Right-wing political shifts in Latin America

The political landscape in Latin America has undergone a significant shift toward right-wing governance, a trend characterized by some as the ‘Trumpification’ of the region. U.S. President Donald Trump has claimed credit for this movement, asserting that his influence has moved several nations away from leftist leadership and toward governments that show greater respect for the United States.

This shift is linked to the 2025 New Internal Security Charter, described as a ‘Trump Corollary’ to the Monroe Doctrine, which aims to establish U.S. hegemony and provide economic defense against the influence of China, Russia, and Iran. Specific examples of this influence include the presidency of Abelardo de la Espriella in Colombia and political developments in Argentina.

As the movement progresses, regional leaders are increasingly adopting policies and rhetoric aligned with U.S. conservative agendas, such as ‘Project 2025’. These policies include aggressive anti-immigration measures, mass deportations, tax cuts, and the reduction of social welfare and environmental protections. This trend is noted in countries such as Argentina, Chile, Costa Rica, El Salvador, and Honduras, with a focus on combating ‘narco-communism’ and utilizing new technologies for political campaigning. While Mexico remains a left-wing exception, the broader regional trend points toward nationalist and conservative governance.