Welch, P: US-Caribbean Relations

This book surveys the historical orgins of US foreign policy in the Caribbean region . It takes a close look at the invasion of Grenada by US forces in the 1980s and places that invasion in the context of that historical picture. It argues that ultimately, Caribbean political decision-making is constrained by the reality of the powerful and much bigger neighbour to the North. In considering the historical factors that govern US relations with the Caribbean islands and mainland territories, it is noted that the Monroe Doctrine, first promulgated in the 1820s, became the primary document detailing US policy. Later, the first President Roosevelt issued what was termed as the Roosevelt Corollary to the Monroe Doctrine. What this further emphasized was that the US political directorate was determined to export its brand of Anglo-Saxon civilization and governance, particularly where it was felt that countries in the sub-region lacked the political will and development to handle their own socio- economic and political affairs.