Worst of Intentions: US Treachery Against Salvador Allende and the Consequences Fifty Years Later

Abstract

On September 11, 1973, members of the Chilean military led a coup that overthrew the duly elected president of Chile, Salvador Allende. The administration of US President Richard Nixon was a key player behind the scenes, as Nixon had directed the CIA three years earlier to create the conditions in Chile where a coup against Allende’s government could be successfully carried out. In this century, the US government has slowly declassified documents that shed light on the scope of US involvement. This research examines declassified US sources, as well as scholarly debate on the event, to reveal the culpability of the US government and the level of treachery in hiding its participation in the coup. Adding to a greater discussion of the US government’s responsibility to the Chilean people for complete transparency, as much of the information the US holds remains classified. It argues that America’s involvement in that event fifty years ago, and its recurring involvement in hemispheric affairs, remains a festering wound, impacting US relations with the nations of Latin America. Until there is true transparency of US involvement, and atonement for this country’s culpability, the US will remain hamstrung in any attempts to partner with Latin American nations.

Details

Session 1

11:15am – 12:30pm

Del Norte Hall

Room A: 1555