Today’s International Day of Democracy offers an opportunity to review the state of global democracy and also democracy’s essential, if often overlooked role, in U.S. global strategy.
In the 21st century, it is willful blindness to believe that political systems do not matter and that popular will is not an increasingly important factor in national affairs and international security. It is encouraging that the Biden administration understands this and that bipartisan support for democracy assistance in Congress remains strong. But the administration, Congress and our allies must act with greater urgency and pursue this agenda with resources and strategic focus. We must prepare a “National Democracy Strategy” to supplement the upcoming National Security Strategy.
