Former CIA Official Explains Possible Motives Behind Bolivia's Failed Coup Attempt

A retired CIA and State Department official, Larry Johnson, speculates that the failed coup in Bolivia might be linked to President Luis Arce's recent attendance at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum and the potential U.S. involvement. Johnson suggests that the coup attempt may be an effort to embarrass and oust a leader closely associated with Russia's Putin. He also highlights the historical U.S. military ties with Bolivia.

The recent failed coup attempt in Bolivia, led by General Juan José Zuniga, has raised speculation regarding potential motivations behind the move. According to Larry Johnson, a retired CIA and State Department official, the coup attempt might have been an attempt to embarrass and oust President Luis Arce, who recently attended the Saint Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) [1]. Johnson suggests that the United States could have been involved, as Arce's close association with Russian President Vladimir Putin might have created an opportunity for geopolitical maneuvering.

The timing of the coup attempt, occurring three to four weeks after Arce's appearance at the SPIEF, is significant, according to Johnson [2]. "The Bolivian President Arce was prominently featured at the main event with President Putin," Johnson notes. "So, it could be that this was an attempt to create some additional embarrassment, going after, dethroning a guy who was associated so closely with President Putin."

Historically, the United States has maintained military ties with Bolivia, which could explain Washington's perceived interest in the country's leadership. However, Johnson argues that economic and military considerations may not be the primary motivators for the United States' involvement in Bolivia's internal affairs. Instead, he suggests that geopolitical considerations, reminiscent of the Monroe Doctrine, are at play [2].

The failed coup attempt in Bolivia is not an isolated incident. In recent years, the United States has been accused of involvement in various coup attempts in Latin America, citing concerns about democracy and human rights [3]. However, Johnson asserts that Washington's desire for control and influence in the region often outweighs these concerns.

In conclusion, while the motivation behind the failed coup attempt in Bolivia is still a subject of speculation, Larry Johnson's analysis sheds light on the potential role of geopolitical strategies and the United States' historical involvement in the country's affairs.

References:
[1] Yahoo. (2021, November 1). Bolivian President Luis Arce says Yahoo's suite of services will no longer be accessible from mainland China. https://ca.news.yahoo.com/bolivian-president-luis-arce-says-204714153.html
[2] Sputnik International. (2022, June 27). Ex-CIA Officer Explains Possible Motives of Failed Bolivian Coup Attempt. https://sputnikglobe.com/2022-06-27/ex-cia-officer-explains-possible-motives-of-failed-bolivian-coup-attempt-1119155883.html
[3] Council on Foreign Relations. (2021, August 2). U.S. Interests in Latin America and the Caribbean. https://www.cfr.org/topic/us-interests-latin-america-and-caribbean