BREAKING THE DEMOCRATIC FABRIC: ASSESSING THE IMPACT OF GANG VIOLENCE IN EL SALVADOR
Loading...
Authors
Sofchek, Anna M.
Subjects
El Salvador
gangs
gang violence
MS-13
Latin America
democracy
democratic backsliding
gangs
gang violence
MS-13
Latin America
democracy
democratic backsliding
Advisors
Matei, Cristiana
Chatterjee, Anshu N.
Date of Issue
2023-09
Date
Publisher
Monterey, CA; Naval Postgraduate School
Language
Abstract
El Salvador’s democracy has historically struggled with two main issues: corruption and gang violence. President Nayib Bukele’s election in 2019 ushered in what many Salvadorans believed would be a new political era, eliminating those concerns and strengthening democracy. This research explores how Bukele manipulated gang violence through collaboration with them to expand his power and thus initiate democratic backsliding in the country. It first uses qualitative research methods to examine the history of gangs and gang violence in El Salvador and its previous impact on the country’s democracy. It then employs the comparative analysis method to assess Bukele’s current gang control tactics and the evolution of traditional street gangs. This research finds that Bukele’s practices suggest multiple indicators of democratic backsliding in El Salvador. The study highlights the causes for concern among the international community about the spread of Bukele’s influence, specifically in other Latin American countries and the United States, and makes recommendations for the international community to help ensure democracy thrives in El Salvador.
Type
Thesis
Description
Series/Report No
Department
National Security Affairs (CHDS)
Organization
Identifiers
NPS Report Number
Sponsors
Funder
Format
Citation
Distribution Statement
Approved for public release. Distribution is unlimited.
Rights
This publication is a work of the U.S. Government as defined in Title 17, United States Code, Section 101. Copyright protection is not available for this work in the United States.