ABSTRACT
The common thesis of the articles is that a structure of enforced economic dependency and uneven capitalist development provides the frame for understanding the current build-up of popular revolutionary struggle in Central America. Central America's economic dependency is not simply a by-product of underdevelopment. Since the end of World War II, however, internal social contradictions have been generated by the growing repression and maldistribution of wealth which attend agro-export economies. The economic history of Central America has landmarks indicative of similarities and differences among its component parts. In the experience of most agrocommercial societies, the initial stage of industrialization was facilitated by certain internal conditions derived from external demand. The idea of industrialization in Central America was necessarily linked to the project of regional integration. The economic "policies" of the Central American governments favor industrial investment of any origin by creating privileges which assure profits.
