13. Anastasio Somoza: Nicaragua’s Dynasty
For decades, the U.S. supported the Somoza family as they ruled Nicaragua with an iron grip, notorious for oppression and rampant corruption. Despite the regime’s brutality, American backing was sustained by strategic and economic interests in Central America. As noted by NPR, this alliance exemplified a recurring pattern: U.S. priorities in the region frequently overshadowed calls for democracy and human rights, with lasting consequences for Nicaraguan society.
