Last week, the Mexican government reportedly halted certain oil exports to Cuba under pressure from the United States, signifying the ongoing influence of the U.S. over its regional partners. Shortly afterward, however, a Mexican humanitarian aid mission entered Cuba, highlighting the complex dynamics at play. The U.S. economic embargo has been a significant contributing factor to Cuba's prolonged economic crisis, and U.S. officials, including the Secretary of the Treasury, have openly acknowledged the use of economic power as a tool to coerce opponents, as seen in the case of Iran.

Since the conclusion of World War II, the United States has positioned itself as one of two superpowers within the international system, transitioning to the sole superpower from 1991 to around 2017. Throughout this period, the U.S. held the status of a regional hegemon, a state that did not face an equivalent competitor capable of challenging its military dominance within the region. Furthermore, this hegemony has allowed the U.S. to exert considerable influence over its neighbors, often dictating terms that affected their foreign and domestic policies, as exemplified by the situation in Cuba.

The implications of U.S. hegemony in the Western Hemisphere continue to evolve, particularly as Latin American countries navigate their relationships with both the U.S. and emerging global powers. The actions of the Mexican government reflect a delicate balancing act between responding to U.S. pressure and addressing domestic and regional humanitarian needs. As the geopolitical landscape shifts, the ability of the U.S. to maintain its dominance without facing significant challenges or dissent from its closest neighbors will be crucial for its future influence in the region.