Under the Big Stick

In this scathing, well-documented and comprehensive study, Bermann (coauthor of Nicaraguan Votes presents facts essential to an understanding of the current confrontation between the U.S. and Nicaragua. North Americans have fought two wars in Nicaragua; the U.S. has made at least 11 military landings there since 1853; in this century, our forces have occupied the country during periods amounting to two decades. The emphasis here is on American presumption and arrogance. Bermann is highly critical of the Reagan administration's efforts to discredit the Sandinistas, especially the attempt to convince the public that they are exporting revolution. He suggests that the administration is deliberately trying to create a fear of invasion in Nicaragua, and also argues that the national security justification for U.S. control of the Caribbean region is a red herring. One particularly enlightening section analyzes the Sandino movement in the 1920s and early 1930s and its influence on the Sandinistas. Photos. (July 15)