Authoritarianism Reimagined

Monday, October 13, 2025 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Authoritarianism Reimagined: How Old Patterns Are Reshaping Democracy in Central America

Noah Bullock, Executive Director, Cristosal
 
Moderaded by Nina Alvarez, Columbia Journalism
 
Talk/Discussion 1: Patterns of Authoritarianism in Central America
 
Overview: Central America is witnessing a resurgence of authoritarian practices, mass incarceration without due process, militarized security, and restrictions on civic space. These trends echo past dictatorships but take new forms under leaders who claim to act in the name of security and stability. This talk will explore the emerging patterns of authoritarianism in El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras, how they are connected to global autocratic trends, and what they mean for the future of democracy in the region.