How is democracy eroding in the US and what does this mean for Latin America?

The United States is experiencing a significant decline in its democratic foundations, raising concerns both domestically and internationally. Historically, the U.S. maintained a democratic regime characterized by free elections, universal suffrage, and a system of checks and balances. However, recent developments suggest a shift toward competitive authoritarianism, with the current administration undermining democratic institutions and processes. This transformation has drawn comparisons to autocratic regimes in Venezuela and El Salvador, where leaders like Hugo Chávez and Nayib Bukele have consolidated power at the expense of democratic norms. In the U.S., the executive branch has weakened federal bureaucracy, encroached on legislative powers, and weaponized government agencies to target universities, media, and political opponents. Immigrants and African American citizens have faced violations of due process, further eroding civil liberties. Scholars such as Steve Levitsky and Lucan Way have declared that the U.S. no longer qualifies as a democracy, marking a stark departure from its historical identity. The implications of this democratic erosion extend beyond U.S. borders, particularly affecting Latin America. The Trump administration’s policies, supported by a compliant Congress and Supreme Court, have disrupted international aid, immigration processes, and anti-drug trafficking efforts. Programs promoting democracy and human rights in Cuba, Venezuela, and Nicaragua have been suspended, while immigration policies have become increasingly harsh. The Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency has detained and deported thousands, often without due process, leading to widespread human rights abuses. These actions have reduced the flow of remittances, a critical economic lifeline for many Latin American countries. Additionally, the U.S. has escalated military interventions in the region, such as targeting Venezuelan vessels under the guise of drug enforcement, further destabilizing the area. The Trump administration’s support for authoritarian leaders and its erratic foreign policy have exacerbated political polarization and weakened democratic movements in Latin America. As the U.S. grapples with its democratic decline, Latin America must seek collective responses and strengthen regional leadership to mitigate the fallout from these developments.