Vulnerability, negotiation, and human rights: Political and economic distraction in the case of the U.S Navy in Vieques P.R.

Abstract

Vieques was occupied by the U.S Navy for more than 50 years. Its presence presented
a threat to the Vieques ecosystem, economy, and citizens’ quality of life, pushing them into a state
of vulnerability. The history of Vieques and the U.S Navy has become a symbol of colonialism in
the U.S. and Puerto Rico political relationship, but it also represents Puerto Rico’s political inability
to manage, represent and safeguard its citizens’ human rights. Throughout this article we will
analyze how the threat of The U.S. Navy was managed and what type of deterrents promoted a
delay in political mobilization against the U.S. Navy.