How did Costa Rica become Central America's first successful democracy? How does Costa Rican democracy work? How does democracy survive despite regional turmoil, foreign intervention, and economic crisis? Beginning with Costa Rica's history within the Central American context, John Booth traces democratic development in Costa Rica through its insti

In this second, revised and updated edition, Dr. Booth assesses the performance of the revolutionary government since 1979. The structure and operation of the regime is closely examined, as well as its policies and their implementation. The author details the difficulties the Sandinistas have encountered with the breakdown of their revolutionary coalition and the emergence of domestic and external opposition. He also discusses the difficulty of achieving economic recovery due to the effects of economic reorganization, private sector fears, and external economic sanctions. Finally, Dr. Booth...