Paraguay and the United States: Distant Allies (United States & the Americas) (United States and the Americas Series) - Softcover

Frank O. Mora; Jerry W. Cooney

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0820329320 ISBN 13: 9780820329321

Publisher: The University of Georgia Press, 2007

Synopsis

Rare Book

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Review:

No other study tackles the topic of U.S.-Paraguayan relations in such a comprehensive manner. We see not only the story of diplomacy set at a nation-to-nation level with intricate political strategies fully defined, but also the adventures of eccentric expatriates living their lives in the most perilous or curious of circumstances. Paraguayans and Americans, scholars and casual readers alike, will be quite pleased with this book. - Thomas L. Whigham, author of The Paraguayan War

Synopsis:

Ranging from the 1840s through the early twenty-first century, this study of the two countries' shared political, economic, and cultural histories fills in significant gaps in our understanding of Paraguayan-U.S. relations. Frank O. Mora and Jerry W. Cooney tell how an initially rocky beginning between the two countries, marked by diplomatic posturing, shows of military force, and failed business schemes, gave way to a calmer period during which the United States backed Paraguay's territorial claims against its neighbors, prospects grew brighter for American entrepreneurs, and Paraguay embraced Pan Americanism. It was not until the 1930s, however, that the two countries engaged in earnest as the United States attempted to mediate the Chaco War between Paraguay and Bolivia. Then, as the authors write, "hemispheric solidarity in World War II, the cold war in Latin America, the 'balance of power' among states in the Rio de la Plata, and the question of U.S. support for, or aid to, Latin American dictators" became matters of mutual interest. The dictatorship of Alfredo Stroessner (1954-89) spanned much of this era, with a shared attitude of realpolitik typifying U.S.-

Paraguayan relations. Post-Stroessner, the United States has stood by Paraguay during its transition to democracy, despite lingering concerns about such issues as drug trafficking and intellectual piracy. The countries should grow closer with time, the authors conclude, if Paraguay resists the continent's leftward political shift and remains a solid partner in U.S. antiterror initiatives in South America.

About this edition

• Publisher: The University of Georgia Press
• Publication date: 2007
• ISBN 10: 0820329320
• ISBN 13: 9780820329321
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 336