Nation-Building: An Alternative Strategy

This paper examines the use of nation-building as an alternative strategy to armed intervention to protect our national interests in third world countries. Costa Rica is used as a case study as it occupies a strategic buffer zone between volatile Nicaragua and a strategically essential Panama. Costa Rica is currently experiencing a significant amount of turmoil that has been both externally and internally generated, and increased intervention may soon be necessary to maintain stability in the region and bolster the democratic establishment. The historical, political, security, economic, and societal perspectives of Costa Rica are examined and where weaknesses are identified, their susceptibility to correction through the nation-building process is evaluated. Conclusions and recommendations concerning political, societal, security and economic considerations are also presented. While lessons learned through a nation-building effort in Central America would have significance in other third world countries, the overall process would have to be evaluated carefully and tailored specifically to the area of concern.