Latin American Marine Corps: between the past and the future

Abstract

Within the framework of the VII Marine Leaders of the Americas Conference (MLAC) held this year in Mexico City from March 12 to 16, it is appropriate to stop along the way and review the genesis, development, historical evolution and future perspectives of the terrestrial component of naval power in Latin America. The origins date back to the Spanish colonial era, in the case of the Spanish-speaking countries, and the Portuguese era, in the case of Brazil. With this purpose in mind, brief considerations on the nature of the Marine Corps are presented, the past of the selected navy amphibious bodies of Latin America is explored, as well as their current situation and their future projection in the face of traditional and emerging threats, including a reflection on the three paradigms of naval power in the region in accordance with classic British naval doctrine.