The Lawfare Podcast Lawfare Archive: El Salvador’s President Cracks Down on Gangs—and Democracy
Mar 22, 2025
Manuel Meléndez-Sánchez, a Harvard PhD candidate specializing in El Salvador's politics, joins to discuss President Nayib Bukele's controversial approach to gang violence and its impact on democracy. They analyze how Bukele's aggressive tactics have temporarily reduced crime but led to significant human rights abuses. The conversation delves into Bukele's media manipulation and populist strategies that bolster his popularity, while also drawing parallels with global authoritarian trends, offering a cautionary tale for democracy.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
El Salvador's State of Emergency
- In March 2022, El Salvador's gangs initiated a violent killing spree.
- President Nayib Bukele responded by declaring a state of emergency, granting the government expanded powers.
Rise of El Salvador's Gangs
- El Salvador's gangs originated in the 1990s, fueled by returning refugees and a weak state.
- Early crackdowns backfired, leading to stronger, more organized national gang structures.
Mechanics of Bukele's Crackdown
- Bukele's crackdown involves mass arrests, enabled by a state of emergency.
- The state of emergency suspends constitutional rights, making arrests and prolonged detentions easier.