Chile's newly elected president, José Antonio Kast, openly supports Pinochet's regime, reflecting a persistent nostalgia for the dictatorship among a segment of the population, despite its brutal history of torture and killings. Support for Pinochet has shifted into mainstream right-wing politics, with some voters forgetting or unaware of the regime's atrocities, raising concerns about historical memory and education.
The article compares the 1989 US invasion of Panama and the fall of dictator Manuel Noriega to current US policies towards Venezuela, highlighting how past military interventions influence perceptions and strategies regarding Nicolás Maduro's regime.
Democratic leaders warn that Trump's efforts to target political opponents and control media threaten to turn the US into a dictatorship or banana republic, citing actions like calling for legal action against critics and threatening media outlets, raising concerns about the erosion of democratic norms.
The article argues that President Trump is establishing a dictatorship aligned with the American financial oligarchy, exemplified by a White House dinner with major tech CEOs who praised his pro-business stance, while outside, armed soldiers enforce his control. It highlights the consolidation of monopoly power among tech giants, their immense wealth, and the broader implications for workers and global imperialism, emphasizing that resistance should come from the working class.
The article explores the decline of Bashar al-Assad's regime in Syria, detailing the internal and external pressures that have contributed to the weakening of his authoritarian rule. It examines the impact of prolonged conflict, economic challenges, and shifting international alliances on Assad's hold on power.
Bashar al-Assad, initially seen as a potential reformer after succeeding his father as Syria's president, became a brutal dictator, maintaining power through a vast security apparatus and violent repression. Despite early attempts to present a more modern image, Assad's regime was marked by widespread torture and murder, particularly during the Syrian uprising of 2011. His rule, supported by Russia and Iran, faced challenges from the Arab Spring and the rise of ISIS, ultimately leading to his downfall as Syria became a failed state.
Former US National Security Adviser John Bolton criticized ex-President Donald Trump, stating that he "hasn't got the brains" to be a dictatorial leader and suggesting that Trump may leave NATO if reelected. Bolton also mocked Trump's past praise of Kim Jong Un, sharing a 2018 video clip where Trump expressed admiration for how North Koreans treat their leader.
Former US National Security Adviser John Bolton criticized ex-President Donald Trump, stating that he lacks the intelligence to lead a dictatorship and mocking his background as a property developer. Bolton's comments come in response to Trump's previous statements about potentially acting like a dictator if re-elected, including shutting the southern border with Mexico and expanding oil drilling. Bolton also expressed concern that Trump might leave NATO if re-elected, emphasizing that Trump tends to revisit and act on his ideas.
Former national security adviser John Bolton criticized Donald Trump's intellectual capacity and professional background, stating that the ex-president "hasn't got the brains" for dictatorship. Bolton, a vocal critic of Trump, warned that a second Trump presidency would be worse, citing Trump's episodic and transactional approach to decision-making. He also expressed concern that Trump might act on his threat to pull the US out of NATO if re-elected, as Trump has repeatedly criticized European members of the alliance for not paying enough.
Thousands of Argentines commemorated the 48th anniversary of the 1976 military coup, remembering the widespread repression, torture, and disappearances that occurred during the dictatorship. President Javier Milei, accused of downplaying atrocities, released a video questioning the figure of 30,000 disappeared and focusing on victims of attacks by a communist group prior to the dictatorship. Human rights groups are demanding a law to penalize dictatorship deniers and urging Milei to change his stance on the issue.
NBC News presidential historian Michael Beschloss expressed concern over the 2024 election, warning that the rhetoric from former President Donald Trump resembles that of fascist leaders and could lead to dictatorship and violence. Beschloss suggested that Trump's open embrace of such rhetoric has actually made it easier for Americans to recognize the threat of fascism and dictatorship. He emphasized the importance of understanding the implications of such language and its potential impact on the country.
"The Regime," an HBO limited series, presents a fictional European country with references to real despots and failed states, as observed by The New York Times's chief diplomatic correspondent, Steven Erlanger. The show's creator, Will Tracy, drew inspiration from extensive research on autocracies and totalitarian states to develop the series, which combines satire, slapstick, and commentary. Kate Winslet's portrayal of Chancellor Elena Vernham, a nervy and insecure leader, offers a unique twist by depicting an undisputed female dictator, addressing 21st-century anxieties about powerful women and menopause.
Russian President Vladimir Putin, known for rigging elections and repressing opposition, has no clear successor or retirement plan, setting the stage for a vicious power struggle upon his eventual death. His control over security services, media, and oligarchs makes him difficult to remove, and his departure could lead to a chaotic and violent struggle for power. The current prime minister lacks a strong power base, and the transition of power could involve a scramble behind the scenes. The absence of supporting institutions and the concentration of authority in Putin's hands make the post-Putin era highly unpredictable and potentially turbulent.
A threat tracker details former President Donald Trump's plans and promises that pose a significant risk to American democracy, including his aspirations for a "day one dictatorship" with proposed actions such as immigration roundups, energy extraction, and the use of military force against civilian protestors. Trump's allies are reportedly discussing building an administration around loyalists who would "stretch legal and governance boundaries," while his former advisors warn of irreparable damage to the country in a second term. The tracker also outlines Trump's proposed immigration policies, ideological purity tests for immigrant applicants, and plans to prosecute charities and nonprofits supporting immigration and asylum.
President Nayib Bukele of El Salvador won reelection in a landslide, known for his self-proclaimed "coolest dictator" nickname and controversial war on gangs. Despite concerns about human rights and democracy, his crackdown on gangs and improvements to safety have garnered widespread support, even amidst voting irregularities and a controversial decision allowing him to skirt a ban on immediate reelection.
