Latin American Diplomatic History: An Introduction

Here is a fresh and unconventional introduction to the history of Latin American international relations, from colonial times to the present. Previous works of this scope have been written with an emphasis on the Latin American policy of the United States or other “outside” nations. In this volume, the authors offer a pioneering study from a perspective that has been ignored in English-language books―that of the Latin American nations themselves.

Latin American Diplomatic History begins with the origins and nature of Latin American foreign policies and proceeds to the diplomatic conflicts and agreements of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. This synthesis draws out the persistent tensions among the Latin American countries―border conflicts, economic rivalries, population pressures, and ethnic clashes.

Latin American Diplomatic History includes an extensive bibliography with listings by both country and century. This straightforward historical survey will appeal to all professionals, laymen, and students with an interest in Latin American relations, and it will be a useful guide for those who intend further study.

Harold Eugene Davis is University Professor Emeritus of history and international service at American University.

John J. Finan is professor of Latin American studies at American University.

F. Taylor Peck taught at American University and George Washington University.