Restoring freedom and ending organized crime in politics is not a matter of half measures.

By: Carlos Sánchez Berzaín - 01/06/2026

In the last two decades of the 20th century, Latin American politics was infiltrated by narco-governments linked to, financed by, or influenced by drug trafficking. Then, 21st-century socialism established narco-states, or the control of political power by drug trafficking, with the dictatorships of Cuba, Venezuela, Nicaragua, Bolivia, Ecuador, and in states or territories of Mexico, Argentina, and Colombia. Given this reality, the leaders and governments of the Americas face the challenge of eradicating organized crime from politics, a formidable mission that cannot be accomplished through half-measures.

The colloquial expression “half-measures” is used “to describe ambiguous, unclear, indecisive, or hesitant actions or attitudes.” It “denotes cowardice, excessive caution, or a lack of clarity when making a decision, expressing an opinion, or carrying out a task.” History tells us that this expression originated “in the days of handwriting with quill and ink” and “was equivalent to diluting the ink so that the writing was almost illegible, allowing the writer to record something without fully committing themselves or to conceal the message.”

Every government desires to maintain high levels of popularity, acceptance, and public support. To achieve this, they formulate proposals that win elections, seek to respond to citizens' expectations and needs, and build teams that influence public opinion. But when it comes time to govern, there are essential challenges that are not immediately popular.

When a government undertakes changes, those affected react quickly and violently, while those who stand to benefit are generally apathetic or slow to express support. Changes—essential in societies in crisis—are generally traumatic, unpopular, and do not produce quick results. The repeal of infamous laws, the liberalization of the economy, the return to the rule of law, the fight against corruption, the elimination of impunity through the prosecution and detention of those accused, the reinstatement of institutions, and the restoration of freedom all affect organized crime, which held power, those who amassed inexplicable fortunes, and those who continue to exploit criminal activities.

Given the economic, social, political, and institutional crises that 21st-century socialist regimes have created and are leaving behind in countries like Venezuela, Ecuador, Bolivia, Cuba, and Nicaragua, the measures needed to return to democracy and economic freedom may be very difficult, but they are essential. To meet this existential challenge and bring about change, presidents and governments have the option of gradualism or shock therapy.

Gradualism is the policy that holds that incremental, small-scale changes, aimed at preserving order and avoiding unnecessary tensions, are the most appropriate way to achieve profound, structural, or systemic political, economic, and social changes. It generally takes a long time. Shock or impact policies, on the other hand, consist of radical measures implemented rapidly to restructure the economy, institutions, or society, overcoming resistance through swift and unexpected implementation.

History shows that structural economic, political, and social reforms have employed both methods, with recurring failures for gradualism and notable successes for impactful plans. Among others, governments such as Macri's in Argentina, Añez's in Bolivia, and Lasso's in Ecuador demonstrate the results of gradualism, while those of Paz Estenssoro in Bolivia, Moreno in Ecuador, and Bukele in El Salvador exemplify the implementation of impactful policies.

The gravity of the country's situation is such that – like that of a sick person – it demands or allows for gradualism or a significant impact on recovery, which is basically the restoration of democracy with its five essential elements: “respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms; the rule of law; periodic, free, fair elections based on universal and secret suffrage as an expression of the sovereignty of the people; a pluralistic system of political parties and organizations; and the separation and independence of public powers.”

Transnational organized crime, operated by 21st-century socialism, has supplanted constitutionalism, laws, institutions, the economy, justice, social conduct, the education system, healthcare, social security, the armed forces, police and security systems, personal identification, private property, and the entire democratic system in Cuba, Venezuela, Bolivia, Nicaragua, and Ecuador. Gradual restoration of this barbarity is impossible because organized crime maintains operations disguised as political expressions, the capacity to finance conspiracy and disinformation, and control illicit violence; in reality, it maintains power.

Taking over the government but not the power (which remains in the hands of crime) will not restore freedom and the economy to the people who suffer the disgrace of 21st-century socialism.

*Lawyer and Political Scientist. Director of the Interamerican Institute for Democracy

«The opinions published herein are the sole responsibility of its author».