imperialism in the region. New governments reclaimed the sovereignty not only for their country but for their continent as well. Manuel Zelaya and Fernando Lugo were both part of this movement and its eventual reversal. Even though Honduras’s case is closer to the original 1970s coups in Latin America where the military had a major role, there are numerous similarities between the two countries. Both presidents came to power during a period of democratic disillusionment where the oligarchies were highly unpopular. They implemented popular social reforms that included wealth redistribution and were criticised by the opposition parties. Consequently, the elite, military and the mainstream media heavily campaigned against their programmes. Those exact actors were partly funded by the USAID and NED, if not both and had a major role in the following coups. Even though both overthrowing represented a violation of democratic principles and a demise of democratically elected head of states, the U.S. refused to call them ‘coup’, did not intervene and even celebrated the following elections (putting to power the coup plotters) as the triumph of
imperialism in the region. New governments reclaimed the sovereignty not only for their country but for their continent as well. Manuel Zelaya and Fernando Lugo were both part of this movement and its eventual reversal. Even though Honduras’s case is closer to the original 1970s coups in Latin America where the military had a major role, there are numerous similarities between the two countries. Both presidents came to power during a period of democratic disillusionment where the oligarchies were highly unpopular. They implemented popular social reforms that included wealth redistribution and were criticised by the opposition parties. Consequently, the elite, military and the mainstream media heavily campaigned against their programmes. Those exact actors were partly funded by the USAID and NED, if not both and had a major role in the following coups. Even though both overthrowing represented a violation of democratic principles and a demise of democratically elected head of states, the U.S. refused to call them ‘coup’, did not intervene and even celebrated the following elections (putting to power the coup plotters) as the triumph of