UN: Latin America faces 'disconnection' between democracy, state, and development

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has identified a critical challenge facing Latin America and the Caribbean: a persistent "disconnection" between democracy, the state, and development. A report presented in Santo Domingo argues that this fragmentation, rather than solely institutional deficits, hinders democratic progress in the region.

The UNDP document, titled 'Democracies under pressure: Reimagining the futures of democracy and development in Latin America and the Caribbean,' explains that in many nations, these three spheres operate disjointedly. Political contests do not yield effective governance, the state struggles to implement policies consistently, and development outcomes fail to bolster the legitimacy of the democratic system. The report stresses that enduring democracy requires a capable state that can execute decisions and enforce rules, just as a state needs to deliver tangible improvements in people's lives to maintain its legitimacy.

Despite these challenges, the report acknowledges that Latin America and the Caribbean continue to be the most democratic region among developing areas globally. However, a significant gap exists between the populace's support for democracy and their satisfaction with its performance. While 57% of Caribbean citizens still view democracy as the optimal form of government, only about 32% express contentment with how it functions, signaling a growing disillusionment.

Michelle Muschett, the UNDP's regional director for Latin America and the Caribbean, presented the findings alongside Dominican President Luis Abinader. The report cautions that "a democracy can elect, but not necessarily govern well." It emphasizes that checks and balances are insufficient if the state cannot implement decisions or maintain a presence across its territory. When the state falters, democracy loses its substance. The report also notes the growing influence of digital transformation and artificial intelligence on development trajectories, while highlighting the region's polarization contrasted with the Caribbean's relative social cohesion and democratic stability, albeit facing increasing security and fiscal pressures.

“

A democracy can elect, but not necessarily govern well. Of little use are checks and balances if the state cannot implement decisions or be present in the territory. When the state fails, democracy is emptied of content.