Are we becoming Latin Americanized? The seizure of servers and persecution of the opposition are just the beginning

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has cautioned against the "Latin Americanization" of domestic politics, pointing to a rise in authoritarian practices that are becoming increasingly familiar. These include dawn raids on opposition party headquarters, seizure of servers and documents, and the persecution of opposition figures under the guise of accountability. Political instability is also marked by the parliamentary removal of presidents.

Nicaragua's dictatorial left-wing leader has even announced an end to future elections. The article notes that while no right-wing dictatorships currently operate in the region, left-wing ones do. Notably, two of the three countries considered most democratic have right-wing leaders. The piece explores the region's political landscape with the help of a Latin America researcher.

Authoritarian regimes in Latin America have developed a comprehensive toolkit for dealing with opposition, which has become normalized over time. Tactics include tax authorities targeting individuals, removing relatives of opposition members from their jobs, and pressuring businesses like gas stations or restaurants that serve opposition figures. These actions create a chilling effect on service providers, who understandably wish to avoid similar harassment. The article uses the analogy of a frog in slowly warming water to describe how populations can become accustomed to escalating authoritarian measures.

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When the frog is put in lukewarm water and then the heat is turned on, it eventually gets used to the warming.