El Salvador’s “coolest dictator” remains cool despite accusations of abuse. Social mood explains why
On Sept. 3, CNBC shone a spotlight on El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele and the mega-prison system he created to restore order from criminal gang violence. From CNBC:
On paper, Bukele’s security strategy appears a resounding success.
But beneath the surface of order and victory lies a much darker and increasingly undeniable reality: El Salvador’s new era of security has been built on mass incarceration, systemic corruption, and egregious human rights violations.
Yet, in the same sentence, Bukele’s popularity hasn’t suffered under mounting evidence of abuse and extortion within the mega-sprawling detainment centers: He still enjoys approval rates of nearing 75% in some polls.
Right now, our September 2025 Socionomistreport “El Salvador’s Bukele: Will the Self-Styled Coolest Dictator Become the Cruelest Dictator?” explains how public perception of major leaders is primarily driven by mass social mood. Positive move puts people-pleasing politicians into power while negative mood supports a far stricter leadership. This incisive piece also posits whether Bukele’s iron fist policies will lead El Salvador to peace — or another Civil War.
The new September Socionomist cover story also presents an intimate look into how the undercurrents of negative social mood have fueled a wave of violence that regrettably hit home on August 8th. And much, much more.
Read the full September Socionomist today for just $30!