Caribbean States and the New Landscape

Abstract

This chapter examines the drift into a new Cold War from Caribbean perspectives, ranging from the nature of economic engagement to geopolitical considerations. It is advanced that the idea of a new Cold War is not readily accepted and certainly not wanted in the region. At the same time, as the experiences explored in the following pages demonstrate, policymakers, economists, and businesspeople are keenly aware that China has emerged as a significant actor. In this, the Caribbean message has been one that it has developed a partnership with China with ‘its eyes wide open.” While China’s economic statecraft is a factor in sha** Caribbean sentiment, U.S. policy is another important factor. This was certainly the case with U.S. Covid-19 policy and how it was perceived in the Caribbean. At the same time, China has had its own image problems from a Caribbean perspective.