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Alert in Latin America: Extreme Right THREAT?

American continent.

Latin America, a melting pot of cultures and complex histories, is undergoing significant political transformation. Are we witnessing the rise of a new order driven by radical forces? The rise of extreme right-wing movements and parties in various countries of the region has raised concerns and divided opinions, echoing even in the corridors of power in the United States and deepening the existing polarization in Brazil. But what is really happening? What are the roots of this phenomenon? And, more importantly, what are the implications for the future of democracy in the region and beyond? American continent.

Context/Current Situation

In recent years, Latin America has witnessed a notable increase in the popularity of extreme right-wing figures and ideologies. From Argentina to Chile, passing through Brazil and Colombia, discontent with traditional politics, economic crisis, and a growing perception of insecurity have paved the way for radical discourses and proposals that were once considered marginal. American continent.

One of the main factors contributing to this scenario is the widespread frustration with the ineffectiveness of policies implemented by left and center-left governments in addressing the region’s persistent problems, such as social inequality, corruption, and violence. This dissatisfaction has led many voters to seek alternatives in more radical proposals that promise quick and definitive solutions, even at the cost of democratic principles and fundamental rights. American continent.

The rise of the extreme right is not a homogeneous phenomenon in Latin America. Each country has its own historical, social, and political particularities that influence how extremism manifests itself. However, there are some common elements that can be identified, such as exaggerated nationalism, anti-immigration discourse, defense of traditional values, and skepticism towards democratic institutions. American continent.

In-Depth Analysis: The Roots of the Problem

To understand the rise of the extreme right in Latin America, it is crucial to analyze the factors driving this phenomenon. One of the main causes is undoubtedly the discontent with traditional politics. The perception that established parties and politicians are corrupt and ineffective has led many voters to lose confidence in democratic institutions and seek alternatives in figures considered “outsiders” or “anti-system.” American continent.

The economic crisis also plays a fundamental role. Rising unemployment, inflation, and social inequality create fertile ground for populist discourses and radical solutions. In times of economic hardship, people tend to feel more vulnerable and look for scapegoats for their problems, which can lead to xenophobia and intolerance. According to a World Bank study, the poverty rate in Latin America increased to 33.7% in 2022, affecting over 200 million people. American continent.

Furthermore, the perception of insecurity, driven by the increase in crime and violence in many cities of the region, contributes to support for law and order discourses and proposals for tougher penalties and police repression. A UN report revealed that Latin America accounts for 37% of global homicides, despite hosting only 8% of the world’s population. Is this sense of insecurity directing the vote towards the extreme right? American continent.

The spread of fake news and misinformation on social media also plays a significant role in political polarization and the rise of the extreme right. The ease with which false information spreads online, often driven by algorithms that favor sensationalist and polarizing content, contributes to the radicalization of opinions and distrust in traditional institutions, such as the press and the electoral system. A study from the University of Oxford showed that online misinformation negatively influenced elections in at least 15 countries in Latin America in the last five years. American continent.

A concrete example of the growth of the extreme right in the region is the case of Argentina. In the 2023 presidential elections, Javier Milei, a candidate with a radically liberal and anti-establishment discourse, won the presidency with 55% of the votes. His proposals for dollarization of the economy and drastic cuts in public spending reflect the growing discontent with traditional politics and the search for alternative solutions to the country’s economic crisis. In Colombia, although Gustavo Petro, from the left, won the presidency, the significant vote for Rodolfo Hernández, a right-wing candidate with a populist and anti-corruption discourse, demonstrated the strength of the conservative electorate in the country. American continent.

According to Latinobarómetro data, trust in democracy in Latin America reached its lowest level in 25 years, with only 48% of the population believing that democracy is the best form of government. This alarming data reflects the growing disenchantment with traditional politics and the openness to authoritarian alternatives. American continent.

Impact for Brazil/World

The rise of the extreme right in Latin America has significant implications for Brazil. Firstly, political polarization in the country, already accentuated by the 2018 and 2022 elections, is likely to intensify further, with the strengthening of radical discourses and the difficulty of finding common ground for dialogue and consensus. The victory of extreme right-wing candidates in other countries in the region may encourage similar movements in Brazil, seeking to replicate strategies and discourses that have proven effective in other contexts. American continent.

Furthermore, the increased influence of the extreme right in Latin America can affect Brazilian foreign policy, especially regarding issues such as human rights, the environment, and regional integration. Right-wing governments tend to adopt more conservative and nationalist positions, which can hinder cooperation and alignment on common interests with Brazil, which traditionally has advocated for a more multilateralist and progressive foreign policy. American continent.

For the United States, the rise of the extreme right in Latin America represents a challenge to its influence in the region. Washington has historically sought to promote democracy and stability in Latin America, but the strengthening of governments with authoritarian tendencies and anti-imperialist discourses can hinder the implementation of its political and economic agenda. The Biden administration has expressed concern about the democratic backsliding in some countries in the region and has sought to strengthen ties with governments that uphold democratic values and the rule of law. American continent.

The rise of the extreme right in Latin America is not an isolated phenomenon. It is part of a global context of the growth of populist and nationalist movements in various countries, such as the United States, Europe, and Asia. This phenomenon reflects a crisis of