Journal of Latin American Studies
- Journal of Latin American Studies / Volume 22 / Issue 03 / October 1990, pp 595-621
- Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1990
- DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/S0022216X00020976 (About DOI), Published online: 05 February 2009
Commentary
From Reagan to Bush: The Transition in US Policy Towards Central America
William M. Leograndea1
a1 Professor of Government at The American University, Washington, D.C.
Abstract
Many foreign policy analysts in the United States expected a shift in US policy towards Latin America when George Bush succeeded Ronald Reagan as president. Though Bush had been a loyal supporter of Reagan's policies throughout the preceding eight years, Bush nevertheless seemed more pragmatic than his mentor. Whereas Reagan was the leader of the Republican Party's right wing, Bush was a scion of the East Coast Republican establishment, stronghold of the party's moderate centre.
