“Violence has been Nicaragua’s most important export to the world.”
- February 6, 1911 – June 5, 2004
- American
- The 40th President of the United States, Actor, Politician, Governor of California
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Quote
“Violence has been Nicaragua’s most important export to the world.”
Explanation
In this quote, Ronald Reagan delivers a blunt condemnation of the Sandinista regime in Nicaragua, which came to power in 1979 following a revolution that overthrew the Somoza dictatorship. By stating that “violence has been Nicaragua’s most important export,” Reagan portrays the Sandinistas not merely as an authoritarian government, but as a source of regional instability, allegedly spreading Marxist ideology, arms, and insurgent training throughout Central America. The quote reflects Reagan’s belief that leftist regimes backed by the Soviet Union and Cuba posed a direct threat to democratic neighbors and U.S. interests.
This statement was made in the context of Reagan’s Cold War foreign policy, particularly his controversial support for the Contras—a rebel group fighting the Sandinista government. Reagan justified this support as a defensive measure to contain communism and prevent Nicaragua from becoming a Soviet-aligned stronghold in the Western Hemisphere. The quote encapsulates his conviction that authoritarian regimes often externalize their violence and ideology, and must be opposed to preserve regional and global stability.
Today, the quote remains a stark example of the rhetoric used to justify interventionist policies during the Cold War, especially in Latin America. It highlights the enduring tension between national sovereignty and geopolitical strategy, and serves as a reminder of how ideological conflict can shape the narrative of foreign policy. Reagan’s message was clear: freedom and peace require confronting those who export violence and oppression beyond their own borders.
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