Doubts Grow About Future of Admirable Exemplary Country

Journalist reflects on changing U.S. influence in Ecuador and Latin America

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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A journalist from Ecuador reflects on his family's long history with the United States, from his grandfather's work installing a communications system for Ecuador's railroad to student exchanges that fostered connections between the two countries. However, he expresses growing concerns about the U.S. losing its image and influence in Latin America as it faces its own domestic challenges with democracy, inequality, and drug trafficking.

Why it matters

The article highlights the complex relationship between Ecuador, Latin America, and the United States, which has historically been seen as a model of democracy and a key ally. The author's personal experiences and family history illustrate how the U.S. has been a major cultural and political influence in the region. However, the author is now concerned that the U.S. is losing that positive image and influence as it grapples with its own domestic issues.

The details

The author's grandfather, Louis Henry Anderson, was a "gringo" from Texas hired by the Ecuadorian government at the start of the 20th century to install a communications system for the country's new railroad. Anderson later established a telegraph and early telephone company in Ecuador. The author's family maintained close ties with Anderson's relatives in the U.S., and the author's father studied in the U.S. as well. Growing up, the author's family was immersed in U.S. culture through Hollywood films, Broadway shows, and student exchange programs that allowed Ecuadorian and American youth to live with host families in each other's countries.

  • In the 1960s, student exchange programs began between the U.S. and Ecuador.
  • The author personally participated in a student exchange program in the 1960s, staying with a family in Buffalo, New York.
  • In 2007, a populist government was elected in Ecuador that expelled a U.S. military base and implemented policies that led to Ecuador becoming a major drug trafficking hub.

The players

Louis Henry Anderson

The author's grandfather, a "gringo" from Texas hired by the Ecuadorian government to install a communications system for the country's railroad in the early 20th century.

Jaime Mantilla

The author, a journalist who reflects on his family's history with the United States and growing concerns about the U.S. losing influence in Latin America.

Cesar Mantilla Jácome

The author's father, who studied in the United States and later founded one of Ecuador's first daily newspapers, El Comercio.

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What they’re saying

“The United States is quickly losing the great image and actions with its huge capacity for solidarity and development that have had an impact in the south of the continent.”

— Jaime Mantilla, Journalist (harvard.edu)

“Latin America seeks to uphold its democratic values, institutionalize its states, and effectively combat corruption, drug trafficking, human trafficking and smuggling. To do this, it must keep up its association with a government that shares its ideals and helps preserve peace, independence, balance and freedoms.”

— Jaime Mantilla, Journalist (harvard.edu)

What’s next

The author does not mention any specific future newsworthy events related to this story.

The takeaway

This article highlights the complex and shifting relationship between the United States and Latin America, particularly Ecuador, as the U.S. grapples with its own domestic challenges and Latin American countries seek to uphold democratic values and combat issues like corruption and drug trafficking. The author's personal experiences and family history illustrate the deep cultural and political ties between the regions, but also the growing concerns about the U.S. losing its positive influence in Latin America.