US Southern Command General Laura Richardson Reiterates Control Over Latin America's Natural Resources

In a recent talk at the Woodrow Wilson Center, General Laura Richardson, Commander of US Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM), reiterated the US government's intention to exert control over Latin America's natural resources. Richardson cited the need to prevent China and Russia from accessing these resources, framing it as a necessary step to defend the US homeland.

Why this matters: The US's intention to exert control over Latin America's natural resources has significant implications for global politics and international relations. This approach could lead to increased tensions with China and Russia, and have devastating environmental and social consequences for the region.

Richardson's comments were made during a talk titled "Preserving and Strengthening Democracy in Latin America". She presented a Manichean view of the world, dividing countries into "good guys" aligned with the US and "bad guys" aligned with China, Russia, and Iran. She emphasized the importance of being a "good neighbour" in the region.

General Richardson stated, "I look at the defence of our homeland as a number one priority. And so I go back to being a good neighbour and what that means. You want to have good neighbours around in your community and where you live. That's what you want, right? And to be a good neighbour and want to have good neighbours, you've got to be a good neighbour yourself."

Richardson also promoted "Plan Colombia"-style initiatives in Ecuador and Peru. These initiatives have been criticized for their devastating environmental and social impacts. The US House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee has acknowledged that Plan Colombia was a failure from a counter-narcotics perspective, despite providing short-term benefits from a counter-insurgency perspective.

In her talk, Richardson drew parallels between the Indo-Pacific region's "first and second island chain" and the Caribbean, Central America, and South America. She expressed suspicion over China's investments in critical infrastructure in these regions, implying that they may be motivated by extraneous interests.

General Richardson stated, "So, as we look at the Caribbean, Central America and South America, ... a lot of reference is given to... the first and second island chain (in the Indo-Pacific region). Well, I would say we have the first and second island chain to our homeland with the Caribbean and Central America and South America. And really so if you replicate that and you look at all the investment in critical (dual purpose) infrastructure by the People's Republic of China..., I'm a little suspicious that it's maybe for extra reasons."

Richardson's comments reflect a neo-colonial approach to Latin America, with the US seeking to exert control over the region's natural resources. The promotion of "Plan Colombia"-style initiatives in Ecuador and Peru, despite their known detrimental impacts, underscores the US's strategic interests in the region.

General Laura Richardson's remarks at the Woodrow Wilson Center highlight the US's ongoing strategy to maintain influence over Latin America's natural resources, aiming to curtail the reach of rival nations like China and Russia. This approach, while framed as a measure to protect US national security, continues to face criticism for its environmental and social repercussions in the region.

Key Takeaways

• US General Laura Richardson seeks to control Latin America's natural resources to counter China and Russia.
• This approach may lead to increased tensions with China and Russia and harm the environment and local communities.
• Richardson promotes "Plan Colombia"-style initiatives in Ecuador and Peru, despite their known negative impacts.
• The US views Latin America as a key region to defend its homeland and prevent rival nations' influence.
• This neo-colonial approach prioritizes US strategic interests over environmental and social concerns in the region.