Name? Laura Fernández
Westphalian identity? Costa Rican
Age? 40
Why is she in the news? Costa Rican President Laura Fernández stated in an interview with Reuters that she would welcome U.S. ground operations. She highlighted that troops could strengthen national security and address transnational crime. However, she emphasised that such action would take place only with legislative approval and due process, indicating that the idea had surfaced in recent conversations with Washington.
Why do we care? Despite a 14% fall in homicide rate between 2025 and 2026 Fernandez has embraced Bukelismo. This hard security approach is the foundation of the Shield of the Americas (SotA), of which Costa Rica is a founding member. Composed primarily of countries that have elected right-wing leaders, the organisation has reinforced Latin America’s status as the U.S.’s backyard and its flip from an earlier focus on socialism.
Why should you care? Fernández’s comments bolster Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth’s desire to expand the scope of SotA from cooperation in international waters—of which Costa Rica has been a dedicated participant—to land. With Ecuador, Colombia, and now Costa Rica signalling an openness to such operations, the entire continent is at risk of a cascading effect towards increased U.S. military presence.
Who else cares? Fernández’s remarks on expanding cooperation with the U.S. come as Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum faces escalating pressure from the U.S. President Donald Trump who has suggested military action to combat what he calls the epicentre of cartel violence. With military operations underway in Ecuador and the recent additions of Colombia and Peru, Sheinbaum is running out of allies.
Any further comments? Costa Rica’s constitution prohibits the formation of a standing army, reflecting a national philosophy that the SotA’s potential ground troops stand in stark contrast to.
