S8 Ep997: Evan Ellis discusses Bolivia's severe instability as blockades led by supporters of Evo Morales disrupt the capital's supply of food and oxygen. Morales is described as a dangerous figure using cocaine-related funds to destabilize the democratically elect
Bolivia is teetering on the edge of collapse as blockades led by supporters of exiled former president Evo Morales cut off essential supplies to La Paz, including food, gasoline, and medical oxygen. Professor Evan Ellis of the U.S. Army War College, speaking from El Salvador, describes a deepening crisis where Morales—though out of power—remains a dangerous figure using cocaine-fueled funds to orchestrate a destabilization campaign. The situation has escalated to the point where police have been ambushed by armed protesters, and a new law now allows the military to declare a state of emergency, but its use remains uncertain. Ellis warns that if the government falls, it would be a strategic blow to U.S. influence in the region, potentially enabling a wave of leftist, narco-influenced governments from Peru to Argentina, with Cuba, China, and Iran all poised to exploit the vacuum. Despite the gravity, Washington has not raised its travel alert, though senior officials—including State Department and Pentagon leaders—have publicly condemned the narco-terrorist threat and backed President Luis Arce’s government. Meanwhile, citizens remain trapped in La Paz, with no mass exodus, enduring hardship while hoping for a resolution. The episode reveals a hidden front in the broader geopolitical struggle for Latin America: Bolivia’s instability is not just a domestic issue but a strategic flashpoint.
Evo Morales is using cocaine trafficking profits to fund blockades and destabilize Bolivia’s democratically elected government.
A new law in Bolivia allows the military to declare a state of emergency, but its use remains uncertain amid concerns over loyalty and potential bloodshed.
The U.S. has publicly condemned the narco-terrorist threat in Bolivia but has not raised its travel advisory, signaling cautious engagement.
If Bolivia’s government collapses, it could trigger a chain reaction of leftist, narco-influenced governments across Peru, Argentina, and Brazil.
Cuba, China, Russia, and Iran are all actively seeking to exploit Bolivia’s instability to expand their regional influence.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Introduction: Bolivia’s Crisis in Context
John Batchelor introduces the episode with a brief overview of the geopolitical landscape, highlighting El Salvador’s president Nayib Bukele before shifting focus to Bolivia’s deepening instability.
Bolivia Under Siege: The Blockade of La Paz
“The people, especially in the capital of La Paz, which only sporadically are getting gasoline and food and even medical oxygen and other critical supplies for hospitals.”
The Emergency Law and Military Dilemma
A new law has passed allowing the military to act during a state of emergency. However, its use is uncertain due to concerns over military loyalty and the risk of escalating violence.
Police Ambushed in Santa Cruz
“As was feared, there were people with guns on the side of the left as sharpshooters. And so some four police were actually shot and ambushed.”
Evo Morales: The Man Behind the Blockades
“I would say, John, he's a dangerous figure more than a powerful figure.”
“So even though Bolivia often receives little attention in Washington, strategically Bolivia is in the center of the region. There's arguably a lot at stake not only for this country but also its neighbors and the U .S. agenda and the Americas.”
“As was feared, there were people with guns on the side of the left as sharpshooters. And so some four police were actually shot and ambushed.”
“The people, especially in the capital of La Paz, which only sporadically are getting gasoline and food and even medical oxygen and other critical supplies for hospitals.”
Host
Guest
evan ellis
person
evos morales
person
la paz
place
john batchelor
person
santa cruz
place
peru
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state department
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chapari
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cuba
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china
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