Financial TimesFinancial Times

A coup or not? Peru crisis highlights Latin American polarisation

By Michael Stott

22 Dec 2022 · 3 min read

Editor's Note

Was Pedro Castillo, the former leftist president of Peru, the victim of a coup or the perpetrator of one? As the FT explains, in Latin America, the answer largely depends on one's politics.

When is a coup not a coup? The answer in Latin America today depends on your politics.

A coup used to be straightforward. In a script which became depressingly familiar in the last century, a general or military junta would seize power, backed by troops and tanks, and sometimes by the CIA.

Sign in to informed

  • Curated articles from premium publishers, ad-free
  • Concise Daily Briefs with quick-read summaries
  • Read, listen, save for later, or enjoy offline
  • Enjoy personalized content
Or

LoginForm.agreeToTerms