The United States' position on the military coups in Ecuador 1961-1963

Abstract

The study aims to reveal the role and position played by the United States of America in the military coups that took place in Ecuador between 1961 and 1963, and the extent of the military institution’s interference in the Ecuadorian political system, which was part of a general situation that prevailed in all Latin American countries during the Cold War (1945-1991). It also reveals the relationship of military officers in the Ecuadorian army with the Central Intelligence Agency and decision-makers in the United States of America, which was able to employ the military institution to protect its economic, security and ideological interests and exploit it against the communist ideas that swept Latin American countries, especially after the success of the Cuban Revolution and the repercussions and repercussions that accompanied it on the foreign policy of the United States of America towards Latin American countries, and how it exploited the economic and social crises that these countries were suffering from and employed them to its advantage through economic aid, which served as a pressure card on the ruling political system in Ecuador in a manner that was consistent with its interests.

Ecuador was one of the most prominent Latin American countries affected by the Cuban Revolution due to the economic crisis experienced by the people, who were then classified below the poverty line, and thus had sufficient justification to revolt against the economic and social reality in which they lived. From here, fear began to haunt the administration of President John Kennedy of losing another country besides Cuba. Therefore, it used the military institution as a tool to change the ruling political regime in Ecuador between the years (1961-1963) due to the failure to implement the goals and directions of the foreign policy of the United States of America, foremost of which was severing diplomatic relations with Cuba and imposing economic sanctions on it within the Organization of American States.

The researcher used the descriptive analytical approach to accurately explain and analyze the historical event to understand the relationship between the variables and draw conclusions based on secret documents issued by the US State Department and the Central Intelligence Agency, which enriched the study with information and provided a comprehensive picture of the US position on the military and political changes in Ecuador.