Skip to main navigation menu Skip to main content Skip to site footer

Articles

Vol. 44 No. 2 (2024)

The Return of Sultanism and Political Repression in Nicaragua

DOI
https://doi.org/10.4067/s0718-090x2024005000119
Submitted
September 24, 2024
Published
2024-09-30

Abstract

The article examines Nicaragua’s transformation towards a sultanistic regime. Describing the Nicaraguan developments in 2023 through the sultanistic perspective is useful for understanding the type of repression unleashed by the regime, the political strategy of the Ortega-Murillo governing couple, as well as for understanding the possible future fate of the regime which faces succession dilemmas due to its evident dynasticization. The article focuses on the modes of repression carried out by the regime, including the proscription of the remaining opposition parties as well as the intensified harassment of the Catholic Church, leading opposition figures and the business community. Demonstrating that the current political context satisfies the core attributes of sultanism, the article suggests that these features solidified in 2023. The article elucidates potential future trajectories for Nicaragua based on a comparison with similar regimes.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.