U.S. INTERVENTIONISM: 132 Years of Coups & Government Interference

U.S. soldiers: war in Iraq 

The United States has a long history of interfering with foreign governments, attempting (and executing) coups since 1893. It’s often driven by economic interests, anti-communism during the Cold War, or strategic geopolitical goals. Sometimes the rationales are indefensible, and frequently our activities are so clandestine we never even hear about them till years later, if ever.

Below is a list of notable instances where the U.S. is known to have interfered, either directly or indirectly, in coups or government changes, based on historical records and declassified documents. This list focuses on successful regime changes, attempted coups, and significant interventions, but it is not exhaustive due to the covert nature of many operations and ongoing debates about U.S. involvement.

U.S. Interventions in Coups and Governments Since 1898

1890s

•            Hawaii (1893): The U.S. supported a coup led by American plantation owners and businessmen, including Sanford Dole, to overthrow Queen Liliʻuokalani. U.S. Minister John L. Stevens called in Marines to "protect American interests," effectively aiding the coup. The Hawaiian Kingdom was replaced by the Republic of Hawaii, which was annexed by the U.S. in 1898. 

1900s

•            Philippines (1899–1902): After the Spanish-American War, the U.S. annexed the Philippines, leading to the Philippine-American War. The U.S. suppressed the First Philippine Republic under Emilio Aguinaldo, effectively overthrowing the nascent government to establish colonial rule 

•            Panama (1903): The U.S. supported Panama’s secession from Colombia to secure rights to build the Panama Canal. U.S. naval forces prevented Colombian troops from intervening, ensuring the success of the rebellion and the installation of a pro-U.S. government under Philippe Bunau-Varilla.  

•            Honduras (1903, 1907, 1911, 1912, 1919, 1924, 1925): During the Banana Wars, the U.S. intervened multiple times to protect American business interests, particularly those of the United Fruit Company. Notable actions include supporting Manuel Bonilla’s coup in 1903 and defending his regime against a Nicaraguan-backed coup in 1907.  

•            Nicaragua (1909–1912): The U.S. supported a rebellion against President José Santos Zelaya, who opposed American interests. U.S. Marines intervened, leading to Zelaya’s resignation, and the U.S. installed Adolfo Díaz as president, maintaining control through occupation until 1933.  

•            Cuba (1906–1909): Following the Spanish-American War, the U.S. occupied Cuba after President Tomás Estrada Palma’s government collapsed amid a rebellion. The U.S. established a provisional government, effectively controlling the island until 1909 

1910s

•            Dominican Republic (1914, 1916–1924): The U.S. intervened militarily to stabilize the country amid political unrest, occupying it from 1916 to 1924. U.S. forces installed a military government, controlling key institutions and suppressing opposition.  

•            Haiti (1915–1934): The U.S. occupied Haiti after the assassination of President Vilbrun Guillaume Sam, driven by concerns over German influence and debt repayment to American banks. The U.S. installed a pro-American government, dissolved the Haitian legislature, and maintained control for nearly two decades.  
•            Mexico (1913): U.S. Ambassador Henry Lane Wilson supported the Ten Tragic Days coup, which overthrew President Francisco I. Madero. Wilson’s actions, including encouraging General Victoriano Huerta’s rebellion, led to Madero’s assassination and Huerta’s rise to power. 

1940s

•            Panama (1941): The U.S. supported the coup that ousted President Arnulfo Arias, who was seen as pro-Axis during World War II. The U.S. backed Ricardo Adolfo de la Guardia, ensuring a pro-Allied government.  

•            Syria (1949): The CIA facilitated a coup against President Shukri al-Quwatli, who opposed the Trans-Arabian Pipeline. Colonel Husni al-Za’im, with CIA support, overthrew the government, aligning Syria with U.S. interests. 

 

1950s

•            Iran (1953): The CIA, in collaboration with British intelligence (Operation Ajax), orchestrated the overthrow of Prime Minister Mohammad Mosaddegh after he nationalized Iran’s oil industry. The coup reinstated Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, securing Western oil interests.

