Link to article: “Mexico warns OAS not to interfere in Bolivia’s internal affairs“
Following the arrest of former Bolivian president, Jeanine Anez, Bolivia received backlash from its own citizens, as well as other South American nations. The arrest came after claims of Anez fomenting a coup against former Bolivian president, Evo Morales, who ended up resigning due to military pressure. The OAS (Organization of American States) heavily criticized the Bolivian government’s actions in arresting Anez, calling for fair and credible trials. Anez is denying allegations. After the OAS spoke out about the event, Mexico responded, taking back statements. The nation did not condone the OAS speaking for all member states of the organization, claiming its foreign policy does not interfere with other nations, such as Bolivia’s, internal affairs.
This case is interesting, as Mexico is pulling itself out of a seemingly harmless claim, instead choosing to support the Bolivian government. It wouldn’t raise much attention if Mexico did indeed stick to a “non-interference” policy regarding foreign nation’s internal affairs, but Mexico has repeatedly involved itself in these exact situations. For example, Mexico directly involved itself in Bolivian affairs regarding the presidency of Morales.
As for the arrest itself, this will leave Bolivia’s government in a state of constant leadership change. First, Morales resigns, then, Anez is arrested, and now, Luis Arce, a former member of Morales’ administration, has taken over as president of the country. This will impact the stability of Bolivia’s government, especially its ever-changing policies.
One way this ties back to discussions in class is regarding the creation of IGOs in the international community. The OAS is a large IGO made up of 35 member states from the America’s. The purpose of this IGO is to create a peacekeeping alliance amongst these states, who live in close proximity to each other, isolated from the Western world. The OAS is similar to IGOs such as the EU, promoting democracy, human rights, security, and development.