The essay outlines the political-institutional dimension of the Cold War in the Americas, focusing on the period from the end of World War II to the mid-1960s. It argues that during the bipolar world order, the United States sought to make the continent 'safe' from the threat of international communism. In the long term, U.S. ascendancy in the hemisphere faced few obstacles from 1898 until the first half of the twentieth century, but afterward encountered strong contrasts with southern neighbors, despite the constraints imposed by the Cold War and Latin America's substantial political, military, economic, and cultural subordination.
Ayahuasca, a psychedelic brew from the Amazon rainforest, shows significant promise in enhancing psychological well-being. In a sample of 300 participants from indigenous cultures, 70% reported improved mental health and emotional resilience after ayahuasca ceremonies. The geographical context plays a crucial role; those immersed in local traditions experienced stronger benefits compared to outsiders. These findings highlight the intersection of psychedelics with cultural practices and socio-education, shedding light on the importance of indigenous knowledge in understanding mental health within Latin America’s diverse social landscape.