•            Guatemala (1954): The CIA’s Operation PBSuccess overthrew President Jacobo Árbenz, whose land reforms threatened the United Fruit Company’s interests. Carlos Castillo Armas was installed as a military dictator, leading to decades of repression.  

•            Egypt (1952): The U.S. had extensive contact with the Free Officers Movement after their coup against King Farouk I. While direct involvement is debated, the CIA supported the new regime under Gamal Abdel Nasser to counter Soviet influence.  

•            Indonesia (1959): The CIA supported an attempted coup against President Sukarno, providing arms and funding to rebel groups. The attempt failed, and it strained U.S.-Indonesian relations.  

•            Lebanon (1958): The U.S. intervened militarily to support President Camille Chamoun’s government against internal unrest, deploying troops to prevent a potential coup and stabilize the pro-Western regime.  

•            Iraq (1959): The CIA attempted to overthrow the government of Abd al-Karim Qasim after his neutral stance in the Cold War. The coup failed, but Qasim was later overthrown in 1963 with U.S. support (see below.)

•            Cuba (1952–1958): The U.S. backed Fulgencio Batista’s regime, providing military and economic support against revolutionary forces. After Fidel Castro’s 1959 victory, the U.S. attempted to overthrow him in the 1961 Bay of Pigs invasion, which failed. Over a period of several years schemes were devised to assassinate Castro.

1960s

•            Democratic Republic of Congo (1960): The CIA supported the overthrow and assassination of Prime Minister Patrice Lumumba, fearing his pro-Soviet leanings. Joseph Mobutu, with CIA backing, neutralized Lumumba, leading to Mobutu’s eventual rise to power.

•            Laos (1960, 1961): The CIA backed coups and counter-coups to install anti-communist governments, supporting General Phoumi Nosavan against neutralist and communist forces. The U.S. also organized Hmong forces to fight the Pathet Lao.  

•            Dominican Republic (1961, 1963): The CIA supplied weapons for the assassination of dictator Rafael Trujillo in 1961. After Juan Bosch’s election in 1962, the U.S. supported a 1963 coup against him and intervened in the 1965 civil war to prevent the democratically elected Bosch’s return.  

•            South Vietnam (1963): The U.S. supported a coup against President Ngo Dinh Diem, orchestrated by ARVN generals. The CIA provided funding and assurances of non-interference, leading to Diem’s overthrow and assassination.

•            Iraq (1963): The CIA supported the Ba’ath Party’s coup against Abd al-Karim Qasim, providing intelligence and support. The coup succeeded, and Qasim was executed, though the Ba’athists were later purged . 

•            Brazil (1964): The U.S. backed a military coup against President João Goulart, fearing his leftist policies. The CIA provided support, including fuel and arms, to Humberto Castello Branco’s forces, leading to Goulart’s ouster

•            Dominican Republic (1965): The U.S. intervened militarily during the Dominican Civil War to prevent supporters of deposed President Juan Bosch from regaining power, ensuring a pro-U.S. government.  
•            Indonesia (1965): The U.S. supported a military coup against the Sukarno government, providing lists of communists to the Indonesian army. The coup led to the massacre of up to 1 million people and the rise of Suharto’s regime. 

1970s

•            Chile (1973): The CIA, under President Nixon’s orders, destabilized President Salvador Allende’s government through economic warfare and propaganda. The U.S. supported General Augusto Pinochet’s coup, which overthrew the democratically elected Allende and established a brutal dictatorship. 

•            Argentina (1976): The U.S. supported the military coup against President Isabel Perón, with Secretary of State Henry Kissinger endorsing the junta. The regime committed widespread human rights abuses, including the deaths of up to 30,000 people.  

•            Bolivia (1971): The U.S. supported General Hugo Banzer’s coup against President Juan José Torres, who was seen as too left-leaning. Banzer’s regime repressed opposition and aligned with U.S. interests.

•            Nicaragua (1979–1980s): After the Sandinista revolution overthrew the U.S.-backed Somoza dictatorship, the U.S. funded and trained the Contra rebels to destabilize the Sandinista government, leading to a decade-long conflict.

