"Millennial Populism": Nayib Bukele's Regime in El Salvador its Implications for U.S. Relations

It can be argued that Bukele's autocratic behavior has been most effectively promoted by his use of millennial-style populist tactics. Factors such as weak institutions, gang violence, effective propaganda via social media, and an increasing lack of faith in democracy directly assist in promoting his populist agenda and swaying voter decisions. He was effectively able to use the power granted to him by the Salvadoran people to transform El Salvador's democratic institutions to enact his own agenda and will. Actions meant to protect and guide the nation, such as rewriting the constitution and reshaping the judicial system to expand presidential term limits, relied on the power of domestic institutions. The Salvadoran public's overwhelming support for his fight against crime and crackdowns on gang violence assisted Bukele in suppressing the rule of law enough to gain what appears to be long-term or even permanent control. If Bukele's regime continues its autocratic practices, he may even reach a point where he will not need the populist support he currently enjoys. The broader erosion of democratic and institutional checks and balances will continue contributing to Bukele's success in combating crime, and thus, democratic backsliding leads to higher citizen support. Millennial populism may appeal to voters, but it remains ineffective in the long term.