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Contras

Definition

The Contras were anti-Sandinista rebels backed by the United States during the Nicaraguan civil war from 1981-1990. Their goal was to overthrow the socialist-leaning Sandinista government.

Analogy

Imagine if your school's debate club (the Contras) disagreed with decisions made by student council (the Sandinistas). With support from some teachers (the US), they start campaigning heavily against them, leading to intense rivalry and conflict within school grounds.

Related terms

Iran-Contra Affair: A political scandal in which senior U.S officials secretly facilitated arms sales to Iran, which was then under an arms embargo, with profits used to fund the Contras in Nicaragua.

Reagan Doctrine: A strategy orchestrated and implemented by the United States under the Reagan Administration to oppose global influence of the Soviet Union during the final years of the Cold War, including support for anti-communist resistance movements.

Oliver North: A U.S. military officer involved in planning and executing operations to support the Contras.