In 1983, the United States wanted an opportunity to reinvigorate its image as a communist-stopping powerhouse. Did it take advantage of this by intervening in multiple countries during the Reagan administration? The answer is yes, as the U.S. military found itself involved in various conflicts and operations around the world.
The Vietnam conflict continues to be the touchstone for both the military and policymakers committed to avoiding future foreign military 'quagmires.' The lessons learned from Vietnam influenced the decision-making process during the Reagan administration when it came to military interventions.
Over the past two centuries, US imperial interventions have had a devastating impact on the peoples of Latin America. The Reagan administration was no exception, as the U.S. military was involved in several operations in the region during this time.
U.S. military intervention in Venezuela is highly unlikely, say Latin America scholars. They cite the risks of entering a protracted conflict and the potential backlash from other countries in the region. However, history has shown that the U.S. military has intervened in Latin American countries before, so the possibility cannot be ruled out completely.
Commentary: Reagan's invasion of a tiny Caribbean island boosted the US military and paved the way for future interventions. The successful operation in Grenada showcased the military capabilities of the U.S. and set a precedent for similar actions in the future.
During the 2012 presidential campaign, then-U.S. President Barack Obama boasted about his role in the overthrow of Libya's strongman, Col. Muammar Gaddafi. This intervention highlighted the continued use of military force as a tool of foreign policy during the Reagan administration and beyond.
More than three days before the invasion of Grenada last Tuesday, news of U.S. planning for the operation had achieved wide currency in the media. The buildup to the intervention in Grenada was widely covered in the press, sparking debates about the necessity and legitimacy of the military action.
Ten years after the end of ground combat in Vietnam, the US returned to military intervention, instigating the invasion of Grenada to achieve its objectives. The intervention in Grenada marked a significant moment in U.S. foreign policy during the Reagan administration, showcasing the willingness to use military force to achieve strategic goals.
