A Dark Echo: How Scapegoating Immigrants is Shaping U.S. Elections and Undermining Democracy Eduardo A. Gamarra As we witness the 2024 American electoral campaign, it is impossible to ignore the parallels to one of the darkest chapters in human history. In a chilling echo of the tactics used by the Nazis, one political party in the United States has increasingly resorted to scapegoating immigrants—especially undocumented ones. Just as Adolf Hitler's regime blamed the Jews for every conceivable problem plaguing Germany, from economic crises to political instability, today, specific American political figures are directing fear and anger at immigrants, particularly those from Haiti, Venezuela, and other Latin American countries. They are portrayed as drug traffickers, rapists, murderers, gang members, and even as threats to public health and safety, despite the lack of evidence supporting such generalizations. The disturbing rhetoric recalls how the Nazis vilified Jews by labeling t
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The Youth Vote and Latin America: A Missed Opportunity at Last Night's Debate Last night at Florida International University (FIU), we held a debate watch session sponsored by Pi Sigma Alpha and the Latino Public Opinion Forum. We've done this before, but this time was different. Typically, our turnout is modest—between 15 and 20 students, reflecting the general apathy that permeates political engagement among younger voters. But last night, something shifted. Crammed into SIPA 100 were approximately 90 students, a crowd representing the rich diversity of our student body and a palpable hunger to engage with the political moment. Before the debate began, we asked the students who they thought would win. The result was divided, with many still on the fence, reflecting the ambivalence that often marks younger voters. However, once the debate started, the engagement was undeniable. The students remained glued to their seats for the entire event. Ultimately, the vast majority said
Bolivia's Self-Coup: A Tactic That Worked but at What Cost? Eduardo A. Gamarra, PhD Professor Department of Politics and International Relations Florida International University In an unprecedented move, Bolivia’s President Luis Arce has executed a self-coup, a maneuver that has thrust the nation into a crisis of historic proportions. For a country that has weathered significant political turbulence, including massive electoral fraud in 2019, the resignation of Evo Morales, and subsequent protests, this crisis stands out as the most severe of the 21st century. This statement bears considerable weight, especially given Arce’s history as the minister of economy under Evo Morales, whose 14-year rule he proudly cites as the pinnacle of Bolivia’s economic success. Arce and Morales often reminisce about those "golden years" of Bolivian prosperity, marked by robust natural gas exports to Argentina and Brazil. These years saw significant economic growth and stability, which b
Timing is Everything: Biden's Missteps in Florida Politics Eduardo A. Gamarra Biden's reelection campaign ignores two fundamental principles of politics. The first is that in politics, timing is everything. Equally important is the old adage by Thomas "Tip" O'Neill that "all politics is local." These principles are crucial in the delicate dance of political strategy and public perception. Niccolò Machiavelli's insights in "The Prince" emphasize the importance of recognizing and seizing opportunities, suggesting that political success is determined by strategy and the ability to exploit favorable circumstances. A more contemporary view comes from Steven L. Taylor, whose "Outside the Beltway” articles repeatedly emphasize the critical role of timing in political strategy and decision-making. The Biden administration's recent actions in Florida, particularly concerning Cuban policy, exemplify a disregard for these insights, jeopard
The End of Judicial Independence in the Americas One of the most fundamental lessons we impart in civics education is that the principle of separation of powers is crucial to democratic governance, designed to prevent any single branch of government from holding excessive power. At the heart of this balance is the judiciary's independence, serving as a neutral arbiter in legal disputes and a safeguard against other branches' abuses of power. Yet, in the past decade, the politicization of judicial appointments has severely challenged this ideal, not only in established democracies like the United States but also across the volatile democratic landscapes of Latin America. In the United States, the integrity of the judiciary is being severely tested by the increasing politicization of Supreme Court appointments. Recent controversies, such as the involvement of two Justices' spouses in polarizing political debates, underscore the severity of the situation. Moreover, the explic
Misguided Conservatism: Repressive Policies on Immigration and Crime Eduardo A. Gamarra In the current political environment heading into the 2024 presidential elections, a prevalent trend has emerged among our misguided conservative politicians advocating for repressive state measures—mass arrests, aggressive deportations, and stringent immigration restrictions. This hardline stance starkly contrasts with the nuanced understanding of the role of immigrants and the state espoused by conservative intellectual icons like Friedrich von Hayek and Milton Friedman. Both economists, revered in conservative circles, recognized the state's necessary functions but advocated for its strategic and just application, particularly concerning immigration and crime. This essay challenges contemporary conservative leaders to realign their policies with these foundational principles, which support a balanced and reasoned approach to addressing these critical contemporary issues. Hayek, known for
The Mariel Boatlift: Reflections on Humanity, Resilience, and the Unfolding American Story Eduardo A. Gamarra In the spring of 1980, as part of the collective effort at Ft. Chaffee, Arkansas, I had the unique opportunity to contribute to the resettlement of 25,000 of the 125,000 Cuban refugees who arrived during the Mariel boatlift. This experience, while decades past, continues to shape my perspectives on immigration, resilience, and the fabric of American society. The refugees, derogatorily termed "Marielitos," carried with them not just their few physical belongings but the heavy stigma of persecution and denigration. In Cuba, they were labeled gusanos (worms) or escoria (scum), a cruel attempt to strip them of their dignity even before they set foot on foreign soil. This stigmatization did not end with their departure from Cuba; upon their arrival in the United States, they were met with suspicion and hostility. The narrative was tainted by the fact that a minor segme