Overview of Violent Extremism in Latin America

Marc-André Argentino

Oct 21, 2024 • 6 min read

Introduction

I recently finished reading the "The Rise of the Radical Right in the Global South" edited by Rosana Pinheiro-Machado, Tatiana Vargas-Maia. I have been interested in understanding the manifestation in fascism and national socialism outside of the Global North since Mauricio Garcia, a man with longstanding neo-Nazi views, murdered eight people in a mass shooting at the Allen Premium Outlets mall in Allen, Texas. This is a space that is under researched and discussed in our field, and deserves proper attention. Violent extremism in Latin America is a multifaceted issue that has gained momentum over the last decade. With the rise of populist leaders, economic instability, political turmoil, and deep-seated social inequalities, the region has become fertile ground for violent extremist ideologies to flourish. While much of the global focus on violent extremism has traditionally been directed toward the Middle East, Europe, and North America, Latin America presents its own unique challenges and patterns of radicalization that merit attention.

In countries like Brazil, Mexico, Colombia, and Venezuela, violent extremism is not only a product of external influence but also an outcome of internal dynamics that intertwine with issues like organized crime, corruption, and authoritarianism. This five part series will provide a brief overview of some facets of violent extremism in Latin America, focusing on the socio-political dynamics driving its growth, the key actors involved, and the implications for both regional and global security. I hope that this will inspire other researchers with regional, linguistic and cultural knowledge to do in depth research and analysis into this space.

1. The Rise of Populism and Authoritarianism

Latin America has long been characterized by political instability, but in recent years, the rise of populist leaders has exacerbated these tensions. Populism in the region often comes with authoritarian undertones, as leaders portray themselves as champions of the people against corrupt elites and external threats. This style of leadership can encourage the growth of extremist movements, as it tends to demonize opposition groups and create a polarized political climate.

In Brazil, former president Jair Bolsonaro is a prime example of how populist rhetoric can fuel violent extremism. Bolsonaro’s tenure (2019–2022) was marked by divisive rhetoric, particularly targeting left-wing activists, indigenous groups, and LGBTQ+ individuals. His administration often undermined democratic institutions, supported militarization, and dismissed concerns about human rights violations. Bolsonaro's public statements frequently echoed far-right ideologies, including conspiracy theories about globalism and the role of leftist political groups in destabilizing the country. This rhetoric resonated with a significant portion of the Brazilian electorate, particularly among those who felt marginalized by the existing political system.

The aftermath of Bolsonaro's loss in the 2022 elections highlighted the power of violent extremist rhetoric. On January 8, 2023, thousands of Bolsonaro supporters stormed government buildings in Brasília, attempting to overturn the election results. This event mirrored the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot in the United States, demonstrating how the global far-right network has influenced local movements. The Brasília attack is just one example of how political extremism in Latin America can manifest in violence when combined with populist rhetoric and authoritarian governance.

While political dynamics play a significant role in fostering violent extremism, economic factors are equally important in Latin America. The region has one of the highest levels of economic inequality in the world, with a stark divide between the rich and the poor. This disparity has long fueled discontent and unrest, making certain populations vulnerable to radicalization.

In many parts of Latin America, large segments of the population live in poverty, lacking access to basic services such as education, healthcare, and employment opportunities. This creates fertile ground for violent extremist ideologies to take hold, as individuals who feel disenfranchised by the state and society may seek solace in radical movements that promise to address their grievances. Extremist groups exploit these vulnerabilities by offering a sense of belonging, purpose, and solutions to perceived injustices.

For instance, extreme right wing movements in Brazil have capitalized on the disillusionment of the working class, particularly in regions where poverty is most acute. They frame their ideology as a defense against the perceived threats posed by globalization, immigration, and social progress. By casting left-wing political movements and minority groups as the enemy, domestic violent extremists have been able to rally support among those who feel left behind by economic progress. In this context, violence becomes a justified means of protecting their identity and interests.

3. The Crime Terror Nexus

One of the distinguishing features of violent extremism in Latin America is its intersection with organized crime. The region is home to some of the world’s most powerful drug cartels and criminal organizations, particularly in countries like Mexico, Colombia, and Brazil. These criminal networks often engage in violent activities to maintain control over territory and resources, but in recent years, there has been a convergence between organized crime and violent extremist ideologies.

