The Central American Crisis and the United States Policy Toward the Region.

Abstract

In spite of Central American instability, some positive developments have been set mainly in the democratic order. But there are serious continuing problems which the US and the Central American countries themselves are confronting; the Soviets want to help Cuba, secure new allies in the region and weaken US influence in Central America. For the first time, the present administration has given attention to the area even though the policy is facing lack of domestic consensus and complications in its accomplishment. President Reagan's administration wants to do more than just prevent the loss of the other Central American countries; it also intends to turn back the tide in Nicaragua. It is suggested that the United States must take seriously not only looking for its interests but also the interests of the Central American countries trying to accommodate both ways, and a comprehensive US strategy with determination and consistent long-term policy and a positive commitment to Central American countries. This paper argues that the trouble in Central America is not only, essentially, the outgrowth of an East-West conflict. Nevertheless, long-term economic and security assistance provided by the US that reflects the interests, attitudes and aspirations of Central American people, could bring stability to the region.

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Mar 23, 1987
Accession Number
ADA180727

Entities

People

  • Jose M. Amador

Organizations

  • United States Army War College

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Central America
  • Continents
  • Domestic
  • Geographic Regions
  • Instability
  • Nicaragua
  • United States

Fields of Study

  • Political science

Readers

  • East Asian Political and Security Studies within the Soviet Union