Bolivia's Biological Weaponry: A Threat To Global Security?

Bolivia has signed and ratified the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW), confirming that it does not own, possess, or control nuclear weapons. The country maintains a standing army of between 26,000 and 60,000 men, equipped with a range of infantry weapons, including pistols, submachine guns, assault rifles, sniper rifles, and machine guns. In 1967, Bolivia requested machine guns and bombs from the United States to combat guerrilla forces along its southeastern border. However, there is no specific mention of biological weapons in Bolivia's arsenal or any indication that the country possesses such capabilities.

Bolivia's stance on biological weapons

Bolivia has taken a strong stance against biological weapons and has committed to international efforts to prohibit and eliminate these weapons of mass destruction.

As a signatory to the 1972 Biological Weapons Convention (BWC), Bolivia has legally pledged to refrain from developing, producing, stockpiling, acquiring, or retaining biological agents or toxins for hostile purposes. The BWC is a multilateral treaty that aims to prevent the proliferation and use of biological weapons, which have been recognized as a grave threat to international peace and security.

Bolivia has also ratified the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW), reinforcing its commitment to disarmament and non-proliferation. By ratifying the TPNW, Bolivia has confirmed that it does not own, possess, or control nuclear weapons and has pledged to promote universal adherence to the treaty. This stance aligns with Bolivia's self-identification as a "pacifist state" and its rejection of the manufacture of nuclear weapons.

In addition to its adherence to international treaties, Bolivia has actively advocated for the elimination of nuclear weapons. It has consistently called upon states that have not yet joined the TPNW to become signatories and has emphasized the humanitarian and gender-sensitive nature of the treaty. Bolivia's support for the TPNW was demonstrated by its choice to ratify the treaty on August 6, the anniversary of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima, to honor the victims of that attack.

Furthermore, Bolivia has a history of seeking military equipment and weapons from other countries, such as the United States, to aid in combating guerrilla forces within its borders. However, there is no indication that Bolivia has sought or acquired biological weapons through these means.

The Bolivian Army's weaponry

The Bolivian Army is the land force branch of the Armed Forces of Bolivia. The exact size of the Bolivian Army is unknown, with estimates ranging from 26,000 to 60,000 men. The army is organised into ten territorial divisions, plus a mechanised division, occupying six military regions across the country.

The Bolivian Army maintains a small fleet of utility aircraft, reconnaissance vehicles, armoured personnel carriers, and transport, tactical, and utility vehicles. The army's weaponry includes handguns, sub-machine guns, assault rifles, sniper rifles, anti-materiel rifles, machine guns, grenade launchers, and shotguns.

In addition, the Bolivian Army has access to various artillery pieces, such as howitzers, mortars, and surface-to-air missiles. The army also operates Cessna 206 Stationair and Cessna 421 Golden Eagle aircraft.

The standard headgear for enlisted personnel is a beret bearing the national colours of red, yellow, and green. Armoured troops and paratroopers wear black berets, while special forces wear distinctive camouflage uniforms with green berets.

Bolivia's nuclear weapons ban

Bolivia has taken a strong stance against nuclear weapons, becoming one of the first 50 states to sign and ratify the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW). The country's commitment to nuclear disarmament is evident in its active participation in negotiations and its consistent voting in favour of resolutions calling for a ban on nuclear weapons.

On April 16, 2018, Evo Morales, the then-president of Bolivia, signed the TPNW in New York. Sacha Sergio Llorentty Solíz, Bolivia's permanent representative to the United Nations at the time, deposited the country's instrument of ratification with the UN secretary-general on August 6, 2019, marking a significant step toward the treaty's entry into force. Bolivia's ratification was the 25th overall and played a crucial role in bringing the treaty halfway to its goal of 50 ratifications.

The date chosen for ratification holds symbolic significance. By ratifying the treaty on August 6, the 74th anniversary of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima, Bolivia honoured those who lost their lives in the attack and reaffirmed its commitment to a world free of nuclear weapons. This date also coincides with Bolivia's Independence Day, adding to the importance of the occasion.

