I am not clear what the larger ramifications of this would be for Nicaragua, in the short run it is a good thing they have left OAS. Of course the US will still interfere but the relationship changes with the US if Nicaragua is not part of OAS.
Thank you, Deepika, for your comment. The Cuban press treats the Nicaraguan decision as a dignified defense of its sovereignty, without mentioning any possible negative ramifications. I think the long-term strategy of Cuba, Venezuela, and now Nicaragua is to develop alternative regional associations, like ALBA and CELAC, on the basis of an alternative Latin American and Caribbean political culture, reducing OAS to archaic irrelevance. Given the recent statements by former Bolivian President Evo Morales in support the Nicaragua’s withdrawal, and taking into account that Bolivia also is targeted by OAS, it is possible that Bolivia also will opt for withdrawal.
The similarities and contrasts between OAS and the United Nations are noteworthy. Like OAS, the United Nations was established under U.S. guidance when the USA was at the height of its hegemony. And just as OAS was established to institutionalize U.S. imperialism in Latin America and the Caribbean, the United Nations was created to give reinforcement and legitimation to the emerging neocolonial world order. However, in the case of the United Nations, the neocolonized peoples have found some space for their expression and defense of their interests, and some UN agencies provide a level of practical support. Therefore, the Non-Aligned Movement persistently has called for reform of the UN, rather than withdrawal. In contrast, imperialism’s soft side has not been visible in OAS; and since 2015, OAS has blatantly participated in the new imperialist offensive against the region, which Cuban scholars and journalists have called an unconventional war.
I am not clear what the larger ramifications of this would be for Nicaragua, in the short run it is a good thing they have left OAS. Of course the US will still interfere but the relationship changes with the US if Nicaragua is not part of OAS.
Thank you, Deepika, for your comment. The Cuban press treats the Nicaraguan decision as a dignified defense of its sovereignty, without mentioning any possible negative ramifications. I think the long-term strategy of Cuba, Venezuela, and now Nicaragua is to develop alternative regional associations, like ALBA and CELAC, on the basis of an alternative Latin American and Caribbean political culture, reducing OAS to archaic irrelevance. Given the recent statements by former Bolivian President Evo Morales in support the Nicaragua’s withdrawal, and taking into account that Bolivia also is targeted by OAS, it is possible that Bolivia also will opt for withdrawal.
The similarities and contrasts between OAS and the United Nations are noteworthy. Like OAS, the United Nations was established under U.S. guidance when the USA was at the height of its hegemony. And just as OAS was established to institutionalize U.S. imperialism in Latin America and the Caribbean, the United Nations was created to give reinforcement and legitimation to the emerging neocolonial world order. However, in the case of the United Nations, the neocolonized peoples have found some space for their expression and defense of their interests, and some UN agencies provide a level of practical support. Therefore, the Non-Aligned Movement persistently has called for reform of the UN, rather than withdrawal. In contrast, imperialism’s soft side has not been visible in OAS; and since 2015, OAS has blatantly participated in the new imperialist offensive against the region, which Cuban scholars and journalists have called an unconventional war.