China, immigration, drugs: Behind US policy in Latin America

What the report says

Al Jazeera’s The Bottom Line featured Brian Winter, chief editor of Americas Quarterly, in a 25-minute interview published July 20, 2026, about the Trump administration’s approach to Latin America. Speaking with host Steve Clemons, Winter said US policy toward the region is being shaped by three main concerns: migration toward the United States, narcotics trafficking, and strategic competition with China.

According to Al Jazeera’s account of the interview, Winter argued that Washington had paid less attention to Latin America in recent decades after a long history of using coercive power in the region. He said the Trump White House is again seeking greater influence over what it considers its near abroad, including through its handling of Venezuela and Cuba.

Winter described Venezuela as an area Donald Trump views as a foreign policy win, and suggested Cuba could face intensified pressure next. Al Jazeera’s summary also says Winter pointed to US support for selected political figures in countries including Argentina, Colombia and Brazil, framing this as part of a broader effort to shape regional politics.

The discussion matters because Latin America sits at the intersection of several US domestic and foreign policy priorities, from border politics and drug enforcement to trade, investment and China’s expanding diplomatic and economic role. The source material is a brief article promoting a video interview, so the specific evidence available is limited to Al Jazeera’s description of Winter’s analysis rather than a detailed policy document or official US statement.