Covert operations

Definition

Covert operations are secret activities designed to influence political, economic, or military conditions in another country without revealing the source of the action. These operations often involve espionage, sabotage, or support for dissident groups and are typically conducted by government agencies, particularly intelligence services. They play a significant role in foreign policy strategies aimed at maintaining control or exerting influence in regions viewed as vital to national interests.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. During the Cold War, covert operations were frequently employed by the U.S. to counter perceived threats from communism in Latin America and elsewhere.
2. The Alliance for Progress, initiated in 1961, included funding for social and economic development in Latin America but also supported covert operations to thwart leftist movements.
3. Covert operations can include psychological warfare techniques aimed at undermining political opponents or influencing public opinion.
4. One notable example of U.S. covert operations is the overthrow of Chilean President Salvador Allende in 1973, which was orchestrated through various means including support for opposition groups.
5. Covert actions often raise ethical questions and can lead to unintended consequences, including destabilization of governments and increased anti-American sentiment.

Review Questions

• How did covert operations fit into the broader strategy of the U.S. during the Cold War in Latin America?
  • Covert operations were a key element of U.S. strategy during the Cold War, as they allowed the government to combat the spread of communism without direct military intervention. The U.S. supported various regimes and opposition groups through secret actions intended to destabilize governments that were seen as threats, such as Allende's Chile. This approach aimed not only to protect U.S. interests but also to promote political ideologies aligned with capitalism and democracy.
• Evaluate the impact of covert operations on U.S.-Latin American relations during the 1960s and 1970s.
  • Covert operations had a profound impact on U.S.-Latin American relations, often leading to long-term resentment towards U.S. interventionism. While these actions were intended to stabilize regions and prevent communist influence, they frequently resulted in human rights abuses and political repression, leading many Latin Americans to view the U.S. as an imperialist power. This legacy of mistrust has shaped diplomatic relations and public perception in the region up to the present day.
• Assess how covert operations shaped the political landscape of Latin America post-1970s and their lasting effects on contemporary governance.
  • Covert operations fundamentally altered the political landscape of Latin America post-1970s by fostering environments of distrust and instability. The backing of certain regimes led to authoritarian rule in several countries, creating a legacy of human rights violations and social unrest that persists today. In contemporary governance, many nations grapple with the consequences of past U.S. interventions, as movements for justice and accountability continue to challenge existing political structures influenced by those covert actions.

Related terms

CIA:

The Central Intelligence Agency, a U.S. agency responsible for conducting covert operations and gathering intelligence to inform national security decisions.

Proxy War: A conflict where two opposing countries support combatants that serve their interests instead of waging war directly against each other.

False Flag Operation: A covert operation designed to deceive by making it appear that an action is being carried out by another party, often used to justify military intervention.