The Sandinista revolution in the context of basic human needs

The countries of Central America have experienced a great deal of conflict, primarily in the form of violence and revolutionary movements. In order to resolve these conflicts and avert future ones, the underlying causes must be understood and adequately addressed. Basic human needs theory establishes a relationship between the satisfaction of needs and conflict. "Basic needs" are comprised of physiological, security, belongingness and love, esteem, basic cognitive, and self-actualization needs. The Sandinista revolution provides an excellent example of how needs motivate people and can lead to conflict. Chapter I analyzes basic human needs theory and its relation to conflict. The following chapter discusses the conditions in pre-Sandinista Nicaragua. Chapters III and IV examine the rise of the Sandinistas and their reforms while in control. The last two chapters consider the failure, resulting from five impediments, of the Sandinista revolution to satisfy the basic needs of the majority.