Latin American Studies ETDs

Publication Date

5-27-1968

Abstract

The major concern of the present report is the Christian Democratic movement in Nicaragua. For this reason, this paper treats such matters as Nicaraguan Christian Democratic ideology, history, and leadership, and the nature and function of the autonomous “Christian” interest-articulating organizations. The principal conclusions made in this study fall into two categories: (1) the future of the Christian Democratic movement in Nicaragua and (2) the significance and implications of the Nicaraguan case in relation to Latin American Christian Democracy in general. As regards the former, it appears that the Christian Democratic movement has become a permanent element in Nicaraguan politics. Through its progressive platform and the work of its able leaders, the party has attracted many followers, and its efforts are being complemented by the politicizing activities of the three “Christian” interest-articulating organizations. Furthermore, although the Christian Democratic movement is in frank opposition to the Somoza dictatorship, it is likely that the regime will refrain from acts of obvious suppression for fear of damaging its “corporate image" abroad. The second set of conclusions deals with the significance of the Nicaraguan case study in terms of Latin American Christian Democracy as a whole. Here we note that this study provides evidence of the ways in which international Catholic and Christian Democratic organizations extend assistance to local Christian Democratic movements. Further, we note that the Nicaraguan experience indicates the fact that the success of better known Christian Democratic parties--in this case, that of Chile--may exercise a significant influence over the fortunes of sister movements in other countries. Finally, the Nicaraguan data provides evidence for the contention that, although there exists a remarkable degree of homogeneity among Latin American Christian Democratic parties, there is also a certain amount of heterogeneity. Specifically, Nicaraguan Christian Democracy differs from some sister movements in other Latin American countries in terms not only of the origins and style of its local political groupings, but also in regard to the status of the “Christian” interest-articulating organizations. Therefore, in that the Nicaraguan Christian Democratic movement exhibits certain important individual traits as well as various universal characteristics, it provides an interesting and valuable vantage point from which to view and consider Latin American Christian Democracy in general.

Language

English

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Latin American Studies

Level of Degree

Masters

Department Name

Latin American Studies

First Committee Member (Chair)

Martin Cyril Needler

Second Committee Member

Lawrence Littwin

Third Committee Member

Ronald Howard Dolkart

Download

Share

COinS