For decades, drug cartels have wielded profound political influence in Latin America. With the evolution and diversification of new illicit markets that move trillions of dollars, the corrupting capacity of criminal networks challenges the survival of democratic institutions.
On International Democracy Day, Latin America faces the challenge of revamping a system worn down by inequality and misinformation, but one that remains essential for resilient and equitable human development.
As democracy erodes, charismatic leaders take advantage of social unrest to consolidate a hybrid model: authoritarian capitalism with a populist face. From Trump to Bukele, passing through Milei and Noboa, a generation emerges that embodies an era where economic stability outweighs democratic values.
