Concern about extremist speeches in politics: "paranoid" views hinder democratic dialogue

In our current political community, a lingering concern is the proliferation of extremist discourses on both the right and the left, characterized by visions that could be classified as "paranoid." These discourses, based on the perception of an imminent radical danger, discredit opponents and turn them into enemies, which hinders dialogue and democratic coexistence. Within right-wing circles, the idea of a supposed threat from foreign countries and left-wing governments seeking to impose a "dictatorship" under communist ideology has emerged. There is also talk of global institutions promoting progressive agendas at the expense of national sovereignty, as well as the presence of terrorist organizations infiltrating different sectors of society with the aim of seizing power. These arguments advocate for a "crusade" to expel these alleged enemies from positions of power. It is striking that these diagnoses are gaining strength at a time when the influence of left-wing governments and ideas is declining in the region. Whereas in the past one could argue in favor of interventionist policies promoted by left-wing governments, currently countries like Venezuela, Cuba, and Bolivia are facing internal crises and leadership challenges. It is paradoxical that now it is the right adopting an anti-globalization discourse critical of international organizations. It is important to remember that in the past, the right used to champion the defeat of terrorism and the role of law enforcement in the fight against terrorism. However, today there is talk of the threat from the left despite political projects like Fuerza Social, Frente Amplio, or Perú Libre having failed and their leadership being discredited. How could they have the influence and power attributed to them in this context? A real concern lies in the strong rejection of a "system" perceived as exclusionary and discriminatory, which also stigmatizes marginalized sectors of society. The paranoid discourse of some right-wing sectors fuels this sentiment and makes it viable, ultimately contributing to polarization and a lack of understanding between different social groups. It is necessary to reflect on the impact of these extremist discourses on our society and the functioning of our democracy. Promoting fear, distrust, and aggression towards those who think differently only deepens divisions and hinders the construction of consensus and common solutions. In the next article, we will continue analyzing this topic so relevant to our current political reality.