Case 275 - A Sea of Troubles: Honduras and the Contra Demobilization

Garrison, Steve R. and Deborah J. Gerner

This two-part case study examines a significant turning point in the nature of Honduran politics:  President Jose Azcona’s 1986 decision to demobilize the Contra bases located in Honduras as part of the country’s transition from a military government to civilian rule. The authors suggest that certain international and domestic factors can coincide to create an opportunity in which individuals can take actions that were previously not possible.  This case could be used effectively in classes dealing with Latin American politics, comparative politics, regime transition, international relations, or foreign policy analysis.