This book seeks to clarify U.S. security interests in Central America and reviews the evolution of U.S. foreign policy towards Central America. It summarizes the evolution of the Contadora process and U.S. attitudes towards the peace talks in Central America. .

Foreword -- Introduction -- U.S. Security Interests in Central America -- U.S. Security Interests in Central America -- U.S. Security and Central America: Why Be So Concerned? -- U.S. Security and the Contadora Process: Toward a CBM Regime in Central America -- Bringing Diplomacy Back In: A Critique of U.S. Policy in Central America -- Reagan in Central America: Roll-back or Containment? -- Roll-back or Containment? The United States, Nicaragua, and the Search for Peace in Central America -- Reagan and Congress: Consensus and Conflict in Central American Policy -- Contadora and the U.S. Congress -- The United States, Nicaragua, and Consensus Decision Making -- The Contadora Process -- Demystifying Contadora -- Conclusion -- The Failure of Diplomacy -- Appendix