Part 7/10:
The move underscores how tariffs are employed as tools of economic sanctions: they cut off economic oxygen to targeted nations, pressuring them to change policies or alliances. The sanctions aim to reinforce democratic principles while challenging countries seen as drifting toward socialist or authoritarian models.
The Latin American Context: Repeated Socialist Cycles
Latin America’s history of oscillating between populist, socialist, and neoliberal policies provides context for understanding these tensions. Countries like Argentina have recently experienced significant economic reforms that reduced inflation and poverty—highlighting the potential for pragmatic policies to stabilize nations.