Dear John, 

We're excited to introduce Democracy &, a new podcast series from WOLA that brings you inside perspectives from those who lead across the Americas.

Democracy in our region faces extraordinary pressures—entrenched corruption, weakened institutions, and threats to the rule of law. In this series, we sit down with current and former leaders to explore what democracy means to them, the challenges it faces, and why it matters today. Each conversation pairs democracy with a critical dimension: transition, justice, leadership, and beyond.

Our first episode, Democracy & Transition, features Guatemala's President Bernardo Arévalo, who is navigating one of Latin America's most challenging democratic transitions. Two years ago, Guatemalans voted for change. But President Arévalo's path to reform has been blocked at nearly every turn—by a resistant judiciary, politically motivated prosecutions, and a congress where his party holds just 23 of 160 seats. Despite efforts to prevent his presidency before he even took office, he committed to a peaceful democratic transition and has worked within institutions to expose corruption and deliver reforms.

In this conversation, we explore what it takes to lead a democratic transition when the system itself resists change, how to govern with integrity when institutions are weaponized against reform, and why remaining committed to democratic norms matters even under attack. President Arévalo's experience offers vital lessons for anyone concerned about democracy's future in the Americas.

Your support makes conversations like this possible. If you value WOLA's commitment to defending democracy and human rights across the Americas, please consider making a donation today at wola.org/donate-now/.

We hope you'll join us for this conversation and the episodes to come. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred platform so you never miss an episode.

In solidarity,

Carolina Jiménez Sandoval

President