ABSTRACT
By returning Costa Rica to a political course that emphasized democracy, independence, and civil society, Oscar Arias Sanchez kept his country from becoming embroiled in the destructive conflicts that rocked Central America throughout the 1980s. In 1972, in an atmosphere of growing social tensions, Costa Rican President Jose Figueres Ferrer appointed Arias Sanchez as minister of planning, a position he retained until 1977. Throughout his term, Arias Sanchez stressed the expansion of the market and conciliation with the economically weak elements of Costa Rican society in order to ease social tensions. By standing his ground on Costa Rica's regional and international autonomy, Oscar Arias Sanchez stressed the positive qualities of Costa Rican political development—conciliation, accommodation, and inclusion—that have made it Central Americas most stable and prosperous country. Arias Sanchez's Peace Plan, following his refusal to let the United States' base the Contra rebels along Costa Rica's border with Nicaragua, showed how regional leaders could cooperate successfully.
