The end of the political conflict surrounding the ratification of the Dominican Republic and Central American Free Trade Agreement (DR-CAFTA) presented significant political opportunities for Costa Rica in 2008. But the government was unable to seize the initiative and establish a constructive political dialogue. Coupled with the structural limitations of the political system and its weak political mandate, this hindered its ability to advance in key areas beyond CAFTA. In all,
the absence of a strategic vision made the year a lost opportunity for substantive political progress.