In accordance with Article 2 of the TPNW, Bolivia submitted a declaration to the UN secretary-general on February 18, 2021, confirming that it does not own, possess, or control nuclear weapons and has never allowed the stationing of such weapons on its territory. Furthermore, Bolivia has actively promoted universal adherence to the TPNW by co-sponsoring and consistently voting in favour of annual UN General Assembly resolutions since 2018, urging all states to sign, ratify, or accede to the treaty as soon as possible.

Bolivia's stance on nuclear weapons is rooted in its identity as a pacifist state. In the First Committee of the UN General Assembly in October 2023, Bolivia condemned nuclear weapons as "the most inhumane weapons ever conceived, as their deadly impact lasts for decades." The country has also emphasised the importance of adopting a humanitarian approach to disarmament and addressing the gender perspective in this process.

Bolivia's international relations

Latin America: Bolivia has forged close ties with Cuba and Venezuela, becoming a close ally of these countries. It is also a member of several regional blocs and organisations, including the Andean Community of Nations trade bloc and the Alianza Bolivariana para los Pueblos de Nuestra America (ALBA), which includes other left-leaning governments in Latin America.

Europe: Bolivia has worked to strengthen relations with Europe, particularly Spain due to historical ties, as well as Germany, France, and the United Kingdom. These countries have significant investments in Bolivia's hydrocarbon, energy, and mining sectors.

United States: Bolivia's relationship with the US has been tense at times, with the US regarding Bolivia as ''soft' on coca production and disapproving of its links with Cuba and Venezuela. However, there have been periods of harmonious relations, such as under the Banzer government (1997-2001) with its 'zero-coca' policy.

Chile: Relations with Chile have been strained due to Bolivia's loss of its maritime provinces in the War of the Pacific (1879-1883). Bolivia's territorial dispute with Chile has been a source of nationalist fervour, and full diplomatic relations have been severed since 1978.

Brazil and Argentina: Brazil and Argentina are Bolivia's most important trading partners and have traditionally vied for influence over Bolivian politics. Brazil is the main market for Bolivian gas, while Argentina has a long history of economic ties with Bolivia, dating back to when it was the only market for Bolivian gas before the 1980s.

Venezuela: Relations with Venezuela have strengthened significantly under the Evo Morales administration. Venezuela has provided diplomatic and financial support to Bolivia and offered military aid, which has been viewed with controversy by some.

Bolivia has also been an active member of international organisations such as the United Nations, the World Trade Organization, and the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, which it ratified in 2021.

Bolivia's history of coups

Bolivia has a history of coups d'état and coup attempts. Here is a brief overview of some of the significant coups in the country's history:

1964 Coup:

The first coup mentioned in your source occurred in 1964 when power was transferred from the elected leader of the Bolivian National Revolution, Víctor Paz Estenssoro, to a military junta led by Vice President General René Barrientos. Barrientos later became president in 1966 but died in a helicopter crash in 1969, which led to a period of political instability.

1969 Coup:

In September 1969, following Barrientos's death, General Ovando staged a coup and took power. However, his rule was short-lived as he was overthrown in October 1970 by General Rogelio Miranda, who himself was overthrown a few days later by General Juan José Torres.

1971 Coup:

Torres's rule also ended with a coup in August 1971, when he was overthrown by Colonel Hugo Banzer Suárez, who ruled for six years and was one of the longest continuous presidential terms in recent Bolivian history.

1978 Coup:

During a period of political turmoil, General Juan Pereda ruled for only four months in 1978. His brief presidency marked the beginning of an unstable period, with nine civilian and military presidents in just four years (1978-1982).

1980 Coup:

In 1980, there was a bloody coup led by Colonel Alberto Natusch Busch, which overthrew interim president Walter Guevara Arze. Natusch's rule lasted only two weeks due to intense civilian opposition and diplomatic pressure from the United States.

2019 Coup:

The most recent coup in Bolivia occurred in 2019 when Evo Morales, the country's first Indigenous president, was forced to resign. This coup was in response to disputed election results, with Morales's opponents alleging electoral fraud. Right-wing attacks on electoral offices and police abandoning their posts escalated the situation, ultimately leading to Morales's resignation and exile.

2024 Coup Attempt:

Most recently, in June 2024, there was an attempted coup against President Luis Acre led by the General of the Army, General Juan José Zúñiga. This coup attempt was unsuccessful, and Zúñiga was arrested and replaced by José Wilson Sánchez.

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