Strengthening democracy in Latin America and the Caribbean : USAID"s experience to date and plans for the future

is currently spending around $100 million to strengthen democratic institutions in Latin America and the Caribbean. This paper describes A.I.D."s programs -- current and historical -- and presents lessons learned. General lessons include the following. (1) The programs are working despite their political sensitivity, but only when they are designed and implemented with considerable host country participation. (2) Smaller efforts which established cooperation and trust with the participating host country institutions laid the foundation for these programs. (3) Because of their political sensitivity and high visibility, the programs are best implemented using a coordinated approach involving all interested agencies. (4) Success requires strong host country commitment to strengthening democratic institutions. (5) The programs should not be used by either the donor or the recipient as a weapon to achieve short-term political objectives. Instead, they require a long-term commitment, since institution building objectives will not be achieved in a 2-4 year timeframe. (6) Flexibility is crucial to program success. (7) The donor must be reactive as well as proactive. The most successful projects originated from proposals designed by host country institutions. (8) While democracy must be established and nurtured by each country"s own citizens, regional programs can help accelerate that growth through the sharing and adapting of ideas and experience. (9) Small regional grants have been useful as pilot efforts to lay the groundwork for more ambitious programs. (10) Highly sensitive matters can be approached effectively in an academic environment, where expression of differing views is welcome and often constructive. (11) In design of projects, it is important to aim at one strategic objective, rather than several. (12) Consultants must be completely fluent in the local language and experienced in the workings of host country institutions.