In Bolivia, a shift in government has been achieved for the first time in 20 years with the election of Rodrigo Paz, a centrist, as president. He has announced the restoration of diplomatic relations with the United States, which had been severed during the leftist government era. This move is seen as Bolivia’s intention to pivot towards pragmatism and a pro-market approach amid the waning of the “Pink Tide” (a wave of leftist movements) that swept Latin America in the 2000s.
On the 20th, President-elect Paz emphasized in a press conference in the capital, La Paz, that “Bolivia has been geopolitically marginalized for the past 20 years,” and underscored that “it is now time to move forward with practical diplomacy and cooperation with the international community.” He stated that “the most important task is to restore relations with the United States,” and added, “I will ensure Bolivia regains its influence in the international community.” He also announced that discussions to normalize bilateral relations had begun with Christopher Landau, the U.S. Deputy Secretary of State.
Previously, in 2008, Bolivia’s diplomatic channels were effectively cut off after former leftist President Evo Morales expelled the U.S. ambassador and DEA personnel citing “interference in domestic affairs.” In 2013, Bolivia expelled the USAID representative, and in reciprocal actions, the U.S. also expelled the Bolivian ambassador in Washington, D.C., leaving the ambassadorial positions vacant in both countries.