Our Own Backyard

The United States in Central America, 1977-1992

Nonfiction, History, Americas, Latin America, Social & Cultural Studies, Political Science, International, International Relations
Cover of the book Our Own Backyard by William M. LeoGrande, The University of North Carolina Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: William M. LeoGrande ISBN: 9780807898802
Publisher: The University of North Carolina Press Publication: November 18, 2009
Imprint: The University of North Carolina Press Language: English
Author: William M. LeoGrande
ISBN: 9780807898802
Publisher: The University of North Carolina Press
Publication: November 18, 2009
Imprint: The University of North Carolina Press
Language: English

In this remarkable and engaging book, William LeoGrande offers the first comprehensive history of U.S. foreign policy toward Central America in the waning years of the Cold War. From the overthrow of the Somoza dynasty in Nicaragua and the outbreak of El Salvador's civil war in the late 1970s to the final regional peace settlements negotiated a decade later, he chronicles the dramatic struggles--in Washington and Central America--that shaped the region's destiny.
For good or ill, LeoGrande argues, Central America's fate hinged on decisions that were subject to intense struggles among, and within, Congress, the CIA, the Pentagon, the State Department, and the White House--decisions over which Central Americans themselves had little influence. Like the domestic turmoil unleashed by Vietnam, he says, the struggle over Central America was so divisive that it damaged the fabric of democratic politics at home. It inflamed the tug-of-war between Congress and the executive branch over control of foreign policy and ultimately led to the Iran-contra affair, the nation's most serious political crisis since Watergate.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

In this remarkable and engaging book, William LeoGrande offers the first comprehensive history of U.S. foreign policy toward Central America in the waning years of the Cold War. From the overthrow of the Somoza dynasty in Nicaragua and the outbreak of El Salvador's civil war in the late 1970s to the final regional peace settlements negotiated a decade later, he chronicles the dramatic struggles--in Washington and Central America--that shaped the region's destiny.
For good or ill, LeoGrande argues, Central America's fate hinged on decisions that were subject to intense struggles among, and within, Congress, the CIA, the Pentagon, the State Department, and the White House--decisions over which Central Americans themselves had little influence. Like the domestic turmoil unleashed by Vietnam, he says, the struggle over Central America was so divisive that it damaged the fabric of democratic politics at home. It inflamed the tug-of-war between Congress and the executive branch over control of foreign policy and ultimately led to the Iran-contra affair, the nation's most serious political crisis since Watergate.

More books from The University of North Carolina Press

Cover of the book If That Ever Happens to Me by William M. LeoGrande
Cover of the book Black Votes Count by William M. LeoGrande
Cover of the book The Transformation of American Abolitionism by William M. LeoGrande
Cover of the book The Freedom of the Streets by William M. LeoGrande
Cover of the book The Descent of Darwin by William M. LeoGrande
Cover of the book Southern Cultures: The Special Issue on Food by William M. LeoGrande
Cover of the book Decolonizing Museums by William M. LeoGrande
Cover of the book The Military Memoirs of General John Pope by William M. LeoGrande
Cover of the book Exploring Southern Appalachian Forests by William M. LeoGrande
Cover of the book Nortin Hadler's 4-Volume Healthcare Omnibus E-Book by William M. LeoGrande
Cover of the book Genoa and the Genoese, 958-1528 by William M. LeoGrande
Cover of the book Goat Castle by William M. LeoGrande
Cover of the book Bernardo de Gálvez by William M. LeoGrande
Cover of the book Transpacific Field of Dreams by William M. LeoGrande
Cover of the book Strangers and Friends at the Welcome Table by William M. LeoGrande
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy