Liberal democracy is under siege globally, and the traditional US policy of defending democracy abroad is very much in question. This half-day conference is inspired partly by FPRI’s new book, which explores the issues in the debate as to whether or not the support of democracy abroad should remain a significant component of American foreign policy. These issues have taken on sharp new relevance with the Trump administration’s downgrading of democracy support.
Does democracy abroad matter to US security interests? Do democracies make safer neighbors and better allies? Does democracy promote peace, security, and economic prosperity? How should the US deal with the democratic recession of the past decade and the authoritarian counter-offensive that has reversed some of the spectacular democracy gains of the 15 years following the fall of the Berlin Wall? Where and how can US democracy assistance be delivered effectively? These are the issues that will be discussed with prominent experts in the field.