In Stephen Kinzer's book, "The Brothers: John Foster Dulles, Allen Dulles, and Their Secret World War," General Federico Tinoco emerges as a significant figure in the narrative of U.S. Cold War engagement in Latin America. Tinoco's actions and relationships illustrate the complex interplay between American foreign policy and local dynamics during this tumultuous period. His leadership in Costa Rica, marked by authoritarian methods, reflects the broader patterns of U.S. influence in the region, which often prioritized political stability over democratic principles.

The book delves into the strategies employed by the Dulles brothers and how their decisions were influenced by figures like Tinoco. His authoritarian rule showcased the frequent U.S. disregard for democratic governance in favor of anti-communism. Kinzer's exploration provides a critical lens on how personal relationships and political expediency shaped U.S. actions in Latin America, leaving a legacy that still resonates in contemporary geopolitics.