Crypto Dystopia or Popular Democracy w/ Hilary Goodfriend & Jorge Cuéllar
Nov 23, 2024
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In a captivating discussion, Hilary Goodfriend, a postdoctoral researcher from Mexico, and Jorge Cuéllar, a Dartmouth professor specializing in Central American studies, dive into the complexities of contemporary Central America. They analyze Bukele's controversial crypto policies in El Salvador and Ortega's authoritarian turn in Nicaragua. The conversation highlights grassroots movements' resilience in Honduras and Guatemala against corruption, while unpacking the driving forces behind mass migration. Their insights reveal the intricate relationship between local struggles and U.S. foreign policy.
Nayib Bukele's embrace of cryptocurrency in El Salvador raises concerns about authoritarianism and skepticism among citizens regarding economic benefits.
Daniel Ortega's regime in Nicaragua illustrates a troubling departure from revolutionary ideals through brutal repression and a growing migration crisis.
Panama's protests against mining operations highlight a surge in environmental consciousness and discontent against corruption, united against elite interests.
Deep dives
The Rise of Cryptocurrency in El Salvador
The adoption of cryptocurrency as legal tender in El Salvador under President Nayib Bukele has raised significant skepticism among Salvadorans. Critics view this move as primarily benefiting the Bukele family's interests in the crypto market rather than the economy as a whole. Many Salvadorans remain accustomed to a dollarized economy and lack adequate internet access to engage with crypto transactions effectively. This policy has triggered protests against Bitcoin, highlighting concerns that it represents a deepening of authoritarian control rather than innovative economic reform.
Daniel Ortega's Authoritarian Turn in Nicaragua
Daniel Ortega's government in Nicaragua, which initially embraced revolutionary ideals, has increasingly devolved into authoritarian rule. This shift became evident during the violent repression of mass protests in 2018 and the government's growing hostility towards dissent. Ortega's regime has stripped citizenship from political opponents and expelled many dissidents, leading to a significant migration crisis. The left struggles to navigate their historical attachment to Sandinismo while confronting the regime's repressive actions, which starkly diverge from the revolutionary hopes of the past.
Impacts of Corruption on Honduran Politics
Honduras has faced ongoing political crises following the military coup against President Manuel Zelaya in 2009, which marked the rise of narco-politics in the country. The subsequent administrations, particularly under Juan Orlando Hernandez, have been deeply entrenched in corruption tied to organized crime, eroding public trust and sparking social unrest. In 2021, Xiomara Castro's election as president represented hope for change, but her government continues to grapple with the legacies of corruption and authoritarianism. The road to reform remains fraught, as social movements contend with a deeply rooted political elite resistant to change.
Mass Protest Movements in Panama
Recent large-scale protests in Panama against a Canadian mining company's operations signal deep-seated public discontent with corruption and environmental degradation. Despite a façade of stability post-Noriega, Panama's political system has been marked by pervasive corruption and neoliberal policies that predominantly benefit elite interests. The rise in protests reflects a growing ecological consciousness among Panamanians, who demand accountability and protection of their natural resources. This mobilization showcases a critical moment for Panamanian society, uniting diverse groups against extractive industries that threaten their livelihoods.
The Crisis of Migration and U.S. Policy
The ongoing migration crisis from Central America is a direct consequence of structural issues, including social, political, and ecological crises, exacerbated by U.S. policies that have historically destabilized the region. As migrants flee dire conditions, they are often met with punitive measures from the U.S. that overlook the root causes of their displacement. Policies aimed at addressing migration have tended to favor private sector solutions, failing to address the systemic inequalities driving people to leave their homes. Moving forward requires a reevaluation of U.S. foreign policy to foster true equity and sustainability in Central American societies, allowing people the choice to stay or migrate safely.
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.
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