Uncool and Incorrect" in Chile: The Nixon Administration and the Downfall of Salvador Allende

The military coup in Chile in 1973 led to a repressive military dictatorship, believed to be influenced by powers in Washington. A book explores the Nixon administration's efforts to undermine and unseat Allende, using newly declassified records to answer questions about U.S. involvement and highlight crucial decisions that contributed to the failure of Chilean democracy.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 277 pages
Publication date: 17 February 2023
Publisher: McFarland & Co Inc

The military coup that brought down Chilean President Salvador Allende in 1973 resulted in one of the most oppressive military dictatorships in the history of Latin America. While the exact origins of the coup remain a mystery, with many attributing the blame to powers in Washington due to the United States' history of interventionism in the region, there are ongoing suspicions about the Nixon administration's role in a failed campaign to prevent Allende's inauguration in 1970.

This book offers a comprehensive account of the Nixon administration's efforts to undermine and unseat Allende, relying heavily on newly declassified records. It addresses several crucial questions regarding U.S. involvement, exploring various counterfactual scenarios to highlight important turning points and crucial decisions that contributed to the failure of Chilean democracy.

The coup marked a significant turning point in Latin American politics, as it led to a wave of military coups and authoritarian regimes across the region. The United States, in particular, became deeply involved in efforts to suppress left-wing movements and promote democracy, with the Nixon administration playing a prominent role in these endeavors.

However, the book also raises important questions about the limits of U.S. power and the consequences of interventionism. It highlights the complexities of the Cold War, the competing interests of different nations, and the often-conflicting goals of policymakers. The author argues that the coup was not solely the result of U.S. actions but also reflects broader social and political factors in Chile, including economic inequality, political polarization, and the growing influence of the military.

Overall, this book provides a valuable insight into the history of the Cold War and U.S. foreign policy in Latin America, shedding light on the complex and often-controversial events that shaped the region in the 1970s. It is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the political and social dynamics of the time and the ongoing challenges of democracy and human rights in Latin America.

Dimension: 254 x 178 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781476688831