The difficult triangle : Mexico, Central America, and the United States /

The four authors explore the common theme of the historic triangularity of relations between Central America, Mexico, and the US. They contend that an understanding of this triangularity is essential to grasp the bilateral relations between the various parties. Using a triangular methodological approach, the authors are able to offer a unique academic analysis. Jesus Hernandez (Mexico) presents a clear historical examination of the Mexican-Central American-US triangle. Jauberth (Costa Rica) analyzes the negotiation process and the peace alternatives in Central America, leaving open a number of questions and concerns. Pedro Vuskovic (Nicaragua) describes the features, nature, and significance of the regional crisis, the domestic and foreign interests, and the role of these foreign interests in light of national and regional goals. Gilberto Castaneda (Guatemala) discusses Central American-Mexican-US relations as a whole, emphasizing the international context and the current implications of Mexican-US relations. The last chapter clearly summarizes the authors' views, presenting three possible scenarios, favoring US hegemony and domination in the future. An epilogue features eight responses by a variety of prominent individuals, including a warning by Jesse Jackson. A fascinating small book that should be required reading for presidential candidates or anyone trying to forecast hemispheric relations. Upper-division undergraduates, graduate students, and faculty. R. H. Terry; York College of Pennsylvania