ABSTRACT

The product of research and investigation by a team of sixteen authors, Reagan versus the Sandinistas is the most comprehensive and current study to date of the Reagan administration's mounting campaign to reverse the Sandinista revolution. The authors thoroughly examine all major aspects of Reagan's "low-intensity war," from the U.S. government's attempts at economic destabilization to direct CIA sabotage and the sponsorship of the contras or freedom fighters. They also explore less-public tactics such as electronic penetration, behind-the-scenes manipulation of religious and ethnic tensions, and harassment of U.S. Nicaraguan specialists and "fellow travelers." The book concludes with a consideration of the impact of these activities and their implications for international law, U.S. interests, U.S. polity, and Nicaragua itself. Reagan versus the Sandinistas is designed not only for courses on Latin America, U.S. foreign policy, and international relations, but also for students, scholars, and others interested in understanding one of the most massive, complex efforts—short of direct intervention—organized by the United States to overthrow the government of another country.

chapter One|17 pages

Introduction

part 1|138 pages

The Assault on Nicaragua

chapter Two|18 pages

The Covert War

chapter Three|18 pages

Military Encirclement

chapter Seven|20 pages

Electronic Penetration

chapter Eight|14 pages

The Diplomatic Front

part 2|87 pages

The Home Front

chapter Nine|23 pages

Selling the Policy

chapter Eleven|26 pages

The Contras and Congress

part 3|66 pages

Impact and Implications