7.1 The Rise of Military Regimes
3 min read•august 6, 2024
The era saw Latin America become a battleground of ideologies. As the U.S. and Soviet Union vied for global influence, many countries in the region fell under military rule. These regimes, backed by the U.S., used anti-communist rhetoric to justify their power grab.
in countries like Chile and Argentina crushed opposition with brutal force. They worked together through , sharing intelligence and carrying out cross-border assassinations. This dark period saw widespread and the suppression of democracy across Latin America.
Cold War and National Security Doctrine
Global Conflict and Ideological Struggle
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- Cold War context involved a global struggle between the capitalist United States and the communist Soviet Union that shaped political, economic, and social developments around the world, including in Latin America
- The two superpowers engaged in proxy wars, espionage, and an arms race, creating a tense international atmosphere and influencing foreign policy decisions of many countries
- Latin American nations were pressured to align with either the U.S. or the Soviet Union, leading to political polarization and ideological conflicts within these societies
National Security and Anti-Communist Policies
- emphasized the need for strong military control and the suppression of perceived threats to national stability, particularly communist or leftist movements
- This doctrine was adopted by many Latin American governments, often with the support or encouragement of the United States, as a means to maintain order and prevent the spread of communism
- became a central tenet of government policies, leading to the persecution, imprisonment, and even execution of individuals and groups suspected of having communist sympathies or affiliations
- The fear of communist influence was used to justify repressive measures, human rights abuses, and the concentration of power in the hands of military leaders ( in Chile, in Argentina)
Military Coups and Dictatorships
Overthrow of Civilian Governments
- refers to the sudden, often violent overthrow of a government by a small group, typically members of the military or political elite
- In Latin America, numerous military coups occurred during the Cold War era, often with the backing or tacit approval of the United States, which viewed these actions as a means to prevent the spread of communism
- These coups led to the installation of military dictatorships that ruled with an iron fist, suppressing political opposition and (, 1964-1985)
Prominent Military Dictators
- Augusto Pinochet, an army general, led a military coup in Chile in 1973, overthrowing the democratically-elected socialist government of
- Pinochet's regime was characterized by severe human rights abuses, including torture, forced disappearances, and the execution of political opponents
- Jorge Rafael Videla, a senior commander in the Argentine Army, played a key role in the 1976 Argentine coup d'état that established a military junta
- Under Videla's leadership, the Argentine military government engaged in a "" against suspected leftists, resulting in the disappearance and death of thousands of citizens
Authoritarianism and Operation Condor
Repressive Governance and Human Rights Abuses
- refers to a form of government characterized by strong central power, limited political freedoms, and the suppression of opposition
- The military dictatorships that emerged in Latin America during this period were highly authoritarian, restricting civil liberties, censoring the media, and using violence and intimidation to maintain control
- These regimes often targeted intellectuals, activists, and anyone perceived as a threat to their power, leading to widespread human rights abuses and creating a climate of fear and repression
International Collaboration in State Terror
- Operation Condor was a secret intelligence and operations program established in the 1970s by several South American military dictatorships, including Chile, Argentina, Brazil, Bolivia, Paraguay, and Uruguay
- The program aimed to coordinate the sharing of intelligence, the tracking of political opponents across borders, and the carrying out of assassinations and disappearances
- Operation Condor allowed these repressive regimes to collaborate in their efforts to eliminate perceived threats and maintain their grip on power, resulting in the deaths and disappearances of thousands of individuals across the region
- The United States, particularly the CIA, was aware of and sometimes provided support for Operation Condor, viewing it as a means to combat the spread of communism in the region
Key Terms to Review (17)
Anti-communism: Anti-communism refers to the political and ideological opposition to communism and communist movements, characterized by a belief in the superiority of capitalism and democratic governance. This stance gained prominence during the Cold War, influencing various political actions and policies, particularly in Latin America, where it often justified military intervention and authoritarian regimes as a means to counter perceived communist threats.
Augusto Pinochet: Augusto Pinochet was a Chilean general who led a military coup in 1973, overthrowing the democratically elected government of President Salvador Allende. His dictatorship lasted until 1990 and was characterized by severe human rights violations, economic reforms, and a significant impact on regional politics and U.S. foreign policy.
Authoritarianism: Authoritarianism is a political system characterized by the concentration of power in a single authority or a small group, often limiting political freedoms and civil liberties. In such regimes, political opposition is typically suppressed, and there is little to no public participation in the political process. This system often emerges during times of political instability, economic turmoil, or social unrest, leading to military regimes or strongman leaders who promise order and security.
