This text offers a vivid portrayal of the last 200 years of US-Latin American relations, casting light on issues such as economic integration, environmental protection, drug trafficking and undocumented migration. Rather than concentrating only on US policy, as many texts do, it addresses the structural relationships of both regions. Focusing on international systems, the distribution of power, and the perception and pursuit of national interests, Smith uncovers recurrent regularities in the interaction between the US and Latin America and offers a compelling analysis of the continuity and change in their relations, as well as provocative insights into the possible future of these relations. This second edition contains an entirely new introduction and thorough revisions of the last four chapters and conclusion, as well as a completely updated bibliography.