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Winning Hearts and Minds: The Debate Over U.S. Intervention in Nicaragua in the 1980s
Author(s) -
Peace Roger
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
peace and change
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1468-0130
pISSN - 0149-0508
DOI - 10.1111/j.1468-0130.2009.00611.x
Subject(s) - mainstream , opposition (politics) , latin americans , left wing politics , consciousness , diplomacy , spanish civil war , political radicalism , political science , cold war , framing (construction) , sociology , political economy , law , media studies , gender studies , politics , history , psychology , neuroscience , archaeology
This essay provides a background on the history of U.S.–Nicaraguan relations, the Contra War of the 1980s, and the Reagan administration’s “public diplomacy” efforts, then examines in depth seven major themes or arguments advanced by Contra War opponents (a mix of leftist, religious, and peace groups). The more moderate themes were widely endorsed in the mainstream media and among liberal members of Congress, while the more radical themes—those challenging nationalistic and Cold War stereotypes—made little headway in the media and Congress, however much they raised consciousness among U.S. citizens. All in all, the author argues, the anti‐Contra War campaign served important functions by buttressing congressional opposition to the war, supporting Latin American diplomatic efforts, and advancing a perspective that was both realistic and empathetic, the building blocks of a progressive peace consciousness.