Bolivia-United States Relations

Foreign affairs in the United States continue to be a highly discussed subject matter when it comes to relations, trade, and most recently the strong interest in National Security. Bolivia, known for the coca leaf which is the prominent component for cocaine- has grabbed the interest of the United States due to it’s power in the drug industry which has created an impact in societal, economical, and political agendas. International relations with Bolivia details back to 1849 and both countries continue to grow independently, however, continue to conjecture by creating policies that affect various aspects of society: social, economic, and political factors. In order to analyze a relationship between Bolivia and The United States, there is necessity
to research historical context and implement a thorough understanding of the association that exists today. To establish a thorough comprehension on how Bolivian politics, society, and in general government functions, there will be an evaluation of the United States governmental presence in Bolivia. The first noted interaction between the United States and Bolivia details back to the year 1849 when Bolivia established its independence from Spain. This meeting was known as the Peru-Bolivian confederation which was a set as a confederate state, however, diminished due to conflicting views from Nicaragua and Argentina. Although there has been some economic growth in the country, overall the country still lacks the necessary resources to completely steer away from poverty- as it is still considered the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere. According to the United States the Bolivian has to obtain certain policies, regulation, and rules: “Bolivia is a producer of coca and cocaine, and its international obligation to control illegal narcotics is an issue in the bilateral relationship” (state.relations.gov). It can be depicted that the United States main concern with how Bolivia runs the government is their interest in the drug market. Specifically, the distribution, consumption, and usage of coca leaves, which is an element used to produce the drug cocaine (crack). It is vital to understand the United States interest to comprehend the basis of most of the policies and in general- foreign affairs. Since the War on Drugs, the United States concern with cocaine has intensified and thus has tightened on its rules and laws to reduce usage in the population. Various studies have continuously supported the idea that the United States population is one of the biggest consumers of drugs, specifically one of the largest buyers in the cocaine market: “Americans were four times more likely to report using cocaine in their lifetime than the next closest country, New Zealand (The World Health Organization).” In addition, it is important to note that New Zealand is much leaner when it comes to drug laws. Despite, the differences in regulation the United States still ranks among the highest to consume this drug. In accordance to the data provided, one can understand the U.S. government’s compelling interest in Bolivia’s agricultural industry-coca production. Bolivian and United States relationship started to embark a new path when Bolivia’s new president Evo Morales was inducted in 2006.
Contradicting viewpoints started to rise and most of the United States orderly in Bolivian government started to deteriorate. According to U.S. Government Evo Morales had a ‘neo-liberal’ leader that construct economic policies based on his beliefs, values, and traditions. Evo Morales and his members decided to completely fall away from the United States: “In 2008, the government expelled the U.S. Ambassador and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration from the country” (U.S. Relations Cite). This is an important event that illustrates a stepping stone for the Bolivian government to operate under an independent government structure. This in turn intensified the tension between these two countries and created borders between them, resulting in Bush’s injunction suspended long term trade benefits with Bolivia due to its alleged failure to cooperate with the “war on drugs”. According to Evo Morales he saw their relationship with the United States as defective and non-beneficial: “the presence of the ambassador of the US as a constant conspiracy. And I remember that I talked to you, and I actually denounced the ambassador, because he used to call me the Andean bin Laden. And the coca growers, he used to call them Taliban” (Morales speech 2008-translated). This personal testimony from the president of Bolivia indicates a turning point for Bolivian government when it comes to their operations and independence. In addition, the government of Bolivia expelled the U.S. agency for international Development in 2013. Bolivia from this day forward takes a different form of leadership style, however, it is not until the Obama administration that relations between these two countries was able to be restored to a certain
extent.
In addition, to new policies it is vital to analyze the leadership style that is currently in place to understand Bolivia’s position in current and future international relations. Drawing attention to Evo Morales-the president of Bolivia since the 2006 elections allows examiners to understand his stance on important issues. Evo Morales is known for taking pride in his indigenous identity when he decided to implement an envirnonmental policy to preserve nature’s wonders in 2008 which was composed of 10 commandments. One of the critical components for this policy for the idigenous population was the preservation of the coca leaf. However, I found it suprising to find that his policy concerning coca production contradicted the indigenous population’s interest when he decided in 2006 to make it illegal to utilize it for medicinal purposes: “I should like to take this opportunity to speak of another historical injustice: the criminalization of the coca leaf. This coca leaf is green, not white, like cocaine. The coca leaf is symbolic of Andean culture, of the Andean environment and of the hopes of peoples. It is not acceptable that the coca leaf be legal for Coca-Cola and illegal for medicinal consumption not only in our country but throughout the world” (Evo Morales 2006 US nations speech).” Analyzing the situation, Evo Morales has contradicted his notions that were stated in the documentary, when he promised a woman from the local town he would make sure that the coca leaf would be legalized due to the fact that it is their main form of financial income for them. Also, the coca leaf plays a vital role in medicine for these indigenous populations: “ Coca is a sacred medicine to the Aymara people of the Andes, who use coca tea as a stimulant to provide energy at high altitudes, to relieve headaches and to alleviate menstrual pain” (Coca facts.com). To some extent this falls on the lines of hypocrisy due to the fact that Evo Morales does not follow through with his promises made to the indigenous community in a documented film during his campaigning trail. Overall, it can be concluded that the majority of the decisions regarding Bolivia will fall under the judgement of Evo Morales which can be difficult to indicate his position because at time he contradicts his original propositions.
In conclusion, it can be depicted that the United States main relation and concern with Bolivian administration is their interest in “War on Drugs”. According to the US government website, specifically foreign relation it can be concluded that the United STates main concern is with the agricultural production of the coca leaf (ingredient used for the production of cocaine). Bolivia’s main concern with the United States is the aid that they provide which is intended to used to combat drugs and use to develop the communities. In addition, the United States creates a strong economic boost for Bolivian economy due to the fact that it’s one of the biggest investors and traders. Lastly, through a thorough examination of Bolivian policies it can be concluded that Evo Morales has a significant influence on Bolivia’s future and thus impacts the direction that the country takes as a whole towards progression. Past policies have indicated that his personal opinions have directly impacted the construction of regulations, policies, and laws. It is important to indicate that instead of embarking an enlightening path for the country as a whole, the president puts forth his belief system before the country’s well being.