Central America and the Caribbean in Transition: The Challenge to US Policy.

摘要

This memorandum discusses current trends in socioeconomic and political change in Central America and the Caribbean as they relate to US interests in the region and to US national security policy. The conclusion is that the development and maintenance of viable nation-states that are favorably disposed to the United States are goals of fundamental importance, due to the area's proximity and because of the conviction that viable nation-states stand a better chance of maintaining their security. Accordingly, the United States should prudently play a more active role in the promition of national development in order to protect its security interests. To neglect the area, as it frequently has in the past, could perpetuate security liabilities too close to home. (Author)