Each new administration brings substantial changes to both the domestic and the foreign policy of the United States. In the foreign policy sphere, prioritization of the promotion of democracy and human rights has waxed and waned as the halls of power have changed hands. As a result, long-term, generational goals such as developing strong, capable civil society partners, consolidated and inclusive democracy and a robust rule of law are put at risk, and authoritarian actors are emboldened, thinking they must only wait for an election until U.S. support for these goals cease.
CSIS senior advisers Michael J. Green and Ambassador Derek Mitchell recently co-authored a report entitled Democracy, Human Rights, and American Grand Strategy: Towards a Bipartisan Consensus that delves into this issue. The report examines the pendulum swings of U.S. support for democracy and human rights internationally across Administrations and argues for consistent and vigorous defense of democracy and human rights, including through integration into the national security strategy. It is only through this type of “values-based foreign policy” that the United States can strengthen its own national security, demonstrate consistency shoulder-to-shoulder with allies, partners, and democratic activists; and strength in the face of autocratic adversaries.
This event will serve as an opportunity for discussion of the report, both by the authors themselves and by other individuals deeply involved in both U.S. foreign policy and the promotion of democracy and human rights. It will also provide an opportunity to discuss the future of democracy and human rights promotion, along with its importance as an element of U.S. national security strategy.
This event is made possible through generous support from the Open Society Foundations.
