The Soviet Union and the Third World. Part 1. Coups D'Etat: Lessons of the Past, Prospects for the Future and a Guide for Action
Abstract
More Third World countries have turned towards the Soviet Union or realigned to the West as a result of coups d'etat than any other factor. The present work deals with the why and how, and presents a systematic survey of coups during the last fifteen years: operational details, motivational background, their foreign dimensions and their internal effects. It investigates Soviet attitudes towards coups, as well as the degree and the specifics of Soviet involvement. It then turns to the question of defending Third World regimes from coups and the general problem of an American coup policy. Indications are that military coups will continue in the years to come and their frequency may increase. U.S. vital interests in the Third World have been threatened by coups in the past and they will be further threatened in the future. A U.S. coup policy must consist of the ability to intervene to defeat coups when such intervention is in the American interest, (i.e., the existence of a counter-coup force).
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1984
- Accession Number
- ADA269633
Entities
People
- Walter Laqueur
Organizations
- Georgetown University