Costa Ricans' Perception of the United States: A Mix of Pro-American and Anti-American Sentiments

Costa Rica, a small Central American nation, has a complex relationship with the United States. Over the years, its citizens have expressed varying levels of pro-American and anti-American sentiments. This article traces the evolution of these perceptions through significant events and transformations, aiming to provide a comprehensive understanding of the current situation.

Historical Context

Costa Rica, a country with a rich history of regional battles and wars, initially had little unity among its population. The 4 main population centers often competed for supremacy, and this lack of a unifying identity contributed to a nascent anti-American sentiment. However, this sentiment began to shift dramatically with the arrival of an American invader, William Walker, in Nicaragua.

Walker attempted to establish relations with Costa Rica but was met with resistance from the Costa Rican president, who was aware of the threat to independence. This led to a war between the two countries, during which the American invader was defeated with the help of Central American allies. This event marked a significant turning point, as all regions of Costa Rica united against the American invader, fostering a sense of national identity. However, this identity was not pro-American.

The Development of Costa Rican Identity

About 30 years after Walker's defeat, there was an effort to create a Costa Rican identity rather than regional identities. The government and scholars used the events from the Walker War to aid in this effort. This period solidified a pro-independence and anti-American stance in national consciousness.

The Late 1800s and Early 1900s: The Rise of American Influence

The late 1800s and early 1900s saw the emergence of American influence through the construction of a railway by Minor Cooper Keith. Keith built a railway to the Atlantic coast in exchange for farmland, which he turned into large banana plantations. Other Americans joined him, and the business grew significantly. The US even helped Costa Rica win a war of conquest against a Panamanian territory.

Relations began to seem more amicable, but this progress was marred by labor issues. American plantation owners took advantage of workers, leading to resistance and the eventual rise of socialist reforms. These reforms helped secure workers' rights but also meant closer ties with the Soviet Union. During the Cold War, both superpowers vied for influence, leading to a mix of pro-American and anti-American elements within Costa Rica.

The Cold War and Academic Ties

The Cold War period saw a significant shift in academic ties. Socialist policies gained ground, and many Costa Ricans received higher education in the USSR. By the 1990s, I met several of these individuals who were very anti-American. Meanwhile, other Costa Ricans were gaining education in the US, fostering stronger ties with the United States.

Post-Cold War and Technological Integration

The end of the Cold War marked the decline of communist influence in Costa Rica. The country began to attract American companies, such as Intel, which established a processor factory. The American-educated President Figueres-Ferrer, under the guidance of Mr. Michael Porter, worked to transform Costa Rica into a technology hub. This shift attracted many tech companies, and their efforts to maintain and improve worker satisfaction were recognized.

With the rise of American technology companies and the cultural influence of American movies, television, and technology, a new generation of pro-American Costa Ricans emerged. This trend continued to grow, and today, the country has become more pro-American in general.

Current Perceptions and Foreign Policy

From a foreign policy perspective, Costa Rica has always been pro-American, declaring war against American enemies since World War I. Even after abolishing the armed forces, Costa Rica has stood politically by the US in the wars they have fought. This stance is rooted in the realization that Costa Rica can thrive without a military thanks to the US's military supremacy in the region.

While there are still some anti-American circles in academia, these factions have little influence on younger generations. Thus, every year, Costa Rica becomes more pro-American.