You didn't name a specific country here. That would be helpful. What I'm guessing you'll find is that a S. American country voted in a socialist gov't, then the US sanctioned the ever-living shit out of them, and/or funded armed groups to destabilize the government, which drove their economy off a cliff. Then the US said, "See? We told you socialism doesn't work."

I don't have time today to answer your other questions. Tomorrow I'm on the road for most of the day. I will respond ASAP.