Today, Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro was overthrown in a 3-hour operation and brought to the US.
The incident sparked widespread discussions in the international community. The arrest of the Venezuelan leader has once again brought to the forefront examples of the US directly or indirectly influencing the political destinies of various countries over recent decades.
Modern.az presents a list of heads of state whose overthrow the US has played a role in throughout history. It should be noted that in some cases, Washington influenced processes through overt military intervention, while in others, through political, economic, and diplomatic mechanisms.
Saddam Hussein (Iraq)
In 2003, Saddam Hussein was overthrown from power as a result of the military intervention in Iraq by US-led coalition forces. He was subsequently detained, brought to trial, and executed. This is one of the clearest examples of regime change carried out by the US through direct military intervention.
Muammar Gaddafi (Libya)
During the events in Libya in 2011, NATO's air operations, including those by the US, played a decisive role in the collapse of the Gaddafi regime. Although Gaddafi was not directly detained by the US, international intervention paved the way for his removal from power. This process is considered indirect military support.
Manuel Noriega (Panama)
In 1989, the US military carried out a direct military operation in Panama. President Manuel Noriega was overthrown, taken to the US, and there convicted on drug trafficking charges, serving a long prison sentence. This incident is one of the rare cases where the US brought a foreign leader to trial on its own territory.
Slobodan Milošević (Yugoslavia/Serbia)
In 1999, NATO's air strikes against Serbia and subsequent international pressures resulted in Milošević's departure from power. Although the US exerted military and diplomatic influence in this process, the overthrow occurred through indirect means, not a direct operation.
Jean-Bertrand Aristide (Haiti)
As a result of US political and military influence, Aristide was removed from power twice. Washington's role, particularly in the events of 2004, is considered indirect intervention.
Salvador Allende (Chile)
In 1973, Chilean President Salvador Allende was overthrown by General Augusto Pinochet as a result of a military coup. Although the US did not directly carry out the coup, Washington's political and intelligence support is considered indirect intervention in international sources.
Mohammad Mosaddegh (Iran)
In 1953, Iran's Prime Minister Mosaddegh was overthrown as a result of a coup carried out with the support of US and British intelligence. This is considered one of the classic examples of the US influencing regime change through covert operations.
The Leader Who Was Not Overthrown: The Case of Fidel Castro
It should be noted that not all US attempts have been successful. Cuban leader Fidel Castro managed to remain in power for decades despite Washington's political, economic, and intelligence pressures, as well as numerous alleged assassination attempts. This fact has gone down in history as one of the primary examples demonstrating that US influence does not always yield results.
The direct and indirect interventions carried out by the US at various times have left deep marks on the system of international relations. The recent events concerning Venezuela have once again highlighted the pressing issue of the ineffectiveness of international law and the preference of major powers to resolve their problems through force.
