The concept of unity in Soviet policy toward Central America

Although small in area, short on natural resources and distant from major centers of international trade, Central America has been an important focus of world attention in the past decade. The Sandinista revolution in Nicaragua, escalated guerrilla activity in EI Salvador and regional economic stagnation have challenged U.S. hegemony and provided an opportunity for other international actors to exert greater influence in the region. Domestic and international conflicts have shaken the traditional foundations of power in Central America and have plunged the region into an economic, social and political crisis.