Abstract
Nicaragua’s relations with the Middle East are based on a mix of pragmatism and ideology determined by the relative influence of idiosyncratic, societal, and systemic factors. Past alliances and policies regarding the overthrow of Somoza and the first Sandinista administration (1979–1990) influenced each succeeding administration’s choice of Mideast policies. The neoliberal and pro-US administrations of President Chamorro (1990–1996), President Alemán (1997–2002), and President Bolaños (2002–2007) contrast with that of President Ortega (2007 to present) who espouses a socialist and anti-US ideology. Ortega has been able to exercise considerable agency in expanding relations with Middle East nations due to changes in domestic and international structures. Although maintaining close relations with Iran and Syria, he has also expanded relations with Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and others.
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Aviel, J.F. (2016). Nicaraguan Foreign Policy Toward the Middle East. In: Tawil Kuri, M. (eds) Latin American Foreign Policies towards the Middle East. Middle East Today. Palgrave Macmillan, New York. https://doi.org/10.1057/978-1-137-59939-1_11
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