Imperialism, discrimination, and sovereignty: Kidnapping of the presidential airplane of Evo Morales

Abstract

This study addresses the problems occurred between some of the hegemonic governments and the Bolivian government, from the arrest and hijacking ofvthe President Evo Morales Ayma’s airplane when it was at European lands on July 2, 2013. The objective of this article is to analyze how the imperial domination exercised by the government of the United States, with the support of four European countries, is present in that event – the historical transcendence that it has –, and the independence and sovereignty defended by the Bolivian government, represented by the first indigenous president of Latin America. This analysis takes into account the violation of international laws and conventions against the immunity and inviolability of a Latin American chief of state. This episode allows us to visualize some of the contemporary colonialist practices and visions coming from the First World countries practiced against Latin America, as well as allow us to see new forms of resistance and dignity, as a result of reactions of some left sectors and governments of Our America.