Promoting Democracy Intelligently

Michael Allen of Democracy Digest points to a recent article by former USAID head J. Brian Atwood. According to Atwood, President Obama has not abandoned democracy promotion, but instead has adopted a new tone compared to the Bush years. While President Bush lectured “from on high” and used the military to promote democracy, the  Obama administration has relied on  “creatively integrating its sophisticated engagement approach, development strategies, and ‘smart power’ philosophy” to advance democracy. Atwood laments that the U.S. often loses interest after a country hosts its first election, despite the weakness of institutions in a nascent democracy that requires our continued support. He also urges the U.S. to recognize the victor of electoral outcomes, “even when the outcome may not be convenient.”