Bolivia the History of Bolivia Thesis

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Bolivia is reportedly the number three producer of cocaine in the world, which makes a significant contribution to the economy, far beyond the indigenous use prescribed by Evo Morales.

Bolivia is not a military superpower. It has an Army, Navy and Air Force, but these are relatively small. The country has compulsory military service at the age of 18, but has been known to conscript boys as young as fourteen to fill shortfalls (Ibid). Military spending is moderate, resulting in a military that is little threat to outside nations and apparently has not even staged a coup since 1981.

Bolivia is significant for the United States for two main reasons. One is that the country is moving towards rapidly towards socialism. This is part of a trend in South America. Bolivia's role in that trend is not insignificant. Widespread socialism in Latin America will disrupt the flow of trade. As well, the socialist leaders often stir up anti-American sentiment. This makes them a threat. If they turn the continent against the United States, this will affect U.S. business interests, political interests and create another threat to national security.

Bolivia is a threat to U.S. interests in Latin America. The country may not be a military threat to much of anybody, but they have become a nation of influence in the region, in part due to the popularity of Evo Morales among indigenous people in Latin America.
Indeed, his anti-American influence has spread worldwide (Gutsch, 2006). Trade could dry up, nations could attempt to thwart American dealings in Latin American and elsewhere in the world. Bolivia has been a key spearhead against American interests in the region and thus constitutes a real threat. There are few threats to Bolivia. The largest probably comes from the white minority in Santa Cruz, who vehemently oppose Morales and his socialist policies.

In summary, Bolivia has despite its poverty emerged as a legitimate threat to U.S. interests in Latin America. The country has a fairly limited economy and military but has become a center of political influence, in particular with respect to anti-American sentiment. The United States should attempt to mitigate Bolivia's influence in the region to maintain the security of its own national interests. It must also address the issue of coca production, which has been a major sticking point in Bolivia-U.S. relations ever since Morales gave Condoleezza Rice a guitar decorated with coca leaves (Ibid)......

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"Bolivia The History Of Bolivia", 12 April 2009, Accessed.5 June. 2026,
https://www.aceyourpaper.com/essays/bolivia-history-bolivia-23018