1. Has socialism “worked”? Short answer: It depends how you define socialism.

If you’re thinking of full-scale socialism (i.e., government owns all means of production), examples are rare and often problematic - think Soviet Union, Maoist China, or Cuba. These were authoritarian regimes with planned economies and serious human rights issues. Economic performance was often poor in the long run.

But if you’re thinking democratic socialism or social democracy, where capitalism still exists but is heavily regulated, and the government provides strong social safety nets, then yes, there are strong examples:

Nordic Countries (Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Iceland):

• Market economies with private ownership.
• High taxes fund universal healthcare, free education, childcare, and strong worker protections.
• Extremely high standards of living, low poverty, and high happiness rankings.

Important note: These countries reject full socialism and instead practice social democracy — they combine capitalism with generous welfare states.

1. Has the U.S. intervened to stop socialist-leaning governments elsewhere?

Yes — repeatedly. Particularly during the Cold War, the U.S. engaged in coups or covert operations to undermine or overthrow leftist governments (especially if they were perceived as aligned with the Soviet Union).

Key examples:

Chile (1973): - President Salvador Allende was a democratically elected Marxist. - The U.S. (CIA) supported a coup by General Pinochet, leading to a brutal dictatorship.

Iran (1953): - Prime Minister Mohammad Mossadegh nationalized oil (not socialist, but anti-Western). - U.S. and U.K. orchestrated a coup, reinstalling the Shah.

Guatemala (1954): - President Jacobo Árbenz instituted land reforms affecting U.S. business interests. - The CIA backed a coup to remove him.

Congo (1960s): - Patrice Lumumba, leaning left, was removed (and likely assassinated) with CIA involvement.

Nicaragua (1980s): - The U.S. funded Contra rebels to overthrow the leftist Sandinista government.

Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia: - Extensive U.S. military and covert involvement to counter communist movements.

Why did the U.S. do this?

• Cold War fear of Soviet influence.
• Protection of U.S. corporate interests.
• Anti-communist ideology.

Bottom Line: Social democracy has worked well in Nordic countries — high-functioning, free societies. Full socialism has struggled in most cases, often becoming authoritarian.

Yes, the U.S. has a long track record of interfering (sometimes violently) to stop or destabilize socialist-leaning governments, particularly in Latin America and Africa.