Heather C. R. just explained TSF's long game: Control of the Western hemisphere: per Center for Strategic & Internation [View all]

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Conclusion
The Shield of the Americas gathering is a terrific opportunity for the Trump administration to continue its foreign policy pivot to the Western Hemisphere. The durability and value of U.S. relationships with the region is perhaps the single most important factor in determining its future allegiance in a bipolar world dominated by the United States and China. In its first year back in office, the Trump administration managed to open important channels of influence to counter China in the Americas. The Shield of the Americas gathering is the ideal place to continue filling those openings with agreements, compacts, memoranda of understanding, and initiatives in the economic, defense and security, and governance domains.

Ryan C. Berg is director of the Americas Program and head of the Future of Venezuela Initiative at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) in Washington, D.C."

Much more at their own site: https://www.csis.org/analysis/shield-americas-gathering-and-new-strategy-counter-china-western-hemisphere