U.S. Security Assistance for El Salvador
Abstract
The suitability of future U.S. security assistance support to the government of El Salvador is reviewed in light of the collapse of the Soviet Union, shifting U.S. priorities, and the signing of the Salvadoran peace accords. The examination is conducted by reviewing U.S. interests, the risks and benefits of security assistance, and the current political and economic conditions in El Salvador. The U.S. has a variety of interests in El Salvador, dominated by El Salvador's potential to induce regional instability. U.S. national security interests are best served by an independent and cooperative El Salvador. Security assistance programs possess a range of effective tools to protect U.S. interests through the continued viability of the democratic government of El Salvador. With the signing of the peace accords, the primary threat to the Salvadoran government has shifted from the armed insurgency to the devastated infrastructure and crippled economy. Security assistance to El Salvador should be continued, increasing the emphasis on economic and infrastructure development, and reducing emphasis on arms sales. Future support should be designed on a phased reduction basis, linking reductions to the successful achievement of objectives, and a finite time line for accomplishment. This gradual reduction reduces the risks of perpetuating dependency and an erosion of Salvadoran autonomy. .
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 13, 1992
- Accession Number
- ADA250012
Entities
People
- Arthur W. King
Organizations
- Naval War College