strong unilateralism, President Obama, while putting Latin America higher on his foreign policy agenda, has adopted an accommodating approach to the region in the aim of improving once rigid, even tense relations with countries in the region. However, as it has not fundamentally changed its hegemonic and arrogant habit, it is difficult for the Obama administration to ＂reset＂ its relations with Latin American countries.     

Has Latin America Become China＇s Backyard？

＂Latin America has become China＇s backyard＂ was a new idea espoused recently by Mr. Tim Johnson, a correspondent of the United States. This concept at once became a central topic of interest for the American press, Chinese newspapers as well as the international media. Has Latin America become China＇s backyard？ Is there any ground for skepticism about the China-Latin America relationship？ Does China have the intention or capacity to challenge the U.S. dominance in the Western Hemisphere？ How should China interact with the U.S. in that region？ These are the fresh issues that require removal of misunderstanding between China and the U.S.     

An Analysis of India＇s Latin America Policy

In the Cold War period, India took a relatively estrangementpolicy toward Latin America and relations between the two sides were fairly cold. With the adjustment of its policy after the end of the Cold War, India began to actively engage the Latin American countries, especially the major ones,     

Waterloo or Milestone of the Bush Administration

In the coming fouryears,the Middle Eastwillcon-tinue to be the strategic focus of the United States.It can be seen in an analysis of the recent years'situation that the Bush administration rather chose a war in the Middle East to achieve its strategicgoals than used non-military measures to do thesam ething.In the future the Bush administration might find it difficult to draw back from its policyon the Middle East,which will mean more losses than gains.This will probably continue to caused…     

The United States and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization： From Bush to Obama

Ever since the establishment of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization （SCO）, the relationship between the United States and the SCO has remained unclear. Despite some casual but not institutional contacts between each other, the bilateral relations are more like an empty shell. However, as two important actors in Central Asia, the United States and the SCO do have a certain relationship in the region.     

A General Review of the Situation in Latin America and the Caribbean in 2008

In 2008, Latin America and the Caribbean area maintained the momentum of economic growth. However, the pace of growth slowed down due to various factors. The stagnant impact of global financial crisis lashed on its economy was beginning to show its effect. The overall political situation in Latin America remained stable. But some countries experienced political turmoil, which had some impact on their political landscape countries, the ruling parties faced . In some with new challenges. In foreign relations, pragmatism and pluralism continued to be the main features. The role of regional diplomacy in promoting regional stability was conspicuous. Latin American countries have demonstrated strong will for regional integration. The relations between Latin America and other major regions in the world were enhanced at different levels. China-Latin America relations of partnership also witnessed further boost in various fields.     

Opportunities and Challenges in the Social Development of Latin America

Entering the threshold of the 21st century, Latin American countries, in active response tothe callsof the UN Millennium Summit, have been striving to     

Impact of Global Anti-Americanism on America＇s Soft Power

As a long-standing international political phenomenon, themeaning of anti-Americanism has all along been a controversial topic in the academic circle, and basically two opposing views have been formed. One is that anti-Americanism, which is prejudice and hostility toward the American society （American culture,     

Highlights of CAFIU＇s International Exchanges （From September to November 2008）

September
（1） September 3-5, CAFIU representative attended the 61＂ Annual Conference of UN Department of Public Information/Non-Governmental Organizations （DPI/NGO） in Paris.     

Russia＇s Rise and Its Relations with the United States

The trend of Russia-U.S. relations,one of the important bilateral relations in today's world,has always been an important factor affecting global strategic stability. Since the end of the Cold War,Russia's tussles with the United States     

China＇s Soft Power and the Development of China-Africa Relations

With the deepening of China-Africa relations in all fields, China's influence in Africa has been strengthening. This is     

Impressions of the Visit to Japan

At the invitation of the Kazankai Foundation, a 4- member delegation headed by Mr. Xu Jianguo, Secretary-General of Chinese Association for International Understanding （CAFIU）, visited Japan from January 9 to 16, 2008. Apart from Tokyo, the delegation also visited Nagano, Hiroshima and Fukuoka, and met with many old friends in Japan.     

What Makes America？--On Turner＇s Theory of Frontier

Frederick Jackson Turner argues in his ＂Frontier Thesis＂ that American democracy and individualism are shaped by adaptation to the environment and the exploitation of the frontier. The westward advance explains the development of America and the evolution of its national character. However, the weakness of his theory is that he does not define the nature of the frontier, or the exploitation of that frontier as a process. Although scholars and Presidents tend to proclaim the unique and exceptional traits of America, the rudiments of democracy originate from Europe. The Puritans in New England brought with them the idea of liberty and mission; the gentlemen of the Old South embodied the features of dignity, gallantry and hospitality; slave culture displayed a sense of humor and the pursuit of freedom and equality. All of these elements molded the colorful national character and culture of the United States of America.     

Impressions of the Visit to Japan

At the invitation of the International Initiatives of Change of Japan （IC-Japan）, I and other two members of CAFIU visited Japan from April 14 to 20. We were cordially received by the Japanese side.During the visit, we met with leaders of IC-Japan and had discussions with members of the association, and also called on old friends of the Kazankai Foundation.     

Effort Devoted to the Sino－Japanese Medical Exchanges──Note on the Visit of Kousyokai＇s Akio to China

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China-U.S. Relations： From ＂Standing Firm on the Ground at 30＂ to ＂Not Suffering from Perplexity at 40＂

Chinese philosopher Confucius once said that ＂at 30 I stood firm upon the ground, at 40 I no longer suffer from perplexity＂. Confucius＇ words prove that the current 30-year-old relations between China and the United States is basically standing firm on the ground. However, this relationship is by no means free from perplexities since there remain problems and troubles that might perplex its further development. In the next decade or even next 30 years, the two countries should make it their objective to push forward their relations from the current stage of firm-standing to a perplexity-free stage.