ABSTRACT
The paradigm that permeates not only the International Commission’s report but also the statements of the Central American presidents to whom it was delivered is holistic and synergistic. The future of Central American economies as well as the well being of the people who inhabit them are hostages to political change. In some instances the strategy designed in Washington and foisted on a Central American president was part of an effort by one branch of the US government to influence another branch. Some observers see such a transformation just beginning in Guatemala where the traditional oligarchy is losing ground to pragmatic businessmen in this the Central American economy with the greatest industrial output. While recognizing the economic significance of Central America’s location and potential markets, the “trading states” are less interested than Washington in monitoring who rules Central American governments.
