Front Burner Trump and the strongman feedback loop
Nov 26, 2024
Tracy Wilkinson, a longtime journalist with the LA Times, and Natalie Alcoba, an Argentine journalist, delve into the intriguing connections between right-wing leaders Javier Milei and Nayib Bukele and Donald Trump. They discuss how Milei's radical policies in Argentina echo Bukele's controversial crime strategies and how these strongmen influence each other. The conversation reveals chilling implications for democracy and governance, while exploring how Trump's alliances with authoritarian figures reshape international relations.
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Bukele's Approach in El Salvador
- Nayib Bukele, El Salvador's president, lowered crime rates by jailing thousands, possibly without due process.
- He adopted Bitcoin, presented himself as modern, and suppressed dissent.
Bukele and Trump's Disregard for Rules
- Bukele, like Trump, disregards established rules and constitutional limits.
- He secured a second term despite constitutional prohibition, mirroring Trump's disregard for norms.
A Safer but Quieter El Salvador
- Tracy Wilkinson observed a safer El Salvador but a noticeable decrease in political activism and open expression.
- Gang-controlled areas were now accessible, but the vibrant political spirit seemed suppressed.