Banana republics are making a comeback in Latin America

Al JazeeraCenterEN 5 min read 100% complete by Fabio Andrés Díaz Pabón,Pedro AlarcónJanuary 15, 2026 at 02:32 PM

AI Summary

long article 5 min

A news article published on January 15, 2026, reports that Latin America is facing a resurgence of instability reminiscent of "banana republics." The article cites rising insecurity, weakened political representation, and external coercion as contributing factors across the region. Peru is highlighted as an example, where economic growth has failed to translate into institutional stability, leading to political dysfunction and vulnerability to organized crime. The article also mentions external threats from the US and the attack on Caracas. These combined issues are eroding democratic legitimacy and self-determination in South America.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Santiago 30% Buenos Aires 30% La Paz 30% Julio Cotler 40% Mexico 50% Colombia 50% Lima ×260% Nicolás Maduro (Maduro) 60% United States ×270% Venezuela 70% South America ×280% Peru ×390%

Keywords

banana republic 100% latin america 90% political instability 80% militarized politics 70% external influence 70% us influence 60% democratic legitimacy 60% state capacity 50% economic inequality 50% peru 40%