Meaning: The quote "Somoza may be a son of a bitch, but he's our son of a bitch" is often attributed to Franklin D. Roosevelt, the 32nd President of the United States. This quote is significant in the context of U.S. foreign policy in Latin America, particularly in relation to the relationship between the United States and Anastasio Somoza García, the Nicaraguan dictator who ruled the country from 1936 to 1956.

The phrase reflects a pragmatic approach to foreign relations, where the United States was willing to support and maintain alliances with leaders who may have been authoritarian or repressive, as long as they were perceived to be aligned with American interests. This approach was a hallmark of U.S. policy in the region during the mid-20th century, where strategic considerations often took precedence over concerns about the internal governance of foreign countries.

Anastasio Somoza García, often referred to as Somoza, was part of a family dynasty that ruled Nicaragua for several decades. He first came to power in 1936 following the assassination of his predecessor, and under his rule, Nicaragua became increasingly aligned with U.S. interests. Somoza was known for his authoritarian and repressive regime, which led to widespread human rights abuses and political repression. Despite these actions, the United States continued to support his regime due to its anti-communist stance and its perceived role as a bulwark against leftist movements in the region.

The quote attributed to Roosevelt encapsulates the realpolitik approach that characterized U.S. foreign policy in Latin America during this period. It reflects the willingness of the U.S. government to overlook human rights abuses and authoritarian governance in favor of maintaining stability and influence in the region. The phrase underscores the notion that in the pursuit of broader geopolitical goals, the United States was willing to support leaders who may have been morally objectionable but were seen as serving American interests.

The quote has been subject to criticism and debate, particularly in the context of U.S. support for repressive regimes in Latin America during the Cold War. Critics argue that the pursuit of American interests led to the backing of dictators and human rights violators, undermining democratic values and contributing to instability in the region. The support for Somoza and other authoritarian leaders has been cited as a factor in the rise of anti-American sentiment and leftist movements in Latin America.

In recent years, there has been a reevaluation of U.S. foreign policy in Latin America during the Cold War, with a greater emphasis on acknowledging the negative impact of supporting repressive regimes. The quote attributed to Roosevelt serves as a reminder of the complex and often morally ambiguous choices made in the pursuit of national interests, and it continues to provoke discussions about the ethical dimensions of foreign policy.

In conclusion, the quote "Somoza may be a son of a bitch, but he's our son of a bitch" reflects a pragmatic and often controversial approach to U.S. foreign policy in Latin America during the mid-20th century. It encapsulates the willingness of the United States to support authoritarian leaders who were perceived as serving American interests, even at the expense of democratic values and human rights. The quote continues to provoke debate and criticism, serving as a reminder of the complex and morally ambiguous nature of international relations.