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Introduction

When examining the history of global politics, one cannot ignore the significant role the United States has played in shaping foreign governments, often through interference in the electoral processes of other countries. From Latin America to Southeast Asia, Africa, and beyond, the U.S. has a long history of meddling in foreign elections to promote its own geopolitical interests. This blog will outline the facts, laws, historical evidence, and individuals involved in these operations, along with an analysis of the outcomes and benefits to the U.S. government.

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Historical Context of U.S. Election Interference

U.S. involvement in foreign elections is not a recent phenomenon; it dates back to the early 20th century, driven by a desire to spread democratic ideals, ensure the rise of pro-American regimes, and suppress socialist or communist movements. While the motives may have varied over time—from Cold War strategies to economic interests—the consistent pattern of interference underscores a broader effort to control the political landscape of key regions.

Specific Examples of U.S. Election Interference

1. Italy (1948): In one of the earliest examples of U.S. election interference, the CIA funded the Christian Democrats in Italy’s 1948 election to prevent a communist victory. The U.S. provided millions of dollars in campaign funds and orchestrated a large-scale propaganda effort to sway public opinion. The Christian Democrats won, aligning Italy with the Western bloc during the Cold War.
2. Iran (1953): The U.S., in collaboration with the British, orchestrated a coup to overthrow the democratically elected Prime Minister, Mohammad Mossadegh, after he nationalized Iran’s oil industry. The coup restored the Shah to power, cementing U.S. influence over Iran for decades until the 1979 revolution. The U.S. benefitted from oil deals and strategic control in the Middle East.
3. Guatemala (1954): The CIA led the overthrow of Guatemala’s democratically elected president, Jacobo Árbenz, who had initiated land reforms that threatened U.S. corporate interests, particularly the United Fruit Company. The coup resulted in decades of instability and civil war, while ensuring that U.S. business interests were protected.
4. Chile (1973): In another infamous case, the U.S. government, under the guidance of President Nixon and National Security Advisor Henry Kissinger, supported the military coup that ousted Chile’s elected socialist president, Salvador Allende. The coup installed General Augusto Pinochet, a dictator whose regime was responsible for widespread human rights abuses. U.S. interests, particularly in mining, were secured through this intervention.
5. El Salvador (1980s): During the Salvadoran Civil War, the U.S. funneled millions of dollars to right-wing candidates and militias to ensure a pro-American government, despite widespread reports of human rights abuses. The result was a U.S.-backed regime that served as a bulwark against communism in Central America.
6. Ukraine (2004 & 2014): The U.S. played a significant role in supporting pro-Western movements during the Orange Revolution in 2004 and the Euromaidan protests in 2014. These movements eventually resulted in the election of pro-Western leaders and a shift away from Russian influence, a key objective of U.S. foreign policy.
7. Venezuela (2000s-present): The U.S. has been accused of attempting to influence elections in Venezuela by supporting opposition groups to oust socialist leader Hugo Chávez and later Nicolás Maduro. Sanctions, covert funding, and diplomatic pressure have been part of a broader effort to restore U.S. influence in Venezuela, a country rich in oil reserves.

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Laws and Covert Operations

U.S. involvement in foreign elections often falls under covert operations authorized by laws such as the National Security Act of 1947 and Executive Orders that grant the CIA and other agencies the authority to conduct such operations. These activities, though often shrouded in secrecy, are well-documented in declassified files and reports from government watchdogs.

National Security Act of 1947:

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For example:

• The National Security Act of 1947 established the CIA and provided the framework for covert actions, including election interference.
• Executive Order 12333, signed by President Reagan in 1981, expanded the CIA’s abilities to conduct covert operations abroad, including influencing political processes.

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Individuals Involved in Election Interference

Numerous individuals have played key roles in U.S. election interference operations. Here are a few notable figures:

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The Benefits to the U.S. Government

The U.S. government has benefitted immensely from its interference in foreign elections. These benefits typically fall into several key categories:

1. Strategic Control: U.S. influence over foreign governments allows for strategic control over critical regions, especially during the Cold War. For example, Italy’s alignment with the Western bloc helped contain Soviet influence in Europe.
2. Economic Gains: In countries like Guatemala and Iran, U.S. corporations gained access to valuable resources such as oil and agricultural land, furthering American economic interests.
3. Military Alliances: By installing friendly governments, the U.S. secured military alliances, ensuring that foreign nations would support American military objectives. For example, pro-American regimes in Latin America helped establish U.S. military bases throughout the region.
4. Counter-Communism: During the Cold War, the U.S. saw these interventions as vital to countering the spread of communism. U.S.-backed governments often supported capitalist policies and aligned with U.S. interests in international forums like the United Nations.

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A Double Standard: The U.S. Reaction to Alleged Election Interference

The intense scrutiny and national outrage over alleged foreign interference in American elections raise important questions. Why is it that the United States is so quick to condemn and vilify foreign actors when it perceives them as interfering in its own political processes, while simultaneously engaging in similar, and often more blatant, tactics abroad? This double standard underscores the deep-rooted hypocrisy that runs through U.S. foreign policy.

For instance, in the aftermath of the 2016 election, there was an enormous outcry regarding Russian interference through misinformation campaigns and alleged hacking efforts. U.S. politicians, media figures, and the general public were outraged, with calls for investigations, sanctions, and even new laws to protect American democracy. Yet, when confronted with the United States’ own long history of undermining democratic elections in other countries—whether through direct intervention, covert operations, or economic pressure—the outrage is conspicuously absent.

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Immigrants and Foreign Actors: Scapegoating to Deflect from Domestic Failures

Another disturbing aspect of this narrative is the demonization of immigrants as a source of election interference. Politicians and commentators have made repeated claims about undocumented immigrants voting illegally or immigrants being manipulated by foreign governments. This rhetoric often serves to shift blame for electoral outcomes away from domestic issues, further scapegoating marginalized groups.

This fear-mongering over foreign influence and immigrants stands in stark contrast to the reality of the U.S. government’s own behavior. The irony is clear: while politicians accuse foreign actors and immigrants of undermining democracy, the U.S. itself has engaged in systematic efforts to disrupt elections and manipulate governments across the globe for over a century.

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Conclusion

The United States’ history of interfering in foreign elections highlights a troubling pattern of undermining democratic processes in pursuit of its own geopolitical and economic interests. While the stated aim is often to promote democracy, the outcomes frequently result in the suppression of democracy, human rights abuses, and long-lasting instability.

By shining a light on these covert operations and holding individuals accountable, we can better understand the consequences of these actions and advocate for a future where respect for sovereignty and self-determination are prioritized over geopolitical manipulation.

Until Next Time…

I Am,

Ewing Redmond Samuels III

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References

• National Security Act of 1947.
• Tim Weiner, Legacy of Ashes: The History of the CIA.
• Stephen Kinzer, Overthrow: America’s Century of Regime Change from Hawaii to Iraq.
• Peter Kornbluh, The Pinochet File: A Declassified Dossier on Atrocity and Accountability.
• U.S. National Archives, declassified CIA documents on Iran, Guatemala, and Chile.

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