Brazilian Military Government: The Brazilian Military Government refers to a period from 1964 to 1985 when Brazil was ruled by a series of military regimes that came to power through a coup d'état. This era was characterized by authoritarian rule, political repression, and significant social and economic changes in Brazil, all set against the backdrop of the global trend of military regimes rising in Latin America during the Cold War.
Civil liberties: Civil liberties are the fundamental individual rights and freedoms that protect citizens from government overreach and ensure personal autonomy. They include freedoms such as speech, assembly, religion, and the right to privacy, playing a crucial role in shaping democratic societies. In contexts of military regimes, civil liberties often come under threat as authoritarian governments prioritize control and stability over individual rights.
Cold War: The Cold War was a prolonged period of political tension and military rivalry between the United States and the Soviet Union, which began after World War II and lasted until the early 1990s. It was characterized by ideological conflict, arms races, proxy wars, and significant influence in various regions, particularly Latin America, where both superpowers sought to expand their political and economic ideologies.
Coup d'état: A coup d'état is the sudden overthrow of a government, typically executed by a small group that uses force or coercion to seize power. This act often involves military intervention and can result in the establishment of a new ruling authority, often disregarding the existing constitutional framework. Coups are often seen in contexts where political instability, social unrest, or power struggles create an environment ripe for such drastic actions.
Dirty War: The Dirty War refers to a period of state terrorism in Argentina from the late 1970s to the early 1980s, during which the government engaged in systematic abduction, torture, and killing of suspected dissidents. This campaign was marked by widespread human rights violations and aimed to eliminate leftist opposition and perceived threats to the military regime, ultimately reflecting the darker aspects of political repression during a time of military rule.
Human rights abuses: Human rights abuses refer to violations of the basic rights and freedoms to which all individuals are entitled, including the right to life, freedom of expression, and protection from torture. These abuses often occur in contexts where governments or authorities use excessive force or oppression against their own citizens. The prevalence of these abuses is particularly notable during periods of authoritarian rule and can serve as a catalyst for social movements seeking justice and reform.
Jorge Rafael Videla: Jorge Rafael Videla was an Argentine military officer who served as the de facto President of Argentina from 1976 to 1981, leading a brutal military regime known for its campaign against political dissidents during the Dirty War. His government is characterized by widespread human rights violations, including forced disappearances, torture, and killings, as the military sought to eliminate perceived threats to its power.
Military dictatorships: Military dictatorships are authoritarian regimes where the military holds significant power, often ruling through force and suppressing political opposition. These regimes typically emerge during periods of political instability, where military leaders justify their takeover as necessary to restore order and security. The rise of military dictatorships has been a common response to perceived threats against state authority, and their impact on society often leads to resistance and opposition movements seeking to restore democratic governance.
National Security Doctrine: The national security doctrine is a political and military strategy that prioritizes the defense of a nation's sovereignty and stability, often justifying the use of repressive measures against perceived threats, including leftist movements and social unrest. It emerged prominently in Latin America during the Cold War, linking domestic policies to global anti-communism efforts while promoting military involvement in governance.
Operation Condor: Operation Condor was a covert campaign of political repression and state terrorism implemented by South American military governments in the 1970s and 1980s, aimed at eradicating leftist movements and opposition. It involved cooperation among several countries, including Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, Paraguay, Bolivia, and Brazil, with the support of the United States, which provided training and resources for counter-insurgency efforts. This operation resulted in widespread human rights abuses, including forced disappearances, torture, and extrajudicial killings.
Political Repression: Political repression refers to the systematic suppression of dissent, opposition, or any political activity deemed threatening by those in power. It often involves the use of force, censorship, imprisonment, or other means to control and limit the freedoms of individuals and groups. This practice has been a significant factor in shaping the political landscape and social dynamics in various regions, influencing revolutions and the rise of authoritarian regimes.
Salvador Allende: Salvador Allende was the first Marxist to be elected president in Chile and a significant figure in Latin American history, serving from 1970 until his overthrow in 1973. His government aimed to establish a socialist state through democratic means, which attracted both domestic support and international scrutiny, particularly from the United States, as it challenged Cold War dynamics.
State terrorism: State terrorism refers to the systematic use of terror by a government to control its population or suppress dissent, often targeting political opponents, activists, or marginalized groups. This practice is characterized by violent acts committed by state agents, including torture, extrajudicial killings, and forced disappearances, aimed at instilling fear and ensuring compliance. State terrorism often emerges in contexts of political instability or during military regimes, as governments resort to repressive measures to maintain their power.
U.S. Intervention: U.S. intervention refers to the involvement of the United States in the political, military, or economic affairs of Latin American countries, often to influence their governance or protect American interests. This intervention frequently manifested through military actions, economic aid, and support for specific regimes, particularly during the rise of military regimes in the region.