The Soviet Attitude to Political and Social Change in Central America, 1979-90

The study analyses Soviet policy towards Nicaragua during the rule of the Sandinista National Liberation Front (FSLN) and towards the guerrillas fighting for political and social change in El Salvador and Guatemala. It covers the period from the Sandinista victory in July 1979 until the loss of power in February 1990. This work aims to counter the tendency found in the western literature which over-emphasizes the ideological and strategic factors motivating Soviet policy towards Nicaragua and Central America as a whole.

Autorentext

DANUTA PASZYN is a researcher. She holds an M.Sc. in geography and a M.Phil. in international relations.

Inhalt

Preface Acknowledgements Introduction Soviet Interest and Communist Tactics in Central America Prior to the Sandinista Victory of 1979 The Soviet Reaction to the Opportunities Created by the Nicaraguan Revolution The Extent of Soviet Military and Economic Assistance to the Sandinista Regime Leftist Regime Prior to Gorbachev Assuming Office The Impact of Gorbachev's Policy of Perestroika and 'New Thinking' on Soviet-Nicaraguan Relations The Soviet Attitude to the Struggle of the Farabundo Marti National Liberation Front (FMLN) in El Salvador The Soviet Posture vis-a-vis the Guatemalan Revolutionary Process Conclusion Notes Bibliography Index