Countries

Guatemala has a checkered past with respect to democracy. High level-corruption has remained rampant. Judicial and prosecutorial independence have been significantly undermined. Independent judges, prosecutors and anti-corruption journalists now face criminalization, exile and physical threats.  Meanwhile, the Attorney-General’s office is widely accused of weaponizing the law to shield entrenched elites.  These trends erode the rule of law, deter foreign investment, and undermine ordinary citizens’ ability to secure their rights in court.

Mexico began its transition to democracy in the late 1990s and early 2000s, following decades of one-party rule. While the process was gradual and uneven, it produced important democratic gains. However, recent efforts to overhaul the judiciary and pursue sweeping electoral reforms have raised serious concerns about democratic backsliding. These initiatives threaten to undermine the independence of key institutions and concentrate power, reversing core elements of Mexico’s democratic progress.

The October 2023 election defeat of the autocratically-inclined Law and Justice Party created an opportunity to restore the rule of law and strengthen democratic institutions. Important work remains to ensure accountability for rights violations and protect the rule of law. 

Senegal is often described as one of Africa’s most stable democracies. However, recent developments have raised concerns about democratic decline. 

Democracy and the rule of law are confronting serious challenges in the United States. Deepening political polarization and the practice of partisan gerrymandering have fueled distrust in electoral processes. At the same time, growing partisan divisions have also weakened Americans’ confidence in the judiciary. The system of checks and balances—essential for upholding the rule of law—faces mounting strain.