The local setting. The background to the current political crisis in Central America - - United States interests and practices. The United States and Central America - - The recent rapid redefinitions of U.S. interests and diplomacy in Central America - - United States security interests in Central America in global Perspective - - The perceptions and interests of United States business in relation to the political crisis in Central America - - External influences other than the United States. Soviet and Cuban responses to new opportunities in Central America - - Mexican foreign policy and Central America - - Venezuelan policy in the Caribbean Basin -- Western European perceptions of the Central American turmoil - - International aspects of the role of the Catholic Church in Central America - - The Central American response. National (and factional) adaptation in Central America.