Pro-American forces win in Bolivia: beginning of the dismantling of China’s proxy axis in Latin America

On August 17, 2025, Bolivia held presidential and parliamentary elections, resulting in the first defeat in 20 years for the Movimiento al Socialismo (MAS) party, founded by former Bolivian President Evo Morales, who favored deepening ties with China. The party lost power in the country.

Washington deliberately shaped the electoral landscape in Bolivia to ensure the second round of the presidential election was a contest between two pro-American candidates, leaving no room for pro-China alternatives.

By synchronizing political support with reformist elites, sending clear investment and regulatory signals, and working on the coalition architecture of the opposition, a critical mass was created in favor of a pro-market agenda, sidelining candidates aligned with Beijing.

In the Bolivian parliament, a new balance of power is forming between centrists (PDC) and conservatives (Libre), opening a “window of opportunity” for strengthening political ties with Washington.