Security governance and the state of law in Central America new democratic deficits

Abstract

This article analyzes the governance of security in Central America as part of the Security Strategy released by SICA in 2011. The article features a critical analysis of the current state of Security and Justice in the region, concluding that current problems are directly related to the structural weakness of the rule of law, which is considered the greatest current threat to the legitimacy of the fragile democracy in the region. It recognizes that although the region has made progress in coordinating efforts for the regional fight against insecurity, there is an absent debate, which originates in academia and especially in the field of political science, which prevents a comprehensive approach to the problem in terms of democracy and institutional performance. It also highlights the importance of improving regional security governance by incorporating ongoing efforts in the region's Legislative and Judicial branches, as well as in civil society.