ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on the evolution of United States (US) policy from noninterference in September 1978 to multilateral mediation in November 1978. Jimmy Carter's preferred policy had two dimensions. First, the US should encourage dialogue among competing groups within a country but should not mediate or arbitrate that dialogue. The second dimension stemmed from Carter's interest m forging a more modern and balanced partnership with Latin America. US policy toward Nicaragua became principally the product of the debate and dialogue between the National Security Council and the State Department. The fast pace of events in Nicaragua and Vaky's influence had caused a shift in US policy from a position of strict neutrality in Nicaraguan politics to the acceptance, in principle, of mediation. Although Nicaraguans and most people in the region seemed fixated on Somoza's resignation, some in the US government, notably Zbigniew Brzezinski, were more concerned about what would succeed Somoza.
