164/ El Salvador's Gang State w/ Michael Paarlberg

For episode 164, Dana El-Kurd is joined by Michael Paarlbeg, associate professor of political science at Virginia Commonwealth University, to discuss the intersection between crime and authoritarian politics in Latin America. They particularly focus on the the state of emergency happening today in El Salvador, covering the rise of Nayib Bukele and the political implications of the “gang state” emerging in the country. The best way to support The Fire These Times is to become a member of our "From The Periphery" Patreon. For only 5$ a month (and less if you pay yearly) you get perks such as early access, exclusive episodes, an invitation to our monthly hangout, upcoming book clubs, and more. You can also help a lot by leaving a review wherever you listen to podcasts. Show notes: Transnational Gangs and Criminal Remittances (academic article, Comparative Migration Studies) The Emerging Gang State in El Salvador (Global Americans) Gang Membership in Central America: More Complex Than Meets the Eye (Migration Policy Institute) How a Fake Gang Crisis in the US Fueled a Real One in Central America (Duke conference) Gangs, Guns and Judas Priest (The Guardian) Credits: Host(s): ⁠⁠Dana El-Kurd Guest(s): Michael Paarlberg Music: ⁠⁠⁠Rap and Revenge⁠⁠⁠ Sound editor: Liam Evans Episode designer: ⁠⁠Elia J. Ayoub⁠⁠ Team profile pics: ⁠⁠Molly Crabapple⁠ Original TFTT design: ⁠⁠Wenyi Geng⁠⁠ TFTT Transcripts: ⁠⁠Antidotezine⁠