The United States and Its Policy of Promoting Democracy

The United States and Its Policy of Promoting Democracy Promoting democracy abroad has been one of the main elements of US foreign policy for decades. Some critics argue that it is harmful to promote democracy in countries without liberal values because it creates illiberal democracies, which pose grave threats to freedom. Others argue that the foreign policy of promoting democracy abroad fosters economic development in those places, reduces threats to the United Staes at home and creates partners for better economic trade and development.  There are  varying  degrees of democracies ranging from full to limited and even flawed. Democracies can also be authoritarian, meaning that people can vote but have little or no choice in what or whom they vote for. A Foreign Policy 101 Story When rebellion brought down the presidency of Mohammed Morsi in Egypt on July 3, 2013, the United States called for a quick return to order and democracy. Look at these statements from White House Press Secretary Jay Carney on July 8, 2013. During this transitional period, Egypts stability and democratic political order are at stake, and Egypt will not be able to emerge from this crisis unless its people come together to find a nonviolent and inclusive path forward. We remain actively engaged with all sides, and we are committed to supporting the Egyptian people as they seek to salvage their nations democracy. [W]e will work with the transitional Egyptian government to promote a quick and responsible return to a sustainable, democratically elected civilian government. We also call on all political parties and movements to remain engaged in dialogue, and to commit to participating in a political process to hasten the return of full authority to a democratically elected government. Democracy in US Foreign Policy Theres no mistaking that promotion of democracy is one of the cornerstones of American foreign policy. It hasnt always been that way. A democracy, of course, is a government which invests power in its citizens through the franchise, or the right to vote. Democracy comes from Ancient Greece and filtered to the West and the United States through such Enlightenment thinkers as Jean-Jaques Rousseau and John Locke. The United States is a democracy and a republic, meaning that the people speak through elected representatives. At its start, American democracy was not universal: Only white, adult (over 21), property-holding males could vote. The 14th, 15th, 19th  and 26th Amendmentsplus a variety of civil rights actsfinally made voting universal in the 20th century. For its first 150 years, the United States was concerned with its own domestic problemsconstitutional interpretation, states rights, slavery, expansionmore than it was with world affairs. Then the United States focused on pushing its way onto the world stage in an era of imperialism. But with World War I, the United States began moving in a different direction. Much of President Woodrow Wilsons proposal for a post-war Europethe Fourteen Pointsdealt with national self-determination. That meant imperial powers like France, Germany and Great Britain should divest themselves of their empires, and former colonies should form their own governments. Wilson intended for the United States to lead those newly independent nations into democracies, but Americans were of a different mind. After the carnage of the war, the public wanted only to retreat into isolationism and let Europe work out its own problems. After World War II, however, the United States could no longer retreat into isolationism. It actively promoted democracy, but that was often a hollow phrase that allowed the United States to counter Communism with compliant governments around the globe. Democracy promotion continued after the Cold War. President George W. Bush linked it to the post-9/11 invasions of Afghanistan and Iraq. How Is Democracy Promoted? Of course, there are ways of promoting democracy other than warfare. The State Departments website says that it supports and promotes democracy in a variety of areas: Strengthening democratic institutionsSupporting civil societyEnhancing the rule of law and judicial independencePromoting political pluralism and free, fair electoral processesProtecting independent mediaPromoting Internet freedomPromoting human rights for all, including women The programs above are funded and administered through the State Department and USAID. Pros and Cons of Democracy Promotion Proponents of democracy promotion say that it creates stable environments, which in turn fosters strong economies. In theory, the stronger a nations economy and the more educated and empowered its citizenry, the less it needs foreign aid. So, democracy promotion and US foreign aid are creating strong nations around the globe. Opponents say that democracy promotion is just American imperialism by another name. It binds regional allies to the United States with foreign aid incentives, which the United States will withdraw if the country does not progress toward democracy. Those same opponents charge that you cannot force-feed democracy on the people of any nation. If the pursuit of democracy is not homegrown, then is it really democracy?

The Top Skill Youll Need to Grow Your Career

The Top Skill Youll Need to Grow Your Career When you think of leaders, â€Å"empathy† might not be the word that comes to mind first. Yet many companies find that developing a more intuitive connection with their employees and customers is improving their bottom lines. Companies that respond to needs (rather than demographics alone) are able to focus on providing a service, rather than just a product. It’s not about the touchy-feely notions of empathy that we often see, but rather perceptiveness. This is just as relevant within a company’s walls. Employees who show emotional intelligence and empathy are often promoted and recognized because they deliver what the company (or customers) want. These are life skills that can be fine-tuned into helpful business skills.Here’s how to apply a more empathetic bent to your career growth.Anticipate workplace needsThis doesn’t mean you should fetch coffee for your boss. But you should look at your projects and goals- what are they supposed to achieve? Wh at service do they provide to your boss, your team, your company?Ask for feedbackAsk your manager for a progress report of sorts, or set up a time to talk about your progress on a particular goal. Use your annual performance review to ask questions, and go in-depth on what you’re doing well and what you can change for the coming year. Focus on your achievements, and emphasize how those help your company’s bottom line.Use customer service as a guidePractice by looking around at various companies, both inside and outside of your industry. What do they provide to the public? If it’s a product, what niche does that product fill? What is the company’s relationship to its customers, and what do customers expect?