This book traces the process through which Nicaraguans defeated US aggression in a highly unequal confrontation.

Héctor Perla is Assistant Professor for the Latin American and Latino Studies Department at the University of California, Santa Cruz.

Introduction; 1. History of US-Nicaragua relations; 2. International relations theory, asymmetric conflicts and contentious politics; 3. Revolutionary deterrence; 4. Challenging Reagan; 5. Media framing and opposition to the use of force in US foreign policy; 6. Activating public opinion; 7. Stopping rollback: evidence of revolutionary deterrence on Congressional opposition, Reagan, and Reagan administration decision-making; Conclusion. Scope conditions and implications of revolutionary deterrence; Epilogue. Post-revolutionary developments.