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The Software
Title:	Hidden Agenda	Copyright date:	1990
Publisher:	Jim Gasperini/Springboard Software	Cost	$41.45
Computer:	Mac	Requirements:	Macintosh 512 KE, Plus, SE, or II computer; one 800K drive and hard disk; 16- color Monitor
		Distribution:	Floppy Disks (1)
The Reviewer
Name:	Roy Silver <RSILVER@UKCC.uky.edu>	college:	Southeast Community College (Kentucky)
Date:	1991	Discipline(s) taught:	Sociology
NOTE: Roy Silver kindly provided this copy of a review he did of Hidden Agenda for the journal Teaching Sociaology.

Imagine that Chimerica, the Central American country that you are a citizen of has deposed its crooked and ruthless dictator. Led by the Farsante, a confederation of diverse groups has formed the "Junta of the Insurrection." By a sweeping decree they have selected you as Presidente. At your initial press conference you are asked three questions. The first concerns the prevalent discussion for the necessity of justice. You are given three options to choose from: "Protect citizens from violent repression," or "Eliminate government corruption," or "Ensure free distribution of information." The second question concerns the economic development. You can either promote economic growth, distribute "the nation's wealth equitably," or protect "the free movement of capital." The last reporter asks you which of the ensuing spheres you would strive arduously to better: infrastructure, "services to city dweller," or "living standards of the rural poor."

The answers you or your students give affirm your aspirations as Presidente. This begins your playing of "Hidden Agenda." The make-believe country of "Chimerica is a chimera of a country. Body of El Salvador, neck of Nicaragua, claws of Cuba, head of Haiti, it is a composite of different parts that together form a beast representative of all." "Hidden Agenda" is a unrivaled method of educating students about the political, social, and economic realities of Central American.

The students' initial responsibility as Presidente is to designate cabinet ministers. The cabinet includes the Presidente and the Agriculture, Defense, Internal Affairs, and External Affairs ministers. The ministers are chosen from representatives of the Christian Reform, National Liberation, and Popular Stability parties. Each party has three members from which your students can select. There are dossiers on each party and member. The cabinet can either include representatives from each party or constitute a more unified program. (Ministers can be ousted during the game.)

The progress of Chimerica and public opinion can be measure through a report section. There are two national newspapers, "Chimerica Ahora: The journal of Stability, Honor & Dignity" and "El Independiente: New Journalism For The New Chimerica." The two foreign newspapers are "Edition Mondiale: France In The World, The World In France" and "U.S.A. Yesterday: All The News The Nation Needs." Reading these papers will illustrate how the different perspectives present the news. Additionally, there are "Progress Charts" that give up to date information on military expenses, social spending, infant mortality, land distribution, food crops, export crops, hard currency earnings, currency reserves, and loans and aid.

Students can then choose to have "consultations" with the ministers and designate a problem to examine from their list. After this discussion, they can administer resolutions about significant affairs of the republic. The students can also have "encounters" with significant "business leaders, union officials, ambassadors from other countries, etc."

Periodically, there are "interrupts" by "influentials or ministers." They propose a problem to the Presidente that they believe has been ignored and insist on a resolution. At this point the Presidente must accept the proposal or the advice of a minister. Influentials may also send "memos" of acts carried out without the Presidente's knowledge. If the decision either runs contrary to the minister or the influential then that colors future interactions.

Each of the personalities in the game possess their personal aspirations and desires. They may strive to conceal these from you. This is why the game is called "Hidden Agenda." Periodically a minister can elect to disregard the Presidente and set in motion their own strategy.

"Hidden Agenda" can be use on IBM/Tandy and compatibles. It comes with a comprehensive user manual that provides the participants with explanations of all facets of the game. The reference manual includes a history of Chimerica, explanations of the "Progress Charts" that the game employs and a glossary. Designating a student as the reference librarian is beneficial. Connecting a computer to an over head project and allowing the class determine which options they would like to pursue enables everyone to take part. Prior to playing this simulation game, requiring the students to write abstracts on feature length newspaper articles on a particular Central American country acquaints them with some of the elementary difficulties challenging the region.

Students who have played "Hidden Agenda" have remarked about the difficulties in leading Chimerica. They voice frustration with their inability to make unfettered decisions without the constraints placed on them by both allies and opponents. Generally, after reading the progress charts, they endeavor to improve the standard of living and decrease the infant mortality rate. When they choose to have an encounter with a representative of a transnational corporation, their only option is to allow them to locate in Chimerica with the stipulation of no minimum wage. If they reject this proposal, then they begin to alienate their right wing, the United States and the International Monetary Fund.

The game ends when either you complete your three year term, are over thrown, assassinated or are driven from office. When the game completed you are given the "Verdict of History" by the three-hundredth edition of "Pax Americana." The only deficiency of the game is the change in the role of the Soviet Union in third world affairs. In "Hidden Agenda," they still can provide both military and development aid. Notwithstanding this imperfection, "Hidden Agenda" is one of the most beneficial methods for learning about the dynamics of social, political and economic life in Central America, or the third world.