College - Author 1
College of Liberal Arts
Department - Author 1
World Languages and Cultures Department
Degree Name - Author 1
BA in Modern Languages and Literatures
Date
8-2025
Primary Advisor
Karen Muñoz-Christian, College of Liberal Arts, World Languages and Cultures Department
Abstract/Summary
This paper will detail the last several years of El Salvador's history to the present day, through the lens of gang violence, courtesy of MS-13 and the worrying trends of authoritarianism displayed by its current president, Nayib Bukele. Gang violence, especially that perpetuated by MS-13 and Barrio 18, have plagued the US, and via deportation, El Salvador. Previous attempt to control the violence through mano dura policy has proven ineffective, either by lack of implementation, or endemic government corruption. President Nayib Bukele declared a state of emergency, initially in March of 2022, and now constantly renewed every 30 days, which has paved the way for aggressive, official government policy towards dissenters and those deemed enemies of the state. Mass incarceration, arbitrary arrests, and human rights violations are widespread. I noticed an alarming similarity between President Bukele and President Trump, especially during Trump's second term. Multiple meetings between the two leaders indicate a close working relationship. In addition, President Bukele's success at smothering the gangs and lowering the national homicide rate have convinced other Latin American countries that a perpetual state of emergency is viable. Human rights groups, international organizations, and other countries do not seem to be powerful enough detractors, and condemnation and criticism is ineffective. Masking the repressive regime is an aggressive rebranding campaign that seeks to reintroduce El Salvador to the world, while individual freedoms are sacrificed, resulting in the country slipping further and further away from a functioning democracy.
URL: https://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/mllsp/69