The Liberian Coup d'Etat: Its Impact on Economic and Security Assistance.
Abstract
Each year the U.S. spends billions of dollars to support economic and security assistance to our allies. This support comes in the form of Development Assistance, Health, Agriculture, Education, Foreign Military Sales, Grant Aid, International Military Education and Training, Mobile Training Teams, U.S. Military Advisors, and Military Missions. Opponents to the use of economic and security assistance argue that the program as it applies to third world countries is a waste of money, stirs up trouble between neighbors, and involves the U.S. in potential conflicts. Liberia has enjoyed some form of assistance from the U.S. since before World War II. Before 1950, U.S. Military Advisors assisted in the training of her armed forces. Considered the oldest African Republic, Liberia enjoyed over 130 years of independence when, on 12 April 1980, a military coup d'etat ended the years of stability. Today her economy is in shambles and a former master sergeant, Samuel K. Doe, rules as a quasi dictator. What caused the fall of the Liberian government? What is the future of liberia? What is the strategic and political importance of Liberia to the United States? What approach should the United States take in the area of assistance? Is Liberia typical of other Third World underdeveloped countries: These questions are addressed in this paper.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 30, 1988
- Accession Number
- ADA195745
Entities
People
- John H. Thomson
Organizations
- United States Army War College