Hemispheric Defense Doctrine
Truman's doctrine of Hemispheric Defense subtly twisted Good Neighbor sentiments.
The burgeoning cold war escalated anti-communist sentiments; consequently, the US committed to liberating Latin America from communism, even with force. Eisenhower's 1954 Operation PBSUCCESS was a perfect example of this policy: democratically-elected President Jacobo Arbenz Guzmán of Guatemala was overthrown to prevent the spread of Soviet sympathizing communist states. |
Anti-Communism: 1970s
As the century continued, cold war anti-communism dominated Latin America policy.
One prominent example is Nixon's notorious support of Augusto Pinochet's 1973 coup against Salvador Allende, a democratically-elected left wing leader. "It is firm and continuing policy that Allende be overthrown by a coup," |
Anti-Communism: 1980s and Reagan
''The democratic Nicaraguan resistance, including the freedom fighters, today offers the only political alternative to the dictatorship of the past and the Communism of today." The Reagan administration ushered in an era of support for rebels and right-wing dictators to maintain American anti-soviet strategic interests. This would later be known as the Reagan Doctrine.
Infamously, this policy included sponsorship of the Nicaraguan Contra rebels. |
Operation Just Cause
In 1989, the US took direct, decisive military action in Latin America. President George H. W. Bush's invasion to oust dictator Manuel Noriega signaled the end of US passivity towards its southern neighbors. No longer were its actions disguised under the doctrine of Hemispheric Defense; although justified, this was a forthright and unqualified invasion.
"As President, I have no higher obligation than to safeguard the lives of American citizens. And that is why I directed our Armed Forces to protect the lives of American citizens in Panama and to bring General Noriega to justice in the United States."
-President George H. W. Bush, in an address to the nation, 1989
-President George H. W. Bush, in an address to the nation, 1989