Why it matters:

The 21st century has seen a resurgence in authoritarian tendencies across various regions, notably in Latin America. Understanding how dictatorships gain power, thrive, and survive can shed light on the underlying patterns that make them successful.

Cuba’s Castro Regime: A Legacy of Dictatorship

Cuba’s history of dictatorships is deeply tied to the Castro family, starting with Fidel Castro in 1959 and continuing with his brother Raúl Castro, who served as president from 2008-2018. Raúl maintained power through:

• Suppressing Dissent: Raúl saw opponents as enemies, using incarceration as a primary tool to suppress any opposition. Over 40 cases of imprisonment for suspected protest plans or union organizing were documented by Human Rights Watch.
• Spreading Fear: Harsh consequences for dissent, regardless of evidence, created a climate of fear, crucial for maintaining power.
• Socialist Principles: Raúl ensured that socialist principles were central to his policies and actions, reinforcing the Communist Party’s control.

By employing these strategies, Raúl Castro sustained the regime’s political power and prolonged its authoritarian rule.

Nicaragua: Ortega’s Authoritarian Rule

Nicaragua’s dictatorial history is shaped by current president Daniel Ortega, who has employed several tactics to maintain power:

• Suppressing Political Opposition: In 2021, rival candidate Cristiana Chamorro faced legal challenges and was disqualified.
• Manipulating Information: Ortega controls state-owned media for propaganda, limiting coverage of opposing perspectives. Independent outlets like Confidencial have been raided, and their directors face legal threats.
• Restricting Free Speech: The 2020 Special Cyber Crimes Law allows authorities to monitor online content and impose prison terms for spreading “false or misleading information.”

By controlling the narrative and stifling dissent, Ortega consolidates power and safeguards his regime from scrutiny and criticism.

Venezuela: Maduro’s Authoritarian Blueprint

Venezuela’s Nicolas Maduro, successor to Hugo Chávez, has entrenched his dictatorship since taking power in 2013 through various tactics:

• Electoral Manipulation: In the 2018 election, Maduro limited participation of key opposition figures, used state resources for his campaign, and controlled electoral institutions like the National Electoral Council, sparking domestic and international contestation.
• Targeting Opposition: Maduro targeted Leopoldo López, who challenged him in 2013 and led the 2014 “La Salida” protests. López was arrested on charges of inciting violence, framing him as a public enemy to instill fear.
• Military Control: Maduro placed military officials in government positions and used the military to suppress opposition, viewing it as a protective and enforcement tool.
• International Support: Seeking backing from countries like China and Russia further bolstered his regime.

These strategies highlight Maduro’s comprehensive approach to maintaining power by controlling elections, stifling opposition, leveraging military strength, and securing international alliances.

El Salvador: Bukele’s Authoritarian Tendencies

El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele, who labels himself the “world’s coolest dictator,” has faced criticism for actions perceived as authoritarian:

• Legislative Assembly Occupation: In 2020, Bukele entered the assembly with armed soldiers to push for a $109 million loan, using military presence to intimidate lawmakers.
• Ignoring Court Rulings: Bukele has failed to comply with multiple Constitutional Court decisions, showing disregard for judicial authority.
• Media Manipulation: Bukele uses social media to undermine traditional media, directly communicating his narrative to the public. In 2019, he expelled journalists from El Faro, accusing them of being fake.
• Suppressing Freedom of the Press: Bukele has been accused of suppressing the freedom of the press, targeting independent media critical of his administration.

Despite these actions, Bukele is not widely labeled a dictator due to his democratic election in 2019 and continued international recognition. However, his leadership demonstrates how undermining democratic institutions is central to authoritarian rule, even in democratically elected governments.

Common Threads

Examining 21st-century Latin American dictatorships in Cuba, Nicaragua, Venezuela, and El Salvador reveals crucial insights into how authoritarian leaders consolidate power:

1. Repression of Dissent: Dictators like Raúl Castro and Daniel Ortega use fear and imprisonment to suppress opposition.
2. Control of Information: Ortega and Bukele manipulate media to shape public perception and stifle dissent.
3. Manipulation of Electoral Processes: Maduro’s control over electoral institutions ensures his grip on power.
4. Military Involvement: Maduro and Bukele leverage military power to enforce their rule and intimidate opponents.

The Bottom Line

These patterns highlight how fear, propaganda, and undermining democratic principles are essential tools for modern dictators. Recognizing these tactics is crucial for safeguarding democracy and understanding how authoritarian regimes sustain their power. Recognizing these patterns can help advocates for democracy and human rights to develop more effective responses to authoritarianism in the region.