In this engaging discussion, Hilary Goodfriend, a postdoctoral researcher and editor, joins Jorge Cuéllar, a Dartmouth professor specializing in Latin American studies. They delve into the revolutionary struggles in Central America, revealing how U.S. policy fueled violence and migration. The rise of neoliberalism after peace accords is scrutinized, shedding light on its social impacts. They also explore the emergence of gangs, the contentious governance of Nayib Bukele in El Salvador, and the intricate ties between faith and politics during Reagan's era.
The podcast delves into the historical revolutionary movements in Central America, emphasizing the unique trajectories of Guatemala, Nicaragua, and El Salvador against U.S.-backed regimes.
It explores the historical violence perpetrated by U.S.-supported forces during conflicts, highlighting the brutal tactics used and their lasting impact on the region's social fabric.
The discussion critiques the neoliberal reforms imposed after peace accords, which, while introducing civil rights, failed to address core socio-economic inequalities, exacerbating migration issues.
The episode examines the authoritarian governance of Nayib Bukele in El Salvador, reflecting on his consolidation of power and the erosion of democratic institutions amidst rising gang violence.
Deep dives
Housing Crisis Explored
The discussion emphasizes the dire social cost associated with rent and the pervasive housing crisis affecting many individuals. The authors highlight the insights from the book 'Abolish Rent', detailing how it serves as a comprehensive analysis of the housing system, focusing on its impact on tenants. Through an exploration of stories of resistance, the book advocates for collective action among tenants, making a case for their power in challenging the status quo. This comprehensive approach aims to inspire the formation of a robust tenant-powered movement to effect meaningful change in housing policies.
Central American Revolutionary Movements
The podcast delves into the historical context of revolutionary movements in Central America, particularly in Guatemala, Nicaragua, and El Salvador. It highlights how the Guatemalan insurgency had a more prolonged and heterogeneous development compared to its neighbors, consisting of diverse groups united against military dictatorship. In Nicaragua, a fusion of old and new leftist ideologies worked together to overthrow the U.S.-backed Somoza regime, whereas El Salvador's political military struggle was characterized by distinct armed groups emerging from various leftist traditions. The discussion outlines the complexities of these movements and their unique trajectories.
U.S. Intervention and Violence
The podcast scrutinizes the historical violence faced by Central American populations, particularly the brutality employed by U.S.-supported regimes. It explores the counter-revolutionary tactics implemented during the Reagan administration, highlighting their effects on the social fabric and the intensifying violence in the region. This segment also relates the scale of atrocities committed to the organized strategies used by both U.S. and regional forces, showing the stark continuities in oppressive practices from one conflict to another. Ultimately, it emphasizes how these violent histories interlink with broader imperialist agendas.
Post-War Transition and Neoliberal Restructuring
The transition from armed conflict to peace accords in Central America resulted in sweeping neoliberal reforms, which often failed to address the underlying socio-economic issues. The podcast discusses how the post-war settlements introduced basic civil rights but simultaneously reinforced systemic inequalities through economic restructuring. These changes led to deteriorating conditions that exacerbated mass migration from the region, as individuals sought better opportunities elsewhere. The restructuring also included the violent return of deported gang members from the U.S., thus complicating the socio-political landscape further.
Regional Dynamics and U.S. Influence
The podcast also examines the regional interplay of Central American states during this turbulent era, focusing on the influence of U.S. policies in countries like Honduras, Panama, and Costa Rica. Honduras emerged as a critical base for U.S. operations and training during the Cold War. Meanwhile, Panama saw fluctuating leadership dynamics, including a shift from Torrijos to Noriega, which shaped U.S. responses in the region. Costa Rica, while purportedly neutral, played a significant role in refugee sheltering and mediation during the conflicts, illustrating the complex web of solidarity and antagonism in Central America.
Solidarity Movements and U.S. Intervention
The podcast emphasizes the importance of solidarity movements emerging in the U.S. in response to the Central American crises during the 1980s. These movements championed the rights of refugees and organized opposition to U.S. interventionist policies, crafting a political alliance between Central American exiles and sympathetic U.S. activists. The complexities of the sanctuary movement highlight different local contexts and the need for an intersectional approach to build mutual aid networks. Ultimately, these movements serve as historical context aiding the current international solidarity efforts seen today.
Current Challenges and Bukele's Regime
The podcast transitions to the present, focusing on the rise of Nayib Bukele in El Salvador and his authoritarian governance style. Bukele's administration has capitalized on public disillusionment with previous governments while reinforcing a brutal law-and-order approach to tackle endemic gang violence. His consolidation of power is characterized by repeated undermining of democratic institutions, including suspending constitutional rights, gesturing to authoritarian trends and historical patterns of governance in the region. The conversation reflects on how Bukele's repressive measures echo broader international trends and raise questions about their long-term sustainability.
Featuring Hilary Goodfriend & Jorge Cuéllar in the second of a three (not two!) part series on the history and present of Central America. This interview picks up our discussion of revolutionary armed struggles against brutal US-backed military-oligarchic regimes in Guatemala, Nicaragua, and El Salvador. Then, the peace accords and postwar transitions accompanied by the imposition of neoliberal economic restructuring. Finally, the rise of mass migration, new transnational gangs, and the regime of El Salvador’s authoritarian Bitcoin enthusiast Nayib Bukele. And more.
