Democracy and Security: Observations from Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean

Abstract

Despite a holistic approach that links democracy to human rights, integral development, and poverty, the Inter‐American Democratic Charter (IADC) is silent on the ties between democracy and security. Since the creation of the IADC, it has become increasingly evident that democracy and security are integrally interconnected in the Americas, but there is no mention in the IADC of how security issues might affect democracy and vice versa. It also fails to make an argument regarding the linkages between improved security and a robust democratic culture and is silent on the threats that transnational organized crime and internal criminal activity pose to democratic governance. This article analyzes the democracy–security nexus in Mexico, Central America, and the countries of the Caribbean Community. It reflects on the manner in which transnational criminal organizations threaten the political development of those states as well as traditional notions of sovereignty. The article advances recommendations on how to manage the security threats and underscores the need to link democracy and security more organically. It also recommends a future resolution project that links democracy and security and the IADC and multidimensional security, rather than reopening the text of the IADC, to strengthen the application of the instrument.