The Importance of Being Pragmatic

In a recent article in the New York Times, the Pentagon expressed renewed concern about the shoulder-fired missiles (given by the Soviet Union) in Nicaragua. President Enrique Balanos pledged to destroy the missiles several times in order to keep them out of the hands of criminals or terrorists. This article reflects varying stages in Latin American International Relations. First of all, it is reminiscent of the on going battle for disarmament instituted by the Hague System of 1899. Also, the fact that the shoulder fired missiles are the legacy of the Cold War and the way in which Latin America was a battle ground for super powers to tip the balance of power. Also, the renewed interest in disarmament to ensure that the weapons do not fall in the hands of “terrorists” reflects the United States new stage of International Relations with Latin America: Terrorism and Security as the World Hegemonic Power.

Also, there is an internal conflict between President Balanos and the National Assembly whom last week stripped the President of his ability to demolish the weapons. This internal struggle between opposition factions within the Nicaragua government (which is essentially a domestic struggle for power) will have major implications in Nicaragua international relations. This article reminded me of the importance to take into account history as well as various theories of analysis to analyze an event. Using any mutually exclusive theory, or just analyzing an event in the context of present day severely inhibits your ability for analysis.