SITUATION OVERVIEW

Since America was founded, it has been a beacon for those around the world who struggle for democracy, human rights, and respect for the rule of law. Promoting democracy has consistently made America safer and increased its standing in the world. When leaders show through both word and deed that they genuinely respect these values, they provide hope for those who struggle against tyranny and opportunities for winning support America's foreign policy goals. Democracy promotion takes away the terrorists' most valuable recruiting tool. Moreover, even the poorest democracies outperform poor autocracies on most indicators of social well-being (life-expectancy, literacy rates, agricultural yields, etc.), and democracies are far less likely than autocracies to experience severe economic catastrophes. Democracy promotion has always been and should continue to be a central element of American foreign policy.

THE BUSH RECORD

When it comes to democracy and human rights, the Bush administration has substituted rhetoric for action. The administration promised to free Afghanistan from the Taliban, but a lack of will and resources has allowed the Taliban and other extremist Islamic parties to regain ground in large areas of the country. In Iraq, President Bush pledged to bring democracy and freedom, but the administration's recklessness and poor planning has made Iraq a hotbed of insurgency and a haven for terrorists. Closer to home, the U.S. did little in Haiti to discourage the elected government's violent overthrow, and even less to stop the resulting instability and violence. Meanwhile, the administration has corrupted America's moral authority and ability to lead in the world by condoning torture as an interrogation tool and by allowing suspected terrorists to be imprisoned with no effort to corroborate charges that are often based on flimsy evidence.

Moreover, the Bush administration has often rewarded autocratic and repressive states with greater foreign assistance than it has provided to democratic states. Such behavior leaves America vulnerable to charges of hypocrisy and undermines its ability to lead effectively. In sharp contrast to its pro-democracy rhetoric, the Bush administration has looked the other way while authoritarian governments in Russia, Pakistan, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, and elsewhere have used the "war on terror" as an excuse for repressing dissent and democratic change. Strategic considerations may legitimately require some cooperation with unsavory regimes, but the United States must not shy away from public or private criticism of undemocratic governments. It must be U.S. policy to support and protect the courageous reformers who risk their lives to promote democracy and human rights.

POLICY PRESCRIPTIONS

The consistent promotion of democracy must be a central component of American foreign policy, as standing up for these values is crucial to making the world a safer and more prosperous place. America's leaders should consistently support and reward states that adopt significant democratic reforms, and must make democracy central to a revitalized global development and anti-poverty strategy. The community of democracies should be supported and strengthened. The U.S. should revamp and augment its foreign aid budget to aid democratic transitions and more fully assist reformers in autocratic states.

TALKING POINTS

Critiques

• The Bush administration has paid lip service to democracy but its actions undermine that goal. The administration is substituting rhetoric for action. From Afghanistan and Iraq to Haiti and Darfur, the administration offers little more than speeches and empty promises.
• The administration's democracy promotion policies focus only on holding elections and not the hard work actually required to build courts, police forces, and responsible bureaucracies that make democracy sustainable.
• The Bush administration too often rewards autocratic and repressive states with greater foreign assistance than it provides to democratic states, exposing the United States to charges of hypocrisy and undermining its capacity to lead effectively.
• The administration's contempt for the rule of law is badly damaging America's moral authority.
• The Bush administration has alienated many of America's closest allies, undermining its ability to lead others against global challenges. The administration has provided terrorists with an effective recruiting tool increasing the dangers U.S. troops face overseas.

Recommendations

• Supporting democracy makes us safer. Democratic states that respect human rights are forces for global stability and natural allies of America, while repressive states are at risk of becoming breeding grounds for terrorism, organized crime, drug trafficking, and other destabilizing forces.
• The United States should support and reward states that adopt meaningful democratic reforms, and should make democracy promotion central to a revitalized global development and anti-poverty strategy.
• America must set an example for others. Showing proper respect for human rights, democracy, and the rule of law, provides hope for those who struggle against tyranny and takes away the terrorists' most valuable recruiting tool.