A monograph by R. Evan Ellis of the U.S. Army War College has called for a rethink of the Department of Defense’s strategy in Latin America in light of China’s growing influence in the region. The publication, “Toward a More Effective DOD Contribution to Strategic Competition in the Western Hemisphere,” warns of the threat posed to U.S. interests by China’s expanding economic and political ties in Latin America.
The work outlines various risks associated with Chinese control over critical infrastructure, including digital networks, ports and space facilities. Such control, Ellis warns, could be exploited for espionage or military advantage. He also points out that Chinese support for authoritarian regimes indirectly allows these governments to harbor criminals, terrorists and other rivals to U.S. interests, raising concerns about Beijing’s potential leverage in the region during conflicts with the United States.
To address these challenges, Ellis advocates for a new “effects-based” approach to countering China’s influence by strengthening collaboration with democratic partners, encouraging limits on interactions with China in sensitive sectors and coordinating strategies to prepare for potential military conflict.
He also emphasizes enhancing the Pentagon’s operational tools through increased funding for security assistance, better interagency cooperation, and a cultural shift toward a more proactive military posture.
Ultimately, the report stresses the importance of winning the hearts and minds of the country’s Latin American partners, building their trust, and effectively communicating the benefits of aligning with the U.S. and the risks associated with close ties to China.
“Ellis argues that the U.S. military must take a hard look at the limitations of existing tools, including the level of resources, coordination challenges, and rules that may limit the agility and effectiveness of the U.S. response,” C. Anthony Pfaff, director of SSI and the US Army War College Press, wrote in the monograph’s foreword.
“The U.S. must double down on fixing what can be fixed and limiting reliance on what cannot reasonably be fixed.”
This renewed emphasis on Latin America coincides with broader U.S. government efforts to restrict China’s access to advanced technology. For instance, in December, the Department of Commerce implemented tighter export controls on semiconductor manufacturing equipment to prevent Beijing from using advanced technology to strengthen its military capabilities, particularly in artificial intelligence and next-generation weapon systems that threaten U.S. security.