Dig: Crypto Dystopia or Popular Democracy w/ Hilary Goodfriend & Jorge Cuéllar
Nov 23, 2024
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Hilary Goodfriend, a postdoctoral researcher and editor at Jacobin Magazine, joins Jorge Cuéllar, a Dartmouth professor focusing on Central American politics. They delve into Bukele's controversial crypto policies in El Salvador and Ortega's authoritarian turn in Nicaragua. The discussion highlights anti-mining movements in Panama and the struggles in Honduras and Guatemala against entrenched corruption. They also explore the complex reasons behind mass migration from Central America and critique U.S. policies, urging a nuanced understanding of these intertwined crises.
Nayib Bukele's adoption of cryptocurrency in El Salvador has sparked skepticism among citizens, reflecting concerns over deepening economic inequalities and past dollarization experiences.
Daniel Ortega's authoritarian regime in Nicaragua has betrayed the revolutionary Sandinista legacy, leading to widespread repression and a political environment devoid of dissent.
Mass migration from Central America is driven by various intersecting crises, prompting a need for comprehensive solutions that address root causes rather than punitive measures.
Deep dives
The Defund Movement's Significance
The defund movement emerged from the 2020 uprisings against police violence, catalyzing a national dialogue on reallocating funds from police budgets to social welfare programs. Despite initial momentum, the movement faced significant backlash, causing a retreat from efforts to shift resources towards community care and stability. Calvin John Smiley emphasizes that the push for defunding is not merely a fleeting trend but a vital aspect of an ongoing struggle against systemic issues like white supremacy, capitalism, and mass incarceration. Discussions involving activists and academics illustrate that this movement is rooted in a broader historical context of resistance and societal transformation.
Bukele's Authoritarian Crypto Enthusiasm
Naїb Bukele's presidency in El Salvador has been marked by an intense promotion of cryptocurrency, highlighted by his decision to make Bitcoin legal tender in 2021. This move was viewed as suspicious by many Salvadorans, who noted that it resembled a scheme to benefit a select few while imposing additional burdens on a population accustomed to the dollar. Critics argue that Bukele's embrace of cryptocurrency represents another extension of neoliberal policy, compounding existing economic inequalities rather than alleviating them. Furthermore, widespread rejection of Bitcoin among the populace showcases their prior experiences with dollarization, illustrating skepticism towards any further financial experiments that may jeopardize economic stability.
The Perversion of Sandinismo in Nicaragua
Daniel Ortega's regime in Nicaragua, once seen as a continuation of the revolutionary Sandinista legacy, has devolved into a repressive and authoritarian government. Since the violent crackdown on protests in 2018, Ortega and his administration have increasingly suppressed dissent, stripping citizenship from opposition figures and driving thousands into exile. The historical significance of Ortega's initial alliance with various political factions is countered by the current monopoly on power held by Ortega and his wife, Rosalía Murillo, leading to a stifled political environment devoid of succession plans. This authoritarian turn raises difficult questions for leftists who struggle to reconcile their support for the Sandinista legacy with the oppressive realities of the current regime.
Honduras' Political Turmoil and Social Movements
Honduras has experienced a turbulent political history characterized by nefarious ties between its government and organized crime, especially following the 2009 coup that overthrew Manuel Zelaya. The rise of Xiomara Castro, self-identified democratic socialist and widow of Zelaya, represents a potential shift towards addressing systemic corruption in a nation grappling with a legacy of violent governance. However, Castro's government faces immense challenges, including entrenched criminal elements and a deeply politicized judiciary more resistant to reform than ever. Despite this, social movements in Honduras continue to mobilize, demanding accountability and transformational change, reflecting the ongoing struggle for sovereignty and justice within the region.
Understanding the Migration Crisis
Mass migration from Central America is driven by a convergence of crises—economic, social, political, and ecological—all exacerbated by U.S. involvement and historical policies. The phenomenon has evolved from predominantly adult male migration patterns to include families and unaccompanied minors, particularly in response to deteriorating conditions. This shift has reinvigorated xenophobic sentiments in the U.S., framing migrants as an invading force rather than individuals fleeing dire circumstances. Lasting solutions must address root causes, such as inequality and climate disruption, instead of relying on punitive measures and ineffective policies that ignore the complexities of migration dynamics.
Featuring Hilary Goodfriend and Jorge Cuéllar in the final installment of a three-part series on Central America. This episode picks up with Nayib Bukele’s authoritarian crypto enthusiasm in El Salvador; Daniel Ortega’s perversion of Sandinismo’s revolutionary legacy in Nicaragua; anti-mining movements in Panama; Honduras and Guatemala, where popular social movements have elected left presidents to confront entrenched power structures. We conclude by discussing mass migration from the region that’s taken on a mystified form in US politics as the MAGA far right’s principal scapegoat.
