This course will introduce students to the evolution of inter-American affairs, with an emphasis on past and present relations between the United States and Latin America. Our overarching goal for the semester is to understand the consequences of US-Latin American relations for democracy, human rights, and economic prosperity in the Western Hemisphere. The first segment of the course addresses US involvement in Central and South America during the Cold War and the continued relevance of these policies today. The second part of the course focuses on inter-American economic and social relations. We will also analyze US efforts to promote democracy and enhance its national security during the post-Cold War period. It is important to consider a range of perspectives from within the US and Latin American countries. Rather than assume that Latin Americans merely react to decisions taken in Washington, we will examine their own political objectives and actions.