Cooperation Among the Nicaraguan Sandinista Factions1

Abstract

This article reports on the findings of archival and field research in Nicaragua and includes interviews with 33 top-, mid-, and low-level rebel fighters who participated in the Nicaraguan Revolution. Several theories in political psychology are used to explore coalition formation and cooperation among Sandinista factions. The article also examines the lack of cooperation among the Contra fighters during the same time period. Several hypotheses are presented identifying sources of the Sandinista division into three factions and later unification into a single revolutionary force. Finally, the article offers our perspective on the factors that hindered cooperation among Contra factions and ultimately allowed the Sandinistas to emerge victorious in the revolution.