Why Not a New Monroe Doctrine?

Why IS it,” a Latin American diplomat once asked his American counterpart, “that the U.S. pays so little attention to events south of your border? We are close neighbors, we share your religion and your culture, and yet our problems seem to be the last to attract your attention.”

“Develop the ability to threaten us,” the American answered, “and you will see a startling and dramatic end to that neglect.”