The United States has a long history of interventionism, and President Trump has recently been more direct about his foreign policy intentions. His administration is currently engaged in military operations in Iran while simultaneously signaling a shift in focus toward Cuba, building on recent actions in Venezuela.
Trump’s Assertions on Regime Change
President Trump stated this week that he believes he must be involved in selecting Iran’s next leader. He too indicated that aggressive military force is now a key component of his foreign policy. Trump acknowledged on Thursday that Mojtaba Khamenei, son of the recently assassinated supreme leader Ali Khamenei, is the likely successor—a development he opposes. He stated, “Khamenei’s son is a lightweight. I have to be involved in the appointment, like with Delcy [Rodriguez] in Venezuela.”
Trump also stated that “Cuba’s going to fall, too,” and when asked about U.S. Involvement in Cuba’s potential demise, he responded, “Well, what do you think? For 50 years, that’s icing on the cake,” drawing a comparison to the situation in Venezuela.
Historical Precedents for U.S. Intervention
Throughout the 20th century, the U.S. Government often justified foreign intervention by citing the spread of communism. Although, scholars have suggested that protecting American financial interests was often the primary motivation. A 2016 study found that the U.S. Intervened in at least 81 foreign elections between 1946 and 2000.
Guatemala
In 1954, the CIA orchestrated a coup in Guatemala, overthrowing President Jacobo Árbenz and replacing him with Carlos Castillo Armas. The operation, called PBSuccess, was ostensibly to prevent the spread of communism. Historians suggest that fear that Árbenz’s land reforms would threaten the American-owned United Fruit Company, which owned 42% of Guatemala’s land and paid no taxes, was a key factor in the CIA’s actions.
Iran
In 1953, the CIA orchestrated a coup to topple Iran’s democratically-elected prime minister, Mohammad Mosaddegh, and replace him with a pro-western government under the Shah’s leadership with Zahedi as its prime minister. Declassified CIA documents outline the intent to “effect the fall of the Mosaddeq government.” Historian Ervand Abrahamian has argued that the U.S. Was primarily concerned with securing its oil interests in the country, as Mosaddegh had nationalized the Iranian oil industry.
Other Interventions
The U.S. Has financially and militarily backed coups in other countries, including the Republic of Congo, Chile, the Dominican Republic, Brazil, Honduras, and Cuba. In Chile, the CIA spent $8 million on covert actions to oust Salvador Allende in 1970.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Trump say about Iran’s next leader?
Trump stated that he must be involved in picking Iran’s next leader, opposing Mojtaba Khamenei, son of the assassinated supreme leader Ali Khamenei, calling him a “lightweight.”
What did Trump say about Cuba?
Trump stated that “Cuba’s going to fall, too,” and suggested the U.S. Has been working towards this outcome for 50 years, comparing it to the situation in Venezuela.
Has the U.S. Intervened in foreign elections before?
According to a 2016 study, the U.S. Performed at least 81 interventions in foreign elections between 1946 and 2000.
Given the historical precedents and current geopolitical climate, what implications might these assertive foreign policy moves have for long-term stability in the region?
