Bandaid Diplomacy: An Historical Perspective of U.S. Policy Towards Nicaragua

摘要

The reason for this paper is to provide a historical synopsis of the United States' very long and very frustrating involvement in the affairs of Nicaragua, a nation that has had a direct influence on all of Central America. Beginning with the famed Monroe Doctrine, the U.S. has sought ways to formulate a viable foreign policy that would stabilize this strategically positioned southern neighbor -- No easy task. Nicaragua has been a source of consternation to U.S. policymarkers for more than 150 years. Given the present chaotic situation, are we justified in blaming past policymakers and their foreign policy initiatives. To answer that question, this study will peel away the diplomatic bandaids that were applied by our diplomats as they attempted to heal our flawed relationship. The ultimate objective is to permit the uniformed reader to be better informed so that he may judge for himself the character of U.S. past involvement in Nicaragua, and make more informed judgements as to what approach we should be taking toward Nicaragua today.