Soviet Relations with Central America,the Caribbean,and Members of the Contadora Group

Abstract

This article discusses Soviet policy toward Central America, the Caribbean, and members of the Contadora group, and it compares the Soviet approach with Cuban policy. Since the 1970s Latin America has become a major center of interest to the Soviet Union. Soviet policy toward the region can best be characterized as a low-risk, low-profile strategy, in light of U.S. competition and interests. Current policy is one of continuity from the Brezhnev era. The article offers special highlights on Nicaragua and El Salvador and the Soviet dynamic with the Contadora group. El Salvador and the Contadora group are seen as sharing interests in the region with respect to political stability and economic development.

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References

1. See “Nicaragua: Experiencia de una revolución victoriosa,” America Latina (Moscow), no. 3, pp. 36-116 (1980).

2. See Ilya Bulichev , “El fortalecimiento de la unidad nacional,” America Latina (Moscow), no. 7, pp. 40-56 (1981).

3. Pravda, 26 Mar. 1983.

4. Ibid., 8 Apr. 1984.

5. New York Times, 28 Mar. 1984.

6. “Report,” Banco Central de Nicaragua, 1984.

7. Granma, 3 Aug. 1983.

8. Cuba's own enormous recent effort to arm itself against a possible American intervention may also mean that the Soviet Union does not intend to become directly involved in Cuba's defense, despite the fact that it is part of the international socialist community. Nicaragua's hopes for a Soviet defense commitment are quite unrealistic.

9. T. Vorozeikina , “Organizaciones revolucionarias en El Salvador y el movimiento popular” America Latina (Moscow), no 8, pp. 17-27 (Aug. 1982).

10.

10. Jorge Schafik Handal , “El poder, el carácter y la vía de la revolución y la unidad de izquierda,” Fundamentos y perspectivas, no. 4, pp. 25-45 (1982).

11.

11. The first opinion is sustained by scholars such as Majdanik and Vorozeikina at the Institute of World Economy and International Relations (IMEIMO) in Moscow. The second opinion is held by Shulgovsky, Volsky, and others at the Institute of Latin America in Moscow.

12.

12. According to documents captured by the United States Army after the American invasion of Grenada, the amount of covert Soviet military aid was apparently much larger. Soviet economic aid, however, continued to be inferior to that given by Cuba.