The Hovering Giant (Revised Edition): U.S. Responses to Revolutionary Change in Latin America, 1910–1985

Pitt Latin American Studies

by Cole Blasier

In the first edition of The Hovering Giant , Cole Blasier analyzed U.S. response to revolutions in Latin America from Madero in Mexico to Allende in Chile.  He explained why U.S. leaders sponsored paramilitary units to overthrow revolutionary governments in Guatemala and Cuba and compromised their own differences with revolutionary governments in Mexico and Bolivia.  The protection of private U.S. interests was part of the explanation, but Blasier gave greater emphasis to rivalry with Germany or the Soviet Union. Now in this revised edition, Blasier also examines the responses of the Carter and Reagan administrations to the Grenadian and Nicaraguan revolutions and the revolt in El Salvador.  He also brings up to date the interpretation of U.S.-Cuban relations. Blasier stresses U.S. defense of its preeminent position in the Caribean Basin, as well as rivalry with the Soviet Union, to explain these later U.S. responses.  Seemingly unaware of historical experience, Washington followed patterns in Central America and Grenada similar to earlier patterns in Guatemala, Cuba, and Chile even though the latter had adverse effects on U.S. security and economic interests.

384 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1976

Reviews

[Josh · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very obviously a textbook written during the cold war. The driest book I’ve ever read. Learned a lot but at what cost. Fuck. 2.5