Distance from Central America and Africa

• Reason


  Region was no longer strategically significant and shift in US policy signalled to right-winged regimes and their military defenders that they could no longer rely on the US support and aid.

  • Downfall of 24 gov: Aim to ensure that pro-US gov prevailed and communist influenced marginalised.
  • Organisation of American States: 1948 - Bogotia Colombia, purpose of interregional solidarity. Successful in its promotion of social and economic cooperation
• Nicaragua


  Late 1980: Contras saw a reduction in funding from US, resulting to a ceasefire with Sandinistas regime- refusal of Contras disarm convinced the Sandinistas that stability and economic recovery couldn’t be achieved without conforming to US aims.

  • Violeta Chamorro (pro-American) given over $1million in financial support by US - removed the Contras by ending war with Sandinistas
  • War wreaked Nicaraguan economy+US politicians withdrew aid in 1992.
• El Salvador


  US contributed $6billion to José Napoleon Durante’s campaign (fearful of another outcome). Provided military assistance to prevent communism spreading in Western hemisphere and funded gov due to FMLN receiving support from Soviets and Cuba.

  • 1987: amnesty laws released falsely accused from prison, angered population. US encouraged gov to begin negotiations.
  • Peace accords signed in 1992 and FMLN became a legitimate political party.
  • US relaxation and UN oversight of elections in 1994 put El Salvador on a path to democracy
• Cuba

  Lost major sources of funding due to collapse of USSR. Lacked resources and couldn’t continue its policies without economic reconstructing.

  • Exported sugar due to new market of China and engaging with Europe and Canada
  • Opening Cuba to tourism was beneficial. Cuba was able to maintain vast social programmes. Curtail to assistance to other countries led to withdrawal of Cuban troops from Africa and diminished number of medical and infrastructure experts.
• Angola


  Dec 1986: Gorbachev announced USSR intention to reduce support for MPLA (desire to improve US relations). USSR encouraged major offensive against UNITA Sep 1987.

  • May 1988: South Africa agreed to negotiations leading to agreement reached in New York (Dec 1988).
  • Withdrawal of Cuban forces. Brought degree of stability in SW Africa and resolved a source of continued Cold War confrontations.
• Ethiopia


  1987: Mengistu established People’s Democratic Republic, signalling a fully Marxist country.

  • Events in E.Europe (1989-91) unsettling-Soviets trying to reduce foreign expenditures.
  • May 1991: Mengistu fled to Zimbabwe. New gov Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front received assistance from US. Symbol of rejection of communism