In a thought-provoking discussion, Hilary Goodfriend, a postdoctoral researcher from Mexico City, and Dartmouth's Jorge Cuéllar dive into the history of revolutionary struggles in Central America. They explore the aftermath of U.S.-backed regimes and the subsequent rise of neoliberalism. The conversation touches on the mass migration crisis fueled by violence from gangs like MS-13 and the authoritarianism under Nayib Bukele. The complexities of faith, politics, and grassroots solidarity movements also highlight the ongoing struggles in the region.
The history of revolutionary movements in Central America reveals the unique political dynamics that shaped each country's response to oppressive regimes.
Post-war peace accords in the region overlooked root causes of conflict, giving rise to neoliberal policies that exacerbated inequality and migration.
The resurgence of evangelical Christianity provided a moral justification for violence against leftist movements, influencing U.S. foreign policy during the 1980s.
Nayib Bukele's rise in El Salvador showcases the fragility of democracy as he leverages public dissatisfaction to consolidate power through authoritarian tactics.
Deep dives
The Legacy of Armed Struggles in Central America
Central America's history of revolutionary armed struggles, particularly in Guatemala, Nicaragua, and El Salvador, highlights the diversity and complexity of insurgent movements across the region. The Guatemalan insurgency is marked by a heterogeneous and fragmented trajectory involving various groups, including Mexican Trotskyists and militant peasants, which emerged in response to a military dictatorship following a CIA-backed coup. Conversely, Nicaragua's Sandinista movement quickly unified nationalists and revolutionary leftists to overthrow the U.S.-backed Somoza dictatorship. El Salvador's prolonged civil conflict saw a diverse coalition form a Marxist-Leninist insurgency, driven by the promise of liberation from oppressive oligarchic rule, thus showcasing the distinct political and social contexts that shaped each country's path toward insurgency.
Neoliberal Economic Restructuring After Civil Wars
The peace accords that followed the civil wars in Central America failed to address the root causes of the conflicts, instead instituting brutal neoliberal economic restructuring. While the accords established basic civil rights and ended armed conflicts, they did not rectify the underlying inequalities, leading to heightened economic conditions and mass migration from the region. Additionally, the neoliberal agenda exacerbated the suffering of localized populations, contributing to burgeoning gang violence as deported members of Los Angeles gangs were sent back home. This situation worsened the political landscape and instigated cycles of violence and repression perpetuated by U.S. foreign policy interests.
U.S. Involvement and the Rise of Violence
Involvement from the U.S. not only fostered counterinsurgency operations but also saw the emergence of gang violence exacerbated by mass deportations. The harsh landscape of Honduras, Nicaragua, and El Salvador prepared the ground for gang formations like MS-13 and Barrio 18, which were initially organized in Los Angeles. Yet the return of these deportees to fragile states equipped with criminal networks contributed to the escalating violence and social disarray in the region. The policy of zero tolerance and mass incarceration introduced in the U.S. further deepened the crises, confirming cycles of violence while exacerbating socio-political instability.
The Role of Evangelical Christianity and U.S. Policy
The resurgence of evangelical Christianity in Central America played a significant role in legitimizing the violence against leftist movements during the 1980s. U.S.-based evangelical churches aligned their doctrines with anti-communism, staunchly supporting regimes that endorsed brutal crackdowns on perceived leftist threats. This alliance contributed to a moral justification for military aid and the continuation of oppressive regimes, as evangelicals framed their narratives within the context of combating communism. Consequently, these dynamics intertwined with U.S. foreign policy, resulting in a complex interplay between religion, military action, and socio-political realities that have continued to affect the region.
Contemporary Challenges with Authoritarianism
The rise of Nayib Bukele in El Salvador illustrates the complexities of post-war politics, as he leverages public discontent with the FMLN's governance failures. Bukele successfully branded himself as a break from traditional politics, promising effective governance amid growing chaos, yet his authoritarian tendencies pose significant risks to constitutional democracy. His policies, including the militarization of society and criminalization of dissent, echo practices from the pre-war period, challenging gains made post-conflict. This cycle of authoritarianism points to the fragility of political institutions in El Salvador, as widespread disillusionment with past administrations enables Bukele's far-right consolidation of power.
Gang Violence and Insecurity Under Bukele
Since assuming power, Bukele has claimed success in reducing gang violence through policies that prioritize mass incarceration and state-sponsored repression. His regime's approach has resulted in significant public approval due to initial improvements in public safety while fostering an atmosphere of fear and devaluation of civil liberties. However, the systemic issues underpinning gang violence remain unaddressed, showcasing the short-sightedness of relying solely on punitive measures. As a result, the ongoing repression and the potential backlash against his authoritarian governance could endanger any progress made and lead to renewed instability in the future.
Lessons from Central America Solidarity Movements
The Central America solidarity and sanctuary movements of the 1980s offer critical insights into contemporary struggles for social justice and immigrant rights. These movements were marked by a convergence of grassroots activism opposing U.S. intervention while supporting the rights of Central American refugees, providing an essential counter-narrative to mainstream depictions. As new internationalist solidarity politics emerge around global crises, these historical frameworks highlight the ongoing need for transnational networks that counter oppressive state policies. The lessons learned from past efforts to forge partnerships can inform current strategies to address systemic injustices and support marginalized communities in Central America and beyond.
Featuring Hilary Goodfriend and 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.