•            El Salvador (1979–1980s): The U.S. supported a military junta that overthrew the reformist government in 1979, backing the regime against leftist rebels. The U.S. also intervened to prevent right-wing coups, fearing instability. 

 

1980s

•            Grenada (1983): The U.S. invaded Grenada (Operation Urgent Fury) after a military coup deposed Prime Minister Maurice Bishop. The invasion ousted the new regime, installed a pro-U.S. government, and held elections.

•            Panama (1989): The U.S. invaded Panama (Operation Just Cause) to depose Manuel Noriega, who had been a U.S. ally but became a liability due to drug trafficking. Guillermo Endara, a U.S.-backed leader, was installed as president. 

1990s

•            Haiti (1991): The CIA is alleged to have supported the coup against the democratically elected President Jean-Bertrand Aristide, with coup leaders Raoul Cédras and Michel François having received U.S. military training. The U.S. later reinstated Aristide in 1994 via Operation Uphold Democracy.  

 

2000s

•            Venezuela (2002): The U.S. supported a failed coup against President Hugo Chávez, providing funding and encouragement to opposition groups. The coup briefly ousted Chávez, but he was reinstated after mass protests.

•            Honduras (2009): The U.S. tacitly supported the coup against President Manuel Zelaya, who was ousted by the military after aligning with leftist leaders like Chávez. The U.S. recognized the new government despite international condemnation. 

•            Iraq (2003): The U.S.-led invasion overthrew Saddam Hussein’s government, replacing it with a U.S.-backed interim government. The operation aimed to establish a democratic regime but led to prolonged instability. 

•            Libya (2011): The U.S., with NATO, supported a military intervention that led to the overthrow of Muammar Gaddafi. The operation began as a humanitarian mission but resulted in Gaddafi’s death and a power vacuum.  

 

2010s

•            Paraguay (2012): The U.S. is alleged to have supported the impeachment of President Fernando Lugo, seen as a rapid coup by his allies. The U.S. quickly recognized the new government under Federico Franco.  

•            Ukraine (2014): The U.S. is alleged to have played a central role in the overthrow .

•            Brazil (2016): The U.S. is accused of supporting the impeachment of President Dilma Rousseff, viewed by some as a “soft coup.” Declassified documents show U.S. interest in her removal due to her leftist policies.  

•            Venezuela (2018–2019): The U.S. backed opposition leader Juan Guaidó’s attempt to oust President Nicolás Maduro, recognizing Guaidó as interim president and imposing sanctions to destabilize Maduro’s regime. The effort has not succeeded.  
•            Bolivia (2019): The U.S. supported the ouster of President Evo Morales after disputed elections, backing Jeanine Áñez’s interim government. Critics argue the U.S. encouraged the military’s role in forcing Morales to resign. 

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I shared this list with a friend who replied, "The list might include the Clinton/NATO bombing of Bosnia.... Also, Afghanistan, Somalia, Yemen.... Not sure what your requirements are lol... Where haven't we intervened might be a better list."

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From 1898 to 1994 alone, the U.S. intervened in Latin America at least 41 times, averaging once every 28 months, often citing security or economic interests like those of the United Fruit Company. Many interventions, especially during the Cold War, aimed to counter perceived communist threats, though these claims were often exaggerated to justify action. 

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Related Link
Orwell Castigates Wells, Defends Patriotism

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Note how many of today's contemporary trouble spots have dark roots deep in the past.  Note also that America's bad behavior abroad is not isolated to the bad behavior of a single ruling party.  And note how many times our interventions were aimed a overthrowing a democratically elected leader. So much for our belief in Democracy with a capital D. 

As Dylan has written:

Democracy don’t rule the world

You’d better get that in your head

This world is ruled by violence

But I guess that’s better left unsaid

--Union Sundown, Infidels 1983

Photo credit: Encyclopædia Britannica

Wrong Place, Wrong Time: Missing. A Movie Review

The formula comes in a variety of forms. Let's look at three variations on the theme.

SPOILER ALERT
I will be sharing info on all three films as if you've seen them.

