Puerto Rico has been a colony for half a millennium, first under control of Spain and then for the past 100 years as a territory of the United States after the Spanish-American War. However U.S. interests in the island nation began in 1823 with the infamous Monroe Doctrine. President Monroe’s distaste for European involvement and continued colonial expansion in the Western Hemisphere, which was seen as threat to national security, was expressed by veiled threats warning Europe not to interfere with U.S. interests in the Caribbean. Puerto Rico’s central location was considered key to aiding in U.S. military operations in the region. To continue reading, download the .pdf here: US Military Policy and Vieques

Also, please consider attending the International Committee’s Retreat and Delegation to San Juan, Puerto Rico this month. See the home page for more details.