This essay addresses the adjacent conditions of remilitarization in Nicaragua based on Daniel Ortega's return to power after 16 years. His first term, 2007 , is considered a watershed because the military's empowerment process was more evident than in previous governments.
This report is based on the concept of remilitarization as a process. According to some Latin American academics, remilitarization is regaining influence and power. In other words, it is a return to militarization, a process in which the military gains entry into the formal political arena or increases its influence in decision-making processes.
However, in practice, and more so in Latin America, the military seeks political influence and a vote in decision-making and economic power. It is well known that military business in this region is so strong that, in some countries, it becomes part of the political and social elite. In addition, members of the military rise to the top of the strongest economic groups in any country.
To understand the process in Nicaragua, we have redefined the concept of remilitarization. We will consider remilitarization as a process through which the military regains large shares of political and economic power and influence to the degree that the civilians cannot make autonomous decisions without consulting with the military.