Published May 13, 2011 | By Kristen Blandford

Despite slowed growth during the economic downturn and a drop in remittances, Mexico’s economy is slowly recovering. However, inequality and poverty remain high and human rights abuses by security forces remain an issue. Corruption is still a considerable problem. Drug-related killings and organized crime have increased significantly, undermining the country’s institutions. President Calderon’s war against the Mexican drug cartels has seen an intense escalation of violence, resulting in 15,000 deaths in 2010 alone. The government must do more to break the cartels’ hold on the country to restore order and security. Despite some success in this campaign, the situation remains extremely serious.

Published May 13, 2011 | By Kristen Blandford

Serbia has made significant progress in recent years, as it has seriously pursued social, economic, and political reforms in order to continue its progress towards eligibility for E.U. membership. However, there remain areas of concern which have the potential to reverse Serbia’s progress toward stability. In order to sustain economic development, the country will need to address unemployment problems while managing its external debt and pursue tax reform. In addition, political polarization, corruption and the impunity of organized criminal groups could threaten the country’s institutional strength. The issue of Kosovo’s independence — and its acceptance or not by Serbia —will continue to influence Serbia’s international legitimacy and regional stability. Serbia’s transition will rest on its ability to maintain momentum for reforms.

Published May 12, 2011 | By Alessandra Wasserstrom

President Rafael Correa’s staunch socialist policies have put a strain on the country both economically and politically. Correa has angered both actors inside and outside the country, which has led to widespread protests throughout his two terms. Elected to his second term in 2009, Correa declared Ecuador’s default on billions of dollars in loans, adding to the countries economic pressures. Correa also extended his power via a referendum, undermining the legitimacy of the government. Tension between aggrieved unions and social groups and Correa supporters has steadily been rising, compounding the effects of continued uneven economic development. Correa faced an attempted coup in September 2010 and declared a state of emergency during this time.

Published May 3, 2011 | By Kristen Blandford

Despite the aggressive efforts of the international community and the United Nations, the situation in Somalia continues to deteriorate and the country remains at the very top of the Failed States Index. The absence of a permanent national government for almost twenty years has led to ongoing civil violence, economic hardship, poor social conditions, and the displacement of several million Somali citizens. It has become increasingly difficult for international agencies to provide aid to Somalia in light of the recent troubles with piracy and hostility towards foreigners. An upsurge of civil violence in the southern part of the nation that began in early 2009 has created further destabilization and threatens any potential improvements to Somalia’s poor condition.

Published May 3, 2011 | By Kristen Blandford

Though Gabon has received some of the better scores within Sub-Sahara Africa, it is nevertheless not immune to pressures upon its governance and stability. The structure of the economy continues to be in need of reform and diversification in order to spread the wealth evenly throughout the population. Though oil and other natural resources have allowed the country to gain significant wealth, profits have been progressively decreasing. Though nominally democratic, Gabon is still yet to transition to being a full democracy. Rampant corruption continues, along with polarized elites, and a weak judiciary. Although international observers cited improvement in recent elections, the last election in 2009, which saw the late President Bongo’s son Bongo Ondimba rise to the presidency, ignited mass protests that have further undermined the government’s legitimacy.

Published May 3, 2011 | By Kristen Blandford

The D.R. Congo continues to struggle, with poverty remaining widespread throughout the country and violence and instability continuing in the east. In addition to a lack of capacity, the Congolese security forces lack credibility due to their widespread human rights abuses. There is a need for the government to better hold accountable members of the security forces and to punish those who are committing human rights abuses. Fighting corruption, ending impunity of the security forces and creating a more capable and professional military are also key priorities. With the proposed withdrawal of MONUC in 2010, the need for increasing the capacity and legitimacy of government security forces has become increasingly urgent.