ABSTRACT
The support that the US government has been giving to the contras in Nicaragua is one of the components of the doctrine of low-intensity warfare (LIW). At the theoretical-doctrinal level, the use of LIW is directly related to the reinstatement of an offensive posture, in itself the second principle of warfare: This principle could be better entitled the principle of the intitiative, for its essence has to do with maintaining initiative and freedom of action on the battlefield. From the “theological” perspective that Chomsky mentions, the US concept of LIW has several objectives: to stop popular movements from triumphing or fighting for the right of self-determination, national sovereignty, and nonalignment; and the rollback of governments already consolidated and in power. Until the end of 1982, the Reagan administration had no difficulty in managing the constitution of the contras and the covert support given to them.
