DEMOCRACY PROMOTION

Should democracy promotion form the basis of foreign policy?

Should democracy promotion form the basis of foreign policy?

Introduction

Promoting democracy has long been an element of U.S. foreign policy. In recent years, however, he became the main component. Under George W. Bush, efforts to spread freedom in Iraq and around the world can be considered as a tool to end tyranny and terrorism as a way to enhance stability in troubled regions, and as a mechanism for improving welfare in poor countries.

Ideal of democracy promotion is currently under scrutiny. Although some observers believe that spreading democracy is a key foreign policy priorities, while others argue that democracy promotion is just one of a number of U.S. strategic objectives and not necessarily the main one. Issue among members of Congress, presidential candidates, and in the wider community of foreign policy can not be there to promote democracy is, and when, where and how to use it effectively.

This report provides background information on the democracy promotion policies and activities, addresses the difficulties associated with such efforts, and presents perspectives on the benefits and costs of such efforts. It also contains information about congressional efforts to assist other parliaments in democratizing countries. This report will be updated as warranted.

Background Information on the Current Debate

After World War II when the United States fought "to make the world safe for democracy", the administration was interested in varying degrees, in promoting democracy around the world. Past presidents Reagan, George HW Bush and Clinton viewed democracy promotion as an important component of their foreign policy efforts.

In broader terms, the current Bush administration's democracy promotion viewed as a tool to strengthen the peace and combating terrorism. He defined it as a central focus to the "war on terror" and national security in his second inaugural address on Jan. 20, 2005:

Now it is imperative security of our country, So the policy of the United States to seek and support the growth of democratic movements and institutions in every nation and culture with the ultimate goal of ending tyranny in our world (Edward, 2005, p. 70).

In addition, in January 2005, Condoleezza Rice before the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs listed three main priorities for the diplomacy of its administration:

First, we combine the community of democracies in building an international system based on common values and rule of law. Secondly, we will strengthen the community of democratic nations to combat threats to our common security and ease of hopelessness that feeds terror. And thirdly, we will promote freedom and democracy around the world. That is the mission that President Bush has set America in the world and is the great mission of American diplomacy today.

One of the reasons stated by President George W. Bush for the war in Iraq to bring democracy to that country: "[We] firmly to the strategic goal of a free Iraq that is democratic, that can govern itself, defend itself and sustain itself".

The Bush administration continues to emphasize the promotion of democracy as a key element ...