During the inauguration of Key Institute, President Nayib Bukele made a striking observation: “The world is no longer divided into left and right; it’s divided between humanists and extinctionists“.
While he didn’t elaborate extensively on this statement, a look at global trends and Bukele’s own actions and tweets over the years sheds light on what he meant. Importantly, Bukele’s perspective doesn’t necessarily claim this division is absolute—it’s his interpretation of the current global landscape.
Understanding Bukele’s “Humanists vs. Extinctionists”
Bukele’s phrase reflects a growing divide between two opposing worldviews:
- Humanists: Those who prioritize human progress, security, and cultural preservation.
- Extinctionists: Those who promote ideologies that threaten humanity’s future, often under the guise of “progress”. It’s no coincidence that part of this group of extinctionists operates in politics under the name ‘progressives‘.
The Global Context
Around the world, extinctionist ideologies are gaining traction, characterized by:
- Anti-Human Policies: Movements that undermine family values, local populations, and national sovereignty.
- Normalization of Crime: Advocacy for leniency toward criminal behavior, endangering communities.
- Anti-Natalism: Policies that discourage childbirth, risking demographic collapse.
- Attacks on Tradition: Efforts to marginalize religious and cultural heritage, particularly Christianity.
In contrast, humanists focus on:
- Empowering People: Through education, innovation, and economic opportunities.
- Protecting Communities: By ensuring safety, stability, and respect for local values.
- Preserving Identity: By celebrating cultural traditions.
El Salvador’s Battle Against Extinctionism
Bukele’s statement resonates deeply with El Salvador’s recent history:
- Fighting Gangs: His administration’s crackdown on gangs (a form of local extinctionism) restored safety and hope to millions.
- Promoting Progress: Initiatives like Key Institute and nationwide scholarships aim to empower Salvadoran youth with cutting-edge skills.
- Defending Values: Bukele has consistently championed Salvadoran culture and traditions, rejecting ideologies that threaten them.
Bukele’s Tweets: A Window into His Thinking
Over the years, Bukele has used Twitter to critique global trends that align with extinctionist ideologies, such as:
- Unrestricted Immigration: Policies that disregard national sovereignty and local populations.
- Anti-Family Agendas: Movements that undermine traditional family structures.
- Crime Leniency: Advocacy for reducing penalties for serious crimes.
These tweets, combined with his actions, reveal a leader committed to humanist principles—prioritizing people, progress, and preservation.
Why This Matters
Bukele’s observation isn’t just a philosophical statement; it’s a call to action:
- Choose Humanity: Reject ideologies that threaten our future.
- Invest in Progress: Support education, innovation, and policies that uplift people.
- Protect Values: Stand firm against movements that seek to erase cultural and religious heritage.
