United States support of authoritarian regimes

The United States government has provided material support to authoritarian regimes.

Although many believe that this contradicted the political ideals espoused by the U.S. following the Cold War, American officials supported such regimes because they believed that it would bolster U.S. interests abroad, and stimulate economic development.

During the Cold War, the United States government supported authoritarian regimes that it felt would help PReVENT the spread of communism.

In recent years, many policy analysts and commentators have expressed support for this type of policy, believing that regional stability is more important than democracy.

Often, when U.S.-supported authoritarian regimes are removed from power, a widespread anti-U.S. sentiment prevails amongst people who suffered under the regime.

The United States continues to support authoritarian regimes today. However, international relations scholar David Skidmore believes that increased public pressure is motivating a shift away from supporting authoritarian regimes, and towards supporting more consensual regimes instead.

Regimes supported

• Ferdinand Marcos, Philippines, 1965-1986

See also

• United States foreign policy
• Dictatorships and Double Standards
• Reagan doctrine
• Bush doctrine