Bolivia the History of Bolivia

Bolivia

The history of Bolivia is characterized by instability and political turmoil. Modern-day Bolivia gained independence in 1820. However, because the country was carved from three distinct regions, each with its own people, it was never able to gain any measure of stability. The country maintained a strong indigenous population of Quechua and Aymara peoples, as they were insulated from European diseases by the Andean highlands. However, the native population was enslaved, beginning a pattern of colonialism and wealth inequality that into the 21st century (Infoplease, 2009). Recently, however, the country has been governed by an Aymara named Evo Morales, who has promised to establish social justice in the country.

Morales was elected on a landslide majority, one of the few leaders in Bolivian history to do so. Bolivia retains its status as a democratic republic, as Morales has attained his power by democratic means. However, he is establishing socialism and aligning the country with dictatorships such Cuba and Venezuela. Morales has nationalized the railway and has his eye on other industries as well (Ibid).

Under Morales, Bolivia's foreign relations policies have become decidedly anti-American. This trend began when he aligned himself with Hugo Chavez and Fidel Castro. Further actions have included accepting financing from Venezuela, legalizing coca production, kicking the U.S. ambassador out of the country, and suspending DEA agents (Ibid). Bolivia's policy of antagonizing the United States plays well domestically, and so it is likely to continue into the future.

Demographically, Bolivia is a relatively small country. It has just under 10 million people. They are split among a variety of ethnic groups. The largest group is the Quechua, who make up 30% of the population. Those of mixed native and European ancestry (mestizo) account for another 30%. Morales' tribe, the Aymara, account for 25%. (CIA World FactBook, 2009) the population is only 15% white, and these live mostly in the Santa Cruz province. The main religion is Catholicism. The main language is Spanish, but many of the native peoples do not speak it. They only speak their Quechua or Aymara tongue. Bolivia has relatively strong population growth, a result of their high birth rate (22.1 / 1000) and moderate death rate (7.35 / 1000) (Ibid).

Bolivia's economy is gradually being nationalized by the Evo Morales government. The main industries are mining and natural gas. There is a moderate agricultural sector. Private sector investment is the lowest in Latin America, a function of the rampant nationalization. The GDP per capita is only $4,500, one of the lowest levels in the Americas. There is widespread underemployment (Ibid). The inflation rate of 11.5% is evidence that the economy lacks stability, despite a positive balance of payments. Bolivia does, however, have a large underground economy in coca production, which is legal there. Bolivia is reportedly the number three producer of cocaine in the world, which makes a significant contribution to the economy, far beyond the indigenous use prescribed by Evo Morales.

Bolivia is not a military superpower. It has an Army, Navy and Air Force, but these are relatively small. The country has compulsory military service at the age of 18, but has been known to conscript boys as young as fourteen to fill shortfalls (Ibid). Military spending is moderate, resulting in a military that is little threat to outside nations and apparently has not even staged a coup since 1981.

Bolivia is significant for the United States for two main reasons. One is that the country is moving towards rapidly towards socialism. This is part of a trend in South America. Bolivia's role in that trend is not insignificant. Widespread socialism in Latin America will disrupt the flow of trade. As well, the socialist leaders often stir up anti-American sentiment. This makes them a threat. If they turn the continent against the United States, this will affect U.S. business interests, political interests and create another threat to national security.

Bolivia is a threat to U.S. interests in Latin America. The country may not be a military threat to much of anybody, but they have become a nation of influence in the region, in part due to the popularity of Evo Morales among indigenous people in Latin America. Indeed, his anti-American influence has spread worldwide (Gutsch, 2006). Trade could dry up, nations could attempt to thwart American dealings in Latin American and elsewhere in the world. Bolivia has been a key spearhead against American interests in the region and thus constitutes a real threat. There are few threats to Bolivia. The largest probably comes from the white minority in Santa Cruz, who vehemently oppose Morales and his socialist policies.