Colombian President Gustavo Petro has raised concerns about the emergence of what he describes as “hyperfascism,” a modern authoritarian threat that, in his view, looks nothing like the fascism of the past.
Rather than relying on uniformed militias or mass rallies, Petro argues this new form of control operates through technology and surveillance. He points to what he calls “techno-submission,” the idea that societies are increasingly conditioned to accept digital tools that track, monitor, and shape everyday behavior, often without much resistance or even awareness.
The Colombian leader also warns that expanded police powers are part of this shift, suggesting that security forces are being used less to protect citizens and more to enforce compliance and suppress dissent. Taken together, he frames these trends as building blocks of a subtler, tech-driven authoritarianism that can take hold even in nominally democratic societies.
Petro’s remarks come as debates intensify worldwide over the balance between security, technology, and civil liberties, with critics and supporters alike questioning how far governments should go in using digital surveillance tools in the name of public order.
To read Petro’s full remarks and the broader context behind his warning, check out the original report from La Jornada.
Source: Gustavo Petro alerta de la llegada del hiperfascismo: tecnosumisión y control policial (jornada.com.mx). English version produced with AI assistance.
Image: takomabibelot, CC0 1.0 (via Openverse).