This document discusses U.S. foreign policy and economic relations with countries in the Caribbean region over time. Some key points: - U.S. policy in the Caribbean has historically been influenced by broader Latin American policy and the Monroe Doctrine. During the Cold War period, the Caribbean gained major strategic importance for the U.S. - Under Carter, economic assistance to Caribbean countries increased but foreign relations became focused more on bilateral approaches under Reagan and in the post-Cold War period. - Caribbean countries seek a trade partner, assistance, migration opportunities from the U.S. but the U.S. also faces domestic and international challenges that draw attention away from the Caribbean. - Relations