The American position on the Bolivian-Soviet Rapprochement (1969-1970)

Abstract

The importance of Soviet diplomatic and economic rapprochement with Latin American republics in general, and Bolivia in particular, has emerged as a subject of political controversy. However, most Western studies and research have not published a serious analysis that integrates the objectives and projects of this rapprochement from a regional perspective. These studies have focused on the nature of Soviet activities and their impact on the diplomatic and international landscape. Most have concentrated on analyzing viewpoints that do not contradict the US diplomatic approach toward its traditional rival, consistently linking communist ideology to the strategic factors of the Soviet Union's foreign relations.

The US position opposed these steps toward rapprochement, and the outlines of American intervention in Bolivian affairs became clear when it encouraged the Bolivian military leadership to seize power and consolidate control over the government, which was floundering in determining its political destiny. American pretexts and justifications were undoubtedly present, especially with accusations leveled against the Ovando coalition government, claiming it was uncooperative and even a threat to American interests. The US administration considered the left wing's dominance of power a coup against democracy, asserting that the path of rapprochement and bilateral cooperation was supported by the communists and the left wing. Accusations were leveled to thwart all forms of diplomatic and economic cooperation with the Soviet Union. After its attempts, sometimes through persuasion and other times through intimidation, to regain its influence within the Bolivian government failed, and a year into the Ovando government, it began working to end a pivotal era in shaping Bolivian-American relations. It supported a military coup to overthrow the Ovando government, thus heralding the beginning of a new era in Bolivian-American-Soviet political and economic relations.