President Biden Takes the Lead Against Authoritarianism: Insights from the 2023 Summit for Democracy.
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| U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris waves as she arrives at Black Star square to address young people in Accra, Ghana, March 28, 2023. |
As the world continues to face threats to democracy, the
United States has taken the lead by hosting the 2nd Summit for Democracy 2023, a
three-day virtual event that aims to strengthen democratic institutions and
values across the globe. President Joe Biden has made good on his campaign
pledge to create a united front against authoritarianism, especially as Russia
attacks Ukraine and China launches a diplomatic offensive. The summit
opened with a virtual conversation on peace in Ukraine featuring President
Volodymyr Zelensky, providing multi-year support to countries that
demonstrate sustained democratic progress.
Notably, some countries like Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Turkey
have not been invited to the summit. Instead, Biden has invited more African
countries and Honduras, which shows the US's commitment to promoting democracy
in regions where it is most needed.
However, the fact that some countries that are notorious for
their lack of democratic values are not invited to the summit is puzzling.
They're just some of the countries that have been shunned by
the US President. While these countries may have issues with their democratic
processes, their inclusion in the summit would have allowed for constructive
dialogue and the sharing of ideas on how to improve their democracies.
On the other hand, it is heartening to note that President
Biden has invited more African countries and Honduras to the summit. These
countries have had their fair share of challenges when it comes to democratic
development, and their inclusion in the summit will provide them with a
platform to share their experiences and learn from other countries.
Countering Authoritarian Aggression and Disinformation
One of the biggest challenges facing democracies today is
the rise of disinformation, which impacts societies worldwide. As the United
States focuses on Africa, where China and Russia have both been making inroads,
it's essential to combat disinformation emanating from these countries. As
Katie LaRoque, the coordinator for the summit, says, democracies can
“coordinate policy changes that can contain rampant authoritarian aggression.”
Therefore, it's imperative to work together toward strengthening democracies
and protecting them from external threats.
Another challenge to democracy that needs urgent attention
is surveillance
technology. As we have seen in recent years, surveillance technology has
been used to monitor and suppress dissent in many countries. This technology
has the potential to undermine democracy by infringing on the rights of
citizens to privacy and freedom of expression.
"The 2023 Summit for Democracy aims to coordinate policy changes that can contain rampant authoritarian aggression" - Katie LaRoque.
The US government's strategy under the Presidential
Initiative for Democratic Renewal (PIDR) is to collaborate with democratic
partners to promote democratic development, protect democratic institutions,
and counter authoritarian aggression.
The PIDR comprises five lines of effort in response to
significant challenges to democracy in the 21st Century. This includes the Partnerships
for Democratic Development (PDD), which provides multi-year support to
countries that demonstrate sustained democratic progress.
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| Administrator Samantha Powell |
USAID's new initiatives contributing to the Partnering for Democracy: New
Approaches for Reform include supporting electoral systems, enhancing
transparency and accountability, and promoting human rights and the rule of
law.
A Call for Action: Empowering Global Voices.
Biden has tapped co-hosts on each continent, including the
presidents of Zambia, Costa Rica, and South Korea, and the prime minister of
The Netherlands. In total, 121 leaders have been invited to the mostly virtual
summit. Vice
President Kamala Harris travels in Ghana, next she will travel to
Tanzania, and Zambia, as she reinforces the US support. I hope that her
message of support for democracy and human rights will resonate with people
throughout the region. The fact that Zambia's president, Hakainde Hichilema, is
being held up as a model of democracy is a testament to the power of peaceful
and democratic change.
In summary, the 2023 Summit for Democracy has six benefits, including:
- Strengthening
democratic institutions and values across the globe
- Promoting
democratic development and protecting democratic institutions
- Countering
authoritarian aggression and disinformation
- Supporting
electoral systems and enhancing transparency and accountability
- Promoting
human rights and the rule of law
- Creating
a united front against threats to democracy
Towards a World of Dignity
While some countries may not have been invited, such as
Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and the Turkish President, this is a deliberate decision
to focus on countries that align with democratic values. It is important to
create a united front against authoritarianism,
and countries that do not align with democratic values may not be the best
partners in this effort.
This is a call to everyone to join the fight for democracy,
stand up for human rights, and speak out against authoritarianism. Let
us take inspiration from the Summit for Democracy and work towards a world
where every person can live in freedom and dignity. Remember, as Mahatma
Gandhi said, "Be the change you want to see in the world."
In conclusion, while Biden's Summit for Democracy is a step
in the right direction, it is important to ensure that all countries,
regardless of their democratic record, are included in the discussions.
Additionally, issues such as surveillance technology must be addressed with
urgency to ensure that democracy continues to thrive in the face of new
challenges.
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