US-Backed Candidate Wins, 'Democracy' Flourishes Abroad
The Financial Times highlights Nasry 'Tito' Asfura's lead in the Honduran election, noting the 'US threat to cut off aid' as a backdrop. What they skip is how US 'aid' often functions: not as a benevolent gesture, but as leverage. For decades, USAID and numerous 'democracy promotion' organizations have poured millions into Honduras, ostensibly for good governance. Yet, this often includes funding
political parties, media outlets, and civil society groups aligned with US interests, effectively shaping electoral outcomes long before a single vote is cast. The 2009 coup, which the US under Hillary Clinton legitimised, installed a government more amenable to US corporate desires, setting the stage for subsequent elections where 'threats to cut off aid' become powerful determinants. So, a
'Trump-backed candidate' winning isn't merely grassroots popularity; it's the culmination of a sophisticated, well-funded influence operation. One might almost wonder if 'democracy' means 'our guy wins' when headlines celebrate results preceded by economic coercion. How many times does Washington have to 'safeguard' democracy before we admit they're just safeguarding their own interests?