The Dig Crypto Dystopia or Popular Democracy w/ Hilary Goodfriend & Jorge Cuéllar
7 snips
Nov 23, 2024 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.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Bukele's Crypto Scheme
- Bukele's Bitcoin embrace was likely a shady accumulation strategy.
- It exploited a new market segment and aimed to reduce U.S. remittance dependence.
Bitcoin's Failure and Rebranding
- Bitcoin failed as daily currency in El Salvador due to price volatility.
- It served as a branding strategy, aligning Bukele with anarcho-capitalists.
Ortega's Repressive Regime
- Daniel Ortega, once a revolutionary, now leads a repressive regime.
- The Sandinista movement, his former group, has largely split with him over his authoritarianism.