From the time the majority of Latin American countries gained independence in the 1820s, the establishment of the Monroe Doctrine, and especially in the 20th century, the United States government and the capitalist sector has played a prominent role in Latin America and the Caribbean. Please describe how this has involved the direct political involvement of the U.S. military and CIA in local politics and the promotion (sometimes with the tacit support of the U.S. government) of the extraction of key commodities from the region. In addition to the United States, describe how China has become involved in the region and why. Finally, what are your thoughts on U.S. and Chinese involvement in the region: has it always been fair and democratic? Has it always benefitted the region?