How Can Europe and Latin America Defend Democracy and International Law?

By Anna Ayuso 

English translation by Yenni Castro (Valestra Editorial)

Europe and Latin America remain the regions with the highest number of democracies holding regular elections worldwide, but they face major challenges. The international community and national societies are facing a deterioration in social cohesion both within countries and in international relations. While this is hardly a new phenomenon, Donald Trump’s second term in the United States has exacerbated concerns about the erosion of democratic values. Given the country’s global influence, this issue transcends its borders; it manifests itself both in interference in the internal affairs of other states and in violations of the principles of international law and disregard for multilateral cooperation institutions. Dissatisfaction with democracy is growing as mistrust of institutions rises due to their inability to provide effective responses to new challenges stemming not only from insecurity linked to organized crime, but also from technological transformations and the impact of the climate crisis. Democracy is a fragile balancing act that requires a social contract of coexistence, in which the risk of fracture increases amid the tensions of an increasingly unpredictable and unequal world.

The Democracy Index 2025, published by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), notes that, after eight consecutive years of decline, there appears to be a stabilization at the global level. However, serious concerns remain, including political polarization and institutional dysfunction, which create a breeding ground for growing disengagement from democracy. Europe continues to lead in democratic indicators, but discontent among broad segments of the population is fueling the rise of far-right populist parties. In Latin America, the EIU’s index shows a slight improvement, but polarization continues to grow. The Global State of Democracy 2025. Democracy on the Move report, published by International Idea, warns of the undermining of the rule of law even in countries with consolidated democracies—particularly regarding judicial independence—but also notes deterioration in press freedom, freedom of expression, and economic and social inequality.

The 2026 United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Report on Democracy and Development, titled “Democracies Under Pressure: Reimagining the Futures of Democracy and Development in Latin America and the Caribbean,” sends an ambiguous message. On the one hand, it notes that Latin America is the developing region with the largest number of democracies; however, it points out that there are ongoing processes of democratic erosion, such as: “challenges to electoral processes, the erosion of electoral authorities, the concentration of power in personalistic leaderships and the weakening of checks and balances.” The report emphasizes the need to link democratic quality with human development and the need to respond to citizens’ needs so that participation generates tangible results for the population.

The consequences of various overlapping crises have dashed the hopes that citizens placed in democratic institutions, but they have not deterred them from demanding their rights. This has given rise to protest movements led by young people of the so-called Generation Z, who are calling for inclusive reforms. But proposals from the far right with authoritarian tendencies have also gained ground, advocating the sacrifice of rights and freedoms in the name of security and the defense of national identity. Far from providing stable solutions, this path leads to institutional deterioration and an increase in violence that transcends borders.

On the international stage, the traditional convergence of principles and values between the EU and Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) has come under strain in recent years due to differing stances on events such as the war in Ukraine, the genocide in Gaza, the attacks on Iran, and U.S. interventionism in Venezuela. Although statements on democracy, multilateralism, and human rights are formally maintained, interpretations diverge, and shifting alliances lead to clashes, while threats from the United States paralyze a coordinated response to global problems. However, in the face of unilateralism, it is in the interest of both regions to defend rules-based governance both within and beyond their borders. And the best way to defend democracy, the rule of law, and international law is to enhance their value. Transparency, social dialogue, and respect for democratic institutions are the best antidote to violence. A steady process of collective action is required, involving not only national governments but also local governments, political parties, organized civil society, and the private sector—and ensuring that the voices of all citizens are heard. Discontent can be channeled constructively by improving the functioning of institutional participation channels, giving voice to diversity, and countering hate speech and misinformation.

On the international stage, the need for closer collaboration between the EU and Latin America in international forums to promote and defend a multilateral world order is more urgent than ever. The EU-CELAC Summit held in Santa Marta, Colombia, reinforced the commitment to the principles of the United Nations, but also underscored the need to reform institutions to ensure a more just, equitable, and democratic international order. These claims were included in the European Parliament’s resolution of October 8, 2025, which highlights the strong interconnection between civil societies and local and nongovernmental institutions as one of the main strengths of the relationship between the two regions. To defend democracy and international law, the EU and Latin America must unite the strength of their citizens through collaborative networks and projects, and transfer that strength to national and international institutions.

In a turbulent world, both regions can forge innovative commercial, technological, environmental, educational, and cultural alliances that demonstrate how the paths of cooperation and diplomacy are more effective than those of conflict and coercion. While this doesn't mean that differences and conflicting interests will disappear, democracy is about seeking feasible and equitable solutions to complex national and international problems. How can democracy be defended? By practicing it every day through inclusive policies, by protecting human rights defenders, environmentalists, and journalists, and by providing access to effective justice. How can international law be defended? By complying with it and amending it when necessary to address existing challenges and new ones to come, while establishing partnerships among equals. To this end, both regions have actors and institutions willing to cooperate; we simply need to facilitate channels for collaboration.

About the Author

Anna Ayuso holds a Ph.D. in Public International Law and a master’s degree in European Studies from the Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona (UAB). She is the Research Coordinator at CIDOB (Barcelona Centre for International Affairs) and leads the research team on Latin America and the Atlantic Region. She is an associate professor of Public International Law and a member of the research team at the Barcelona Institute of International Studies (IBEI). Member of the Editorial Board of the Revista CIDOB d’Afers Internacional.

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