Overview and Characteristics of U.S. Foreign Policy (1961–1981)
- From John F. Kennedy to Jimmy Carter, U.S. foreign policy in the Americas shifted between ideological confrontation and pragmatic diplomacy.
- The main goal across administrations was to contain communism, protect U.S. economic interests, and maintain hemispheric dominance during the Cold War.
- Leaders adapted their approaches: Kennedy used aid and reform, Nixon relied on covert operations and realpolitik, and Carter emphasized human rights and diplomacy.
- The region experienced both cooperation and resentment as Latin American nations reacted to U.S. intervention and hypocrisy.
Definition
Hegemony
- Leadership or dominance of one country over others, often seen in U.S.–Latin American relations.
The Alliance for Progress (1961)
Background and Goals
- Launched by President John F. Kennedy in 1961, the Alliance for Progress was a U.S. program to strengthen ties with Latin America during the Cold War.
- It aimed to reduce poverty, promote democracy, and prevent the spread of communism after the Cuban Revolution (1959) alarmed U.S. leaders.
- The U.S. promised $20 billion in aid over ten years to help Latin American countries modernize their economies, improve education, and carry out land reform.
- The program reflected Kennedy’s belief in modernization theory i.e. that economic growth would lead to social stability and democratic governments.
Implementation and Impact
- Some early successes included infrastructure projects, education programs, and housing developments across Latin America.
- However, many governments misused funds, and reforms were limited by corruption and political resistancefrom local elites.
- By the late 1960s, the program failed to achieve lasting change, as inequality, poverty, and unrest persisted.
- Latin Americans grew disillusioned, seeing the Alliance as a U.S. tool to maintain influence rather than a genuine partnership.
Definition
Modernization Theory
- The belief that economic development and education would naturally lead to democracy and social stability.
Nixon’s Covert Operations and Chile (1969–1974)
- President Richard Nixon adopted a more hardline, realist approach (realpolitik), prioritizing U.S. security and stability over democracy.
- When socialist Salvador Allende won Chile’s 1970 election, Nixon and Henry Kissinger saw it as a threat to U.S. influence and the balance of power.
- The CIA funded strikes, propaganda, and opposition groups to destabilize Allende’s government.
- In 1973, the Chilean military, led by Augusto Pinochet, launched a coup supported indirectly by the U.S.
- The result was a brutal dictatorship, widespread human rights violations, and damaged U.S. credibility in Latin America.
