Historical Precedents in South and Central America
The U.S. has a long history of intervening in Latin American governments, often citing national security, anti-communism, or anti-narcotics efforts.
Panama (1989): The most direct parallel to current events. The U.S. invaded to depose military leader Manuel Noriega after he was indicted on drug charges in U.S. courts.
Chile (1973): The U.S. backed a military coup led by General Augusto Pinochet to overthrow the democratically elected socialist President Salvador Allende.
Brazil (1964): The U.S. provided military support for a coup that ousted President João Goulart, leading to decades of military dictatorship.
Guatemala (1954): The CIA orchestrated a coup to remove President Jacobo Árbenz after he implemented land reforms that affected U.S. business interests.
Dominican Republic (1965): U.S. troops were sent to prevent a socialist government from taking power following a civil war.
Operation Condor (1970s): The U.S. supported a transnational campaign by right-wing dictatorships in Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Paraguay, and Uruguay to track and eliminate political dissidents.
The U.S. has a long history of intervening in Latin American governments, often citing national security, anti-communism, or anti-narcotics efforts.
Panama (1989): The most direct parallel to current events. The U.S. invaded to depose military leader Manuel Noriega after he was indicted on drug charges in U.S. courts.
Chile (1973): The U.S. backed a military coup led by General Augusto Pinochet to overthrow the democratically elected socialist President Salvador Allende.
Brazil (1964): The U.S. provided military support for a coup that ousted President João Goulart, leading to decades of military dictatorship.
Guatemala (1954): The CIA orchestrated a coup to remove President Jacobo Árbenz after he implemented land reforms that affected U.S. business interests.
Dominican Republic (1965): U.S. troops were sent to prevent a socialist government from taking power following a civil war.
Operation Condor (1970s): The U.S. supported a transnational campaign by right-wing dictatorships in Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Paraguay, and Uruguay to track and eliminate political dissidents.
