Tripolar Geopolitical Rivalry in Latin America and the Caribbean from the Cold War to the Second Trump Administration: A Comparative Study of U.S., China, and Russia in the Cases of Cuba, Nicaragua, and Venezuela

In the context of the new world order formed after the collapse of the Soviet Union and the end of the bipolar system, Russia and China promote a multipolar model of international relations as a counterbalance to U.S. hegemony. Geopolitical shifts following the end of the Cold War continue to position the Latin American and Caribbean region as a key strategic area for the expansion of global powers’ influence. Due to their political and ideological orientations, Cuba, Nicaragua, and Venezuela identify as anti-globalist states and align with the Russian-Chinese foreign policy approach, challenging the U.S. government’s efforts to preserve its traditional presence in the region. This study focuses on a comparative analysis of the superpowers’ strategies in the Caribbean basin, as well as the countermeasures adopted by regional actors to safeguard their national interests. Finally, the work examines the reactions of Cuba, Nicaragua, and Venezuela to recent political developments—namely, the war in Ukraine and the presidency of Donald Trump—and their role in reshaping strategic priorities with respect to the United States, China, and Russia.