By Josiah Williams
President Dr. Irfaan Ali has emphasized the need to address the growing trend of authoritarian leadership in countries across the western hemisphere.
Speaking at an event attended by local and international leaders in the security sector, President Ali stressed the importance of understanding and tackling the root causes of this phenomenon through long-term investments.
According to President Ali, dealing with authoritarianism requires viewing security as a lifelong investment rather than merely an opportunistic response to security challenges.
He highlighted the necessity of comprehensively addressing the factors that contribute to the attractiveness of authoritarian leadership and its support among certain populations.
In alignment with these remarks, Dr. Paul Angelo, Director of the William J. Perry Center for Hemispheric Defense Studies, acknowledged the resurgence of authoritarianism in the shared neighborhood in 2024.
He noted concerns regarding the deployment of security and defense forces in ways that disrupt regional stability and undermine human rights.
However, Dr. Angelo highlighted Guyana’s role as a strong leader in maintaining regional stability despite these challenges.
He commended Guyana for enhancing its security and defense capacity over the past few years through education, training, and international collaboration.
President Ali’s call to address authoritarianism underscores the importance of collective efforts to uphold democratic principles, safeguard human rights, and promote regional stability in the western hemisphere.