Secretary of State Marco Rubio embarks on his first international diplomatic mission, visiting five countries in Latin America to address key regional issues and concerns.
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As Secretary of State Marco Rubio embarks on his first international trip, he is set to visit five countries in Latin America: El Salvador, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Panama, and the Dominican Republic.
A Rare Focus on Latin America
It is unusual for an American secretary of state to begin their travels by visiting Latin America. In 2001, Colin Powell made a one-day trip to Mexico as part of President George W. Bush‘s meeting with the Mexican president. However, Rubio’s whirlwind tour of Latin America is reminiscent of Philander Chase Knox’s visit in 1912, when he traveled to Panama and spent a month crisscrossing the region.
‘This is a really interesting moment for US relations with Latin America,’ said Benjamin Gedan of the Wilson Center, highlighting the significance of Rubio’s trip. ‘Threats of tariffs against Mexico and Colombia have raised questions about the nature of inter-American relations over the next four years, and we’ll get important signals from what Secretary Rubio says publicly and privately.’
The relationship between the United States and Latin America has undergone significant changes throughout history.
Initially, the Monroe Doctrine (1823) asserted US influence in the region, followed by the Roosevelt Corollary (1904), which granted the US authority to intervene in Latin American affairs.
The Good Neighbor Policy (1933-1945) marked a shift towards cooperation and non-intervention.
Post-WWII, the Alliance for Progress (1961-1970) aimed to promote economic development and social reform.
However, the 1980s saw a resurgence of US interventionism, particularly during the Reagan administration.
Today, relations are characterized by complex trade agreements, migration issues, and competing interests in regional security.
The China Factor

Rubio has expressed concerns about Chinese companies controlling major ports at the entry and exit to the Panama Canal. In case of conflict, he believes that Chinese companies could turn the canal into a choke point. This is not an isolated concern, as Leland Lazarus from Florida International University notes that for some Latin American countries, China has become a major trading partner.
China has become a significant player in Latin America, with investments exceeding $100 billion since 2005.
China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) aims to establish trade routes connecting Asia, Europe, and Africa, with Latin America playing a crucial role.
Chinese companies have invested heavily in infrastructure projects, such as ports, railways, and energy facilities.
Brazil, Argentina, and Chile are among the top recipients of Chinese investment.
The BRI has created jobs and stimulated economic growth, but also raises concerns about debt sustainability and environmental impact.
‘I think he’s got to provide actual alternatives and not just tell countries China is bad,’ ‘You can’t do business with China because that is just not feasible for many countries in the region.’
The US and China have been vying for influence in Latin America, with both nations investing heavily in the region's economies.
The US has traditionally maintained strong ties with countries such as Mexico and Brazil, while China has focused on smaller nations like Ecuador and Peru.
According to a 2020 report by the Inter-American Dialogue, Chinese investment in Latin America reached $135 billion between 2005 and 2019.
Meanwhile, the US has been critical of China's growing presence, citing concerns over unfair trade practices and human rights abuses.
Rubio’s Views Align with Mainstream American Foreign Policy
As the first Latino secretary of state, Rubio has a unique perspective on Latin America. However, his views are also consistent with those who have come before him. Alexander Aviña from Arizona State University notes that there will be more continuity than change in policy.
For example, Rubio’s opposition to authoritarianism and socialism in Cuba and Venezuela is reflected in his upcoming visit to El Salvador, where President Nayib Bukele has become a rising authoritarian figure in Latin America.
‘This is in line with one of the central contradictions of American foreign policy in Latin America,’ ‘You can target certain countries as kind of convenient enemies, but then you also have to work with inconvenient allies to help project and maintain U.S. geopolitical power or influence in the region.’