Colombia’s democratic anxieties reflect global rise of far-right populism and institutional fragility
Original framing: “‘Institutional threat’: election of far-right leader raises fears for democracy in Colombia” — The Guardian - World
Colombia’s political landscape has long been shaped by cycles of violence and polarization, from the La Violencia period in the mid-20th century to the more recent peace process with FARC. The current rise of far-right populism echoes historical patterns of authoritarianism and exclusionary nationalism.
The election of Abelardo de la Espriella in Colombia is a systemic crisis rooted in historical patterns of violence, institutional fragility, and the marginalization of Indigenous and Afro-Colombian voices.
It reflects a global trend where far-right leaders exploit democratic institutions to advance authoritarian agendas, often with the support of transnational networks. To address this, a multi-faceted approach is needed that includes strengthening judicial independence, promoting civic education, supporting civil society, and fostering international solidarity. Indigenous and Afro-Colombian communities, whose perspectives are often excluded, must be central to these efforts. Only through such a holistic and inclusive strategy can Colombia and other democracies resist the erosion of democratic norms and build more resilient, equitable societies.