Another conjectural factor is whether countries have majority governments or successful majority coalitions. Governments can achieve a better performance when they can count on a majority in the legislature. Countries like Paraguay have no tradition of democracy and have achieved little in the way of reform. Peru has neglected political reforms such as a transparent and legitimate electoral process. Meanwhile, Bolivia is one of the poorest countries in the region, but it has put together a workable coalition government that supports reform.
Political leadership makes a difference.
However, the goal of the United States is to work collectively with the countries of the hemisphere and not to exert U.S. leadership unilaterally. U.S. policy is to encourage the strengthening democratic institutions and to promote the continuation of economic reforms. Valenzuela noted that Colombia is a significant challenge because 95 percent of the cocaine coming into the United States comes from or through that country. Colombia does not fit generalizations made about the region. Its government has adhered to a democratic tradition and has followed a sensible economic policy.