21 members initially
In the 1960’s the ex-British colonies in the Caribbean joined
Canada joined in 1990
Today, all 35 independent countries are members today
Cuba is in although the government is not recognized by the OAS
An attack on one OAS member is considered an attack on all members
The OAS, although strongly influenced by the US, can and does act independent of the US
Example: OAS condemned the US for its support of the Contras in Nicaragua and for the invasion of Panama in 1989
Economically speaking most OAS members maintain trade and diplomatic relations with Castro’s Cuba even though the US does not