Alina Maria Ripplinger

This presentation of the edited volume on Central America introduces three dimensions that can guide the analysis of autocratisation: 1) Institutions, power structures and mechanisms of autocratisation, 2) Actors and mechanisms of resistance, 3) International law.

Within an ongoing global debate on autocratization, the present book aims to study a region that still seems to be insufficiently analyzed in the global discourse: Central America. Nine thematic chapters on El Salvador, Honduras, Guatemala and Nicaragua explore the scope, paths and mechanisms of autocratization, while also examining resistance and opposition, combining legal-political analysis. The chapters hence make contributions with regards to 1. institutions, power structures and mechanisms of autocratization; 2. actors and mechanisms of resistance; and 3. international law, introducing the applicable standards to situations of autocratization.

The chapter introduces unconstitutional presidential reelection, consecutive or unlimited, as a mode of autocratization. Direct or indirect autocratic tactics, according to whether or not constitutional revision is required, are discussed for Nicaragua and El Salvador.

In Guatemala, President Bernardo Arévalo took office on 15 January 2024, raising hopes of democratic reform. Still, an entrenched elite has continuously distorted the independence of the judiciary. Not only are elections highly contested; democracy itself is on the line. Can Guatemala turn the tide?

Nicaragua released 222 imprisoned government opponents and deported them to the United States. This maneuver advances a path of violations of elementary constitutional and international norms, and of a criminalization of political, social and cultural leaders.

Daniel Ortega is the president of Nicaragua. He has been in power for more than 15 uninterrupted years. How much is left of initial ideas? Can it be said that Ortega's current government is leftist? How has it gone from the Sandinista revolution to a police state in Nicaragua? 

Conference on Unwritten Constitutionalism and Informality, Masaryk University, Brno Organisers: Durham University Prof. Dr. Mariana Llanos (Speaker), Alina Maria Ripplinger (Speaker)

Although Latin America has a history of constitutional abuse, not all abusive situations result in democratic backsliding. This paper pays attention to the presidents’ political-institutional support, the role of unwritten constitutional norms, and the higher courts’ protection of the constitution.

Academic Freedom at Risk: Empirical Insights and Best-Practice Guidelines for the Social Sciences, GIGA Berlin Office, Berlin Prof. Dr. Mariana Llanos (Panelist), Dr. Sangeeta Mahapatra (Panelist), Alina Maria Ripplinger (Panelist)

We were happy to host the workshop “Academic Freedom at Risk: Empirical Insights and Best-Practice Guidelines for the Social Sciences”, a project developed by MA students at the Willy Brandt School of Public Policy. The workshop featured speakers Prof. Dr. Mariana Llanos and Dr. Sangeeta Mahapatra.