Book of the Month

“Guatemala’s Claim to Belize: The Definitive History” by Assad Shoman

This landmark book offers the most comprehensive and balanced account of one of the most complex territorial disputes in Central American history. Assad Shoman traces Guatemala’s claim to Belize from its colonial origins—when Spain and Britain competed for influence in the region—through treaties, failed negotiations, and decades of diplomatic tension. Drawing on a wide range of historical documents and first-hand experience, Shoman unpacks how international law, regional politics, and shifting global powers shaped the course of this long-standing controversy.

Far more than a political history, Guatemala’s Claim to Belize provides crucial insight into Belize’s struggle for sovereignty and identity. Shoman examines how the dispute affected Belize’s path to independence and its relationships with neighbouring countries. Written with clarity and depth, the book helps readers understand the roots of the issue and its modern implications, making it essential reading for students, policymakers, and anyone interested in Belize’s past and future.