Abstract

Discussions about populism make it clear that it is not a political phenomenon arising in one country, and that the more well-established democracies are not exempt from its occurrence, despite considering at an inconvenient guest. Comparisons between diverse countries, cases, and periods show that common causal elements can be pinpointed in political systems that may explain the emergence of populist leaders, parties, and manifestations. This article contrasts presidents Daniel Ortega of Nicaragua, Nayib Bukele of El Salvador, and former president Rafael Correa of Ecuador to clarify the context of their appearance in their countries’ political system.

Key words: Central America; Ecuador; populism; democracy; political system