In Latin America, constitutions often serve as tools to undermine the very framework of law they are intended to uphold. This paradox reflects a broader critique of governance in the region, where legal structures can be manipulated to serve political ends rather than justice. Niall Ferguson's "Civilization: The West and the Rest" explores how these constitutions fail to fortify the rule of law, enabling the rise of authoritarianism and weakening democratic institutions.

Ferguson's analysis highlights the disconnect between constitutional ideals and their practical application in Latin America. Despite the aspirational language within these documents, the realities of power dynamics often lead to their subversion. This trend complicates efforts for reform and raises questions about the integrity of legal systems in sustaining democracy, underscoring a historical struggle for governance in the region.