How did the US justify its support of dictatorships in Latin America?

The US justified its support of Latin American dictatorships primarily through the doctrine of anti-communism and national security interests.

During the Cold War, the United States adopted a foreign policy that was heavily influenced by the fear of global communist expansion. This was particularly true in Latin America, where the US supported several authoritarian regimes in an effort to prevent the spread of communism. The US government often justified this support by arguing that these dictatorships were a necessary evil in the fight against a greater threat: communism. This was based on the belief that if one country fell to communism, others in the region would follow - a theory known as the Domino Effect.

The US also justified its support for dictatorships in Latin America through the lens of national security. The proximity of Latin America to the US made the region strategically important. The US government feared that any communist regime in the region could pose a direct threat to American national security. This fear was heightened after the Cuban Revolution of 1959, which brought Fidel Castro, a communist, to power. The US saw dictatorships as a bulwark against such revolutions and a means to protect its national security.

Economic interests also played a role in the US's support for Latin American dictatorships. Many of these regimes were favourable to American businesses, providing them with access to resources and markets. The US government often argued that supporting these dictatorships was necessary to protect American economic interests.

In addition, the US often portrayed these dictatorships as transitional phases towards democracy. It was argued that these regimes, despite their authoritarian nature, were preferable to the instability and chaos that could result from rapid democratic transitions. This was particularly the case in countries with a history of political instability or civil conflict.

In summary, the US justified its support for dictatorships in Latin America through a combination of anti-communist rhetoric, national security concerns, economic interests, and the belief that these regimes could serve as stepping stones towards democracy.