OS “DIPLOMATAS DE MACACÃO” NA AGRICULTURA LATINO-AMERICANA

UM DEBATE SOBRE O AUXÍLIO TÉCNICO DOS ESTADOS UNIDOS A PAÍSES DA AMÉRICA LATINA (1949-1954)

Abstract

This article discusses the objectives and the operational aspects of US agricultural technical assistance programas in Latin America. During the 1950’s, in the initial stages of Cold War, pesticides, soil improvement programs, courses and foreign consultancy, among other kinds of technical interventions,  were aimed at the agricultural sector of Western hemisphere countries. By examining documents such as the assistance programs reports, US Congress minutes and publications in 1950’s academic journals, we understand that, under promises of development made by the US government, in association with Latin American governments and private corporations, there was the intention of aligning Latin America’s agriculture and rural life to the United States’ demands for markets, raw materials and national security.