As the world’s most influential democracy, the foreign policy of the United States plays an essential role in the global struggle for liberty. The United States’ decision to support democracy—or stay silent—has exponential impact on democratization efforts around the world. It determines whether there is a vocal democratic counterweight to the expanding reach of authoritarian regimes like those of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and the Kremlin.
Though not perfect, democracy is the only system of government that holds leaders accountable to the people and protects their rights. It is the best form of government for protecting the rule of law and upholding human rights for all—conditions that enable long term security, prosperity, and freedom.
At a time when the United States is carrying $34 trillion in debt and facing urgent domestic problems, some Americans are understandably skeptical that focusing on democracy and human rights issues abroad is a strategic investment. But, turning away from global democracy is not in the interest of the United States or our allies around the world. Freedom House’s research shows that repression abroad does not stay abroad. Leaders are engaging in transnational repression, reaching beyond their borders to harass and target activists and political opponents even after they have fled their home countries. Americans protesting Beijing’s human rights abuses were attacked by Chinese government officials and supporters last November. US authorities have thwarted several attempted assassinations masterminded by foreign governments. Repression abroad also causes violence, mass migration, and war—all of which have global costs.
No matter who wins the US presidential election this November, a freedom-focused foreign policy is a smart choice for America: it can protect people’s fundamental rights globally, and make Americans more secure.
What should a freedom-focused US foreign policy do?
Elevate support for democracy and human rights around the world. Support for democracy and human rights globally are critical to US national security. The next president should include these issues in the National Security Strategy and designate and empower senior staff to make sure that defending democracy and human rights is a key goal of all US foreign policy. The new administration should also work with Congress to provide robust funding for democracy, human rights, and governance (DRG) programming. The DRG budget has historically enjoyed strong bipartisan support from lawmakers and is one of the most significant ways the United States can support human rights defenders.
Uphold rights with adversaries and allies alike. To protect and promote freedom, America should defend democratic values consistently. This includes speaking out against rights abuses whenever and wherever they occur—not just in China, Iran, Russia, and Venezuela, but also in places with ongoing conflict like Israel, Gaza, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Sudan, as well as in our strategic allies like Egypt and Saudi Arabia. The new administration must also uphold laws that prohibit security assistance from going to foreign forces that commit human rights violations. US officials should raise human rights and democracy concerns with partners abroad publicly and privately, and employ a full range of policy carrots and sticks to incentivize democratic growth and hold rights abusers accountable.
Support front-line defenders. It is often said that the goal of foreign assistance is to end the need for foreign assistance. Front-line defenders are key to achieving this goal. Human rights lawyers, advocates, student and community activists, journalists, religious leaders, and representatives of ethnic minority groups work tirelessly to protect rights and democracy in their countries, and when their work is successful, freedom flourishes. These brave individuals know best how to create democratic change in their environments. The United States should help them remain in their home countries by providing technical assistance that boosts their ability to work securely and effectively. When they come under attack, the United States should continue its long-standing, bipartisan practice of providing financial assistance to help them relocate, take care of medical needs, and secure help from lawyers. When these defenders are jailed, the United States should push relentlessly for their release. And, when defenders are forced to flee, the United States should provide temporary visas or permanent shelter and a refuge to continue to do their work.
Help Ukraine win. Victory in Ukraine is an imperative not only for the people of Ukraine, who fight on in spite of the tremendous physical and emotional toll of war, but for the security of Europe and the transatlantic alliance. Failure to defeat Vladimir Putin will have devastating consequences for an important democratic ally, guarantees continued Russian aggression in the region and beyond, and could embolden other leaders to take similar action.
Stand with Taiwan. Taiwan transitioned from 38 years of authoritarian rule into a thriving democracy in the course of a decade. Today, Taiwan is one of the freest countries in the world, and a beacon of freedom in Asia. It has a highly developed economy, extensive trade relationships, and plays an important role as the world’s leading producer of semiconductors, a key component of most electronics. Xi Jinping, leader of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), views Taiwan as “belonging” to the PRC. Some US military officials have concluded that the PRC’s military has been told to be ready to invade Taiwan if other attempts at unification with the PRC fail. An invasion at any point would have serious global consequences.
Freedom House’s Freedom in the World report has tracked 18 consecutive years of decline in global freedom. Our research has also shown that authoritarian leaders are borrowing repressive tactics from one another, and leveraging their power at international institutions to conceal their abuses and escape accountability. A US foreign policy that recognizes that every person holds deep worth and dignity, equally possesses the same fundamental rights, and is equally deserving of living in freedom, is a critical component of fighting back against the global spread of repression and violence. No matter who wins the White House this fall, the new president will demonstrate wisdom and leadership by executing a freedom-focused foreign policy that consistently upholds these principles.
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Publish date : 2024-09-11 20:04:00
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