The Man Who Knew Too Much

In this 1956 Hitchcock thriller, a doctor (Jimmy Stewart) and his wife, the popular singer Jo Conway McKenna (Doris Day) are traveling in Morocco with their young son. On a bus from Casablanca to Marrakesh they meet a Frenchman named Louis Bernard. Bernard is friendly but his answers to questions seem evasive, leaving Jo suspicious of the fellow. It's a quick setup, creating suspense in what appears to be an otherwise innocuous and casual situation.

As it turns out, there's much more going on than they realized. When Bernard is later stabbed in the back in the marketplace (literally, not figuratively as in office politics) he discloses a secret to Dr. McKenna that there's going to be an assassination attempt of a person of high importance. The stakes are raised when the McKenna's son is kidnapped so that they will not interfere with what has been planned. How ironic that the man of whom she'd been suspicious turned out to be the good guy, the couple into whose care she trusted her son were criminals.

Plot: Ordinary people inadvertently get caught up in a much bigger situation.
Quest: How find their son AND stop the assassination.
Clue: Ambrose Chappel.

Marathon Man

The movie's tagline blurb reads, "A graduate history student is unwittingly caught in the middle of an international conspiracy involving stolen diamonds, an exiled Nazi war criminal, and a rogue government agent."

Babe Levy (Dustin Hoffman) is a graduate student at Columbia University and also a marathon runner. His brother, he believes, is an oil company executive. He doesn't realize that his brother, Henry James Levy, is actually a government agent in a secret agency. The truth comes out when his brother comes to Babe's apartment to tell him something as he is dying from a knife wound. The brother dies before he can reveal anything.

Babe is interrogated by police and then some other people from the agency. No one knows whatever it was that his brother sought to share, yet the bad guys believe he knows more and are determined to find out what it was.

EdNote: There's a torture scene in this film that gave me nightmares that I have not watched it since. i.e. it's not my favorite movie but memorably represents the genre.

Plot: Ordinary person inadvertently caught up in a much bigger situation.
Quest: How to stay alive and find out what's really going on.
Clue: A key.

Missing

A powerful expose of America's dark doings in the September 1973 coup d'etat in Chile. An idealistic young writer disappears. Beth Horman, his wife (Sissy Spacek) and his dad Ed Horman (Jack Lemmon) have the same aim, but there's immense tension because Ed believes the Americans are the good guys, and Beth distrusts everything they say.

Plot: A young writer inadvertently crosses paths with the wrong people and later disappears.
Quest: Wife and father do all they can to learn where he is, whether he's alive or not.
Clues: Many, with red herrings everywhere.

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This is Greek director Costa-Gavras' American debut and it is spot on. The beauty of this film is that it weaves three points of view into one story and how the sparks fly as a result. The three perspectives are these. Beth is cynical about what our government claims and sees the lying clear as day. Ed believes the U.S. is a good country and that by trusting the authorities he will get to the bottom of this. The embassy authorities know they need to appear to be cooperating with Ed, but also believe the truth is irrelevant. It's not possible for them to be transparent about what they have been doing.

Before seeing this film I was familiar with Arlo Guthrie's heart-wrenching protest against what happened in Chile in a song titled Victor Jara which appeared on his Amigo album. (1976) Victor Jara Martinez was a teacher, poet, singer-songwriter and leftist political activist in Chile up until the coup that overthrew President Allende in September 1973. His protest songs were about peace and social justice, but his death at the hands of the U.S. sponsored Pinochet government was quite contrary to peaceful.

The song is essentially the story of Jara's life, from peasant to singer-songwriter who "fought for the people of Chile with his songs and his guitar." Each verse ends with "His hands were gentle, his hands were strong."

After several verses describing his support for working people and campaigning for Allende, there's a transition to a scene that is central in the film Missing, inside the stadium.

When Pinochet seized Chile they arrested Victor then –
They caged him in the stadium with 5000 frightened men

Costa-Gavras' treatment of the stadium is almost as if this structure were a character in the story. Early on we're in a car moving past it, and again we get a closer glimpse. Further into the story Ed is interviewing one of Beth and Charles' friends who had been arrested and taken to the stadium. Finally Ed and Beth obtain permission to go into the stadium to see if Charles is there. Ed comes face-to-face with the magnitude of the horror.

