In recent years – and notwithstanding encouraging windows
of progress – economic difficulties, political shifts, and
the pandemic's lingering effects have undercut
anti-corruption efforts in Latin America. The fourth annual
Capacity to Combat Corruption Index (“CCC Index”),
published in June 2022, reflects these recent challenges. Most
countries in Latin America experienced declines in their assessed
anti-corruption capabilities, with only a few demonstrating
stability or improvement.
With the relative easing of the pandemic and several key
elections taking place, 2022 may be an inflection point for
regional anti-corruption efforts. Perhaps as a prelude, following
the June 2022 Summit of the Americas, the American chapters of
Transparency International called on Latin American leaders to
reaffirm the 2018 Lima Commitment to fight corruption. Their open
letter warns against the concentration of power in executives and
the intimidation of anti-corruption agencies, and
