Why and how do regional organizations intervene without a mandate in democratic crises? The Central American case

How and why do Regional Organizations (ROs) intervene in intra-state political crises without a mandate? We have observed on recent occasions and in different world regions (Africa, Asia, Middle East, and Latin America), that the absence of a mandate does not impede ROs’ interventions in the face of democratic crises. This article expands the academic literature based on the increasing international authority exercised by ROs. It aims to complement institutionalist approaches by focusing on regional actors’ practices. The empirical examination will be based on a case study that is illustrative of many ROs from the South – the Central American Integration System (SICA) – and compare three cases of democratic crises (Honduras 2009; Nicaragua 2018; El Salvador 2020) to explain the determinants of intervention without a mandate and their variations in strength. In the process, this article opens a perspective for reflecting upon the role of ROs in regional and global governance, and their complex relationship with states.