In countries like Colombia and Mexico, criminal organizations have increasingly adopted ideological rhetoric to justify their violent activities. For example, far-right paramilitary groups in Colombia have positioned themselves as defenders of national identity and traditional values while engaging in illicit activities such as drug trafficking, extortion, and kidnapping. These groups have a long history of fighting against left-wing guerrillas like the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), and their extremism is rooted in a desire to preserve Colombia’s conservative social order.

In Mexico, drug cartels such as the Sinaloa Cartel and the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) have similarly embraced extremist rhetoric to maintain control over local populations. These organizations often employ brutal violence to instill fear and obedience, and their influence has extended into the political sphere. In some cases, drug cartels have formed alliances with far-right militias, further blurring the line between organized crime and violent extremism.

The crime terror nexus poses a unique challenge for law enforcement and counterterrorism efforts in Latin America. These hybrid networks are difficult to dismantle because they operate across multiple domains, including drug trafficking, political violence, and ideological propaganda. Traditional counterterrorism strategies may not be sufficient to address the complex dynamics at play in these regions.

4. Transnational Influence and the Global Far-Right Network

While violent extremism in Latin America is deeply rooted in local socio-political and economic dynamics, it is also shaped by transnational influences. The rise of far-right extremism in North America and Europe has had a significant impact on the region, as Latin American extremists often draw inspiration from global movements.

One of the most prominent examples of this transnational influence is the spread of QAnon conspiracy theories in Latin America, particularly in Brazil. QAnon, a violent conspiracy theory that originated in the United States, posits that a secret cabal of elites is engaged in widespread child trafficking and satanic rituals. While QAnon initially gained traction in the U.S. during the Trump administration, its narratives have been adapted to fit the political landscape of Latin American countries (as well as other transnational nations), where similar anxieties about elites and political corruption exist.

Brazil’s far-right movement has embraced QAnon rhetoric, with Bolsonaro supporters incorporating elements of the conspiracy into their broader ideological framework. This highlights how QAnon, via digital platforms and networks have facilitated the spread of violent extremist ideologies across borders, creating a global network violent extremists who share tactics, narratives, and strategies for inciting violence.

The internet and social media platforms play an important role in the radicalization process. These platforms allow extremists to connect and bond with like-minded individuals from across the globe, share propaganda, and coordinate activities. This cross-border communication strengthens local movements, giving them access to the resources, support, and knowledge necessary to sustain their activities.

5. The Unique Characteristics of Latin American Extremism

While there are many parallels between violent extremism in Latin America and other regions, the Latin American context introduces several unique characteristics. One of these is the role of religious fundamentalism, particularly in countries like Brazil, where neo-Pentecostal and conservative Catholic groups have gained significant political influence.

In many cases, these religious movements align themselves with far-right political ideologies, advocating for the preservation of traditional family values, opposition to LGBTQ+ rights, and resistance to progressive social policies. Extremist elements within these religious groups often promote violence as a means of defending these values, creating an environment where hate crimes and politically motivated violence become more prevalent.

Another defining feature of Latin American extremism is the focus on environmentalism, particularly among ecofascist groups. Ecofascism, which combines environmentalist rhetoric with far-right nationalism, has gained traction in Latin America due to the region's ongoing struggles with deforestation, climate change, and resource exploitation. These groups argue that environmental degradation is the result of modernity and social progress, and they advocate for violence against those perceived as contributing to the destruction of the natural world—namely, immigrants, indigenous peoples, and urban populations.

The intersection of ecofascism and violent extremism in Latin America is a concerning trend, as it reflects a growing willingness among extremists to use environmental issues as a justification for violence. This dynamic underscores the complexity of extremism in the region, where multiple ideologies converge and create new forms of radicalization.

Conclusion

The rise of violent extremism in Latin America has significant implications for both regional and global security. Within the region, extremist movements threaten the stability of democratic institutions, undermine the rule of law, and exacerbate existing social and economic inequalities. As political polarization deepens, the risk of further violence grows, particularly during elections and periods of political transition.

Globally, Latin American extremist movements are increasingly interconnected with far-right networks in Europe and North America. This transnational exchange of ideas and tactics means that violent extremism is no longer a localized phenomenon but part of a broader global trend.

Violent extremism in Latin America is a complex and evolving threat. It is shaped by a combination of local dynamics—such as political instability, economic inequality, and organized crime—as well as global influences from transnational violent extremist movements. Addressing this issue will require a multifaceted approach that takes into account the unique socio-political context of the region while recognizing the broader global trends that influence its development.