<div><div>This volume focuses on the contemporary political, economic, and security affairs of the Western Hemisphere. Following a decade of primary focus on economic matters centered on the proposed Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA) the authors argue that the formulation of the Bush Doctrine in the wake of the events of September 11, 2001 has resulted in a renewed U.S. focus on security matters within the hemisphere. Plan Colombia is a primary manifestation of the emphasis but renewed interest in control of natural resources, especially water, is noted with interest.<br></div></div>