As President Carter's ambassador to Nicaragua from l977-79, Mauricio Solaun witnessed a critical moment in Central American history. Here, he outlines the role of US foreign policy and explains how this policy with respect to the Nicaraguan Revolution of 1979 not only failed but helped impede the institutionalization of democracy there.
Mauricio Sola¿n is an international consultant and lecturer who taught sociology and Latin American studies at the University of Illinois. He is the author of several books, including Sinners and Heretics: The Politics of Military Intervention in Latin America.