How did the Office of the Coordinator of Inter-American Affairs influence policy?

The Office of the Coordinator of Inter-American Affairs influenced policy by promoting US interests in Latin America during World War II.

Established in 1940 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, the Office of the Coordinator of Inter-American Affairs (OCIAA) was a significant instrument of the United States' Good Neighbour Policy. Its primary role was to counteract Axis influence in Latin America, a region considered vital to the US for both strategic and economic reasons. The OCIAA, led by Nelson Rockefeller, used a variety of methods to achieve this, including economic cooperation, cultural diplomacy, and propaganda, all of which had a significant impact on policy.

Economically, the OCIAA sought to strengthen ties with Latin America by promoting US investment and trade. This was achieved through a series of agreements that encouraged Latin American countries to export raw materials to the US, in return for American manufactured goods. This policy not only helped to boost the US economy during the war but also served to bind Latin America more closely to the US, reducing the appeal of Axis powers.

Culturally, the OCIAA aimed to foster a sense of shared identity and mutual understanding between the US and Latin America. This was done through the promotion of cultural exchanges, educational programmes, and the production of films and radio broadcasts that portrayed the US in a positive light. This cultural diplomacy played a crucial role in shaping perceptions of the US in Latin America, helping to counteract Axis propaganda and secure the region's loyalty.

The OCIAA also used propaganda to influence policy. It established a network of radio stations across Latin America, broadcasting news and entertainment programmes that promoted a positive image of the US. This propaganda campaign was highly effective in swaying public opinion in favour of the US and against the Axis powers.

In conclusion, the OCIAA played a significant role in shaping policy during World War II. Through economic cooperation, cultural diplomacy, and propaganda, it successfully promoted US interests in Latin America, helping to secure the region's support in the war against the Axis powers.