There is evidence to suggest that tropical forests are threatened in both democratic and non-democratic countries, but the threat is more pronounced in democratic nations. This is because democracy, while ensuring citizens' rights and freedoms, also leads to greater political competition, policy instability, and shorter election cycles. These factors lead to a lack of long-term planning and decision-making regarding forest conservation, making democratic countries more vulnerable to the exploitation and destruction of their tropical forests.

Some of the reasons for this include:

1. Political instability: Democratic countries often experience political instability due to frequent elections and changes in government. This can lead to a lack of long-term planning and investment in environmental protection, including the conservation of tropical forests.

2. Corruption: Corruption is a significant problem in many democratic countries, and it can contribute to the destruction of tropical forests. Corrupt government officials may grant concessions for logging and mining in protected areas in exchange for bribes.

3. Population growth: Population growth is a significant threat to tropical forests worldwide, and democratic countries are no exception. As populations grow, there is an increased demand for land and resources, which can lead to the clearing of forests for agriculture, urban development, and other purposes.

4. Lack of enforcement: Many democratic countries have weak law enforcement, which can make it difficult to protect tropical forests from illegal logging, mining, and other activities.

However, it is important to note that not all democratic countries experience the same level of deforestation. Some democratic countries, such as Costa Rica and Bhutan, have successfully managed to protect their tropical forests. These countries have implemented strong environmental policies and regulations, and they have invested in sustainable development.