Central America, Nicaragua and El Salvador (original) (raw)

Abstract

Examines post-Sandinista politics in Nicaragua and American interests in Central America.

Description

With the election of Violeta Chamorro as President of Nicaragua in 1990, American policy makers witnessed the downfall of the Sandinista regime that for over ten years they had sought to defeat. However, Nicaragua’s weak economy threatened to destabilize Chamorro’s already fragile anti-Sandinista alliance, and the process of disarming the Sandinistas and the Contras posed potentially dangerous challenges for the new government. Meanwhile, in neighboring El Salvador, civil war between the American backed government and a coalition of left-wing guerilla groups continued to rage, devastating the economy and driving the nation deeper into poverty. In light of Chamorro’s election and the continuing civil unrest in El Salvador, guests Richard Allen, Karen Elliott House, and Madeleine Albright consider Central American policy in the post-Sandinista era. Topics discussed include the importance of economic development in the region and the United States’ future role in Central American politics.

Rights Note

Subject

Location

Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean; El Salvador; Nicaragua;

Publisher

Connecticut Public Television

World Beat Associates

Georgetown University. School of Foreign Service

Foreign Policy Association