Why Bolivia Descended Into Yet Another Coup Attempt

Bolivia is among the world’s most politically turbulent nations, having experienced nearly 200 revolutions and coups or coup attempts since it won independence from Spain two centuries ago. The latest was a June 26 effort to overthrow unpopular President Luis Arce, a left-wing economist. Arce served as finance minister for over a decade earlier this century, during Bolivia’s boom years, but now presides over a country experiencing a harsh economic crisis.

In the latest coup attempt, the country’s military chief, General Juan Jose Zuniga, led rebel troops to occupy the main square of the capital, La Paz, and dramatically drive an armored vehicle into the presidential palace in order to force its door open. Arce was at the palace and confronted Zuniga, who said the army was there to “restructure democracy.” Panicked Bolivians withdrew $29 million from bank accounts in a three-hour span and stocked up at supermarkets and gas stations. But the overthrow attempt fell apart within hours. Arce named a new commander general of the army who ordered the rebellious troops to retreat — and they obeyed.