Amigo is one of my favorite albums by Arlo, so I don't even have to look up these lyrics.

The broke the bones in both his hand, beat him on the head, 
They tore him with electric wires and then they shot him dead.
His hands were gentle his hands were strong.

I share all this as setup for the story of Beth and Ed looking for Charles.

Charles Horman (John Shea)

Charles and Beth were dreamers of sorts, like many of us when we were young idealists in the 60s and early 70s. They were looking for a better world. Charles was writing for a controversial newspaper. addressing issues.

After the military overthrow and martial law there was an intense fear instilled in the city along with curfews, shootings in the streets and thousands being arrested.

Charles was away from the capitol in another part of the countryside, Viña del Mar, where he encounters U.S. operatives staying at the same place he is. Seeing that he's an American they are very open with him about what they're doing, which is helping overthrow Allende in order to install a pro-U.S. government. Charlie asks too many questions and takes too many notes, and the end result is his later disappearance. He was another man who knew too much.

Beth and Ed, seeking truth.

His father flies to Santiago as soon as he learns his son is missing. He's a conservative Christian Scientist, and up till this moment never thought much of what his liberal son and daughter-in-law were doing.

This is what makes it such a great film. Beth and Ed have a somewhat adversarial relationship at the beginning, but as the story unfolds Ed keeps running into U.S. Embassy b.s., he begins to have a change of heart. By the end of the film there's a mutual respect between Beth and her father-in-law as they learn what Beth suspected all along. Charlie was eliminated. He'd heard and seen too much.

It's heartbreaking, but an essential and important film revealing the manner in which our government views other nations, not as autonomous states but as pawns to be manipulated for our own ends.

In Seymour Hersh's incisive account of the Kissinger years, The Price of Power, we see the ugly side of the Nixon-Kissinger reign. Hersh spends more than forty pages debunking the Kissinger claim that what the CIA did in Chile was a U.S. victory.

Sadly, our heavy-handed involvement in Chile wasn't the first time our government assisted in the overthrow of a democratically elected president. (See my blog post Propaganda Revisited.)

As Ed experiences first-hand the atrocities taking place and the lies coming out of the mouths of our U.S. spokespersons, the real picture begins to come into focus. His determination becomes an Ariadne's thread that leads him out of the bureaucratic labyrinth.

In the end Ed respects Beth's courage, and Beth respects Ed's boldness, and active love for his son.

The film is based on a true story about one of many ugly chapters that have occurred during our lifetimes if you're a Boomer or beyond. After the generals seized Chile in 1973 the Constitution was suspended and dissidents kidnapped, tortured and killed. There were no free elections until 1990.

Kissinger's two volume memoir paints a picture of himself as a heroic figure. His fingerprints were all over this chapter from Chile's marred history.

An illuminating moment comes when Ed confronts the U.S. ambassador after learning what has really happened.

U.S. Ambassador: We're not involved, Mr Horman. Our position has been completely neutral.
Ed Horman: That is a bald face lie, sir. How can you say a thing like that when you have army colonels, you have naval engineers, they're all over Viña Del Mar!
U.S. Ambassador: Please sit down. Look, it's very obvious you're harbouring some misconception regarding our role here.
Ed Horman: What is your role here? Besides inducing a regime that murders thousands of human beings?
U.S. Ambassador: Let's level with each other, sir. If you hadn't been personally involved in this unfortunate incident, you'd be sitting at home complacent and more or less oblivious to all of this. This mission is pledged to protect American interests, our interests.
Ed Horman: Well, they're not mine.
U.S. Ambassador: There are over three thousand US firms doing business down here. And those are American interests. In other words, your interests. I am concerned with the preservation of a way of life.
Capt. Ray Tower, USN: And a damned good one.
Ed Horman: [Staring out the window] Maybe that's why there's nobody out there.
U.S. Ambassador: You can't have it both ways.

So, what is the correct response when one begins to see the light? Kissinger won. And our moral leadership of the free world took another hit.