Election 2024: What are the Stakes for Global Democracy?
Oct 5, 2024
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Chris Murphy, a U.S. Senator focused on foreign policy, joins Samantha Power, USAID Administrator and human rights expert, Sarah Margon from Open Society Foundations, and Zack Beauchamp, a Vox reporter on far-right movements. They delve into how the upcoming election impacts global democracy, especially considering a potential Trump return. The conversation highlights the rise of authoritarianism, the challenges facing marginalized communities, and how U.S. foreign policy might shift under different leadership. They emphasize the need for a robust democratic agenda during this critical time.
The upcoming election represents a crucial moment for global democracy, influencing international perceptions of authoritarianism versus democratic governance.
A potential Trump victory could threaten U.S. commitments to democratic values, weakening alliances with democratic nations and empowering authoritarian leaders.
The rise of far-right movements worldwide poses a significant challenge to democracy, propagating anti-democratic sentiments and strategies across borders.
Deep dives
The Stakes of the Upcoming Election
The significance of the upcoming election lies in its potential to influence global democracy and autocracy. Historical trends show an alarming increase in authoritarian regimes worldwide, with many countries facing significant challenges to their democratic structures. The election in the United States, alongside others taking place in 64 countries, symbolizes a critical juncture for democracy. The choices made in the U.S. election could either serve as a beacon of hope for democratic ideals or pave the way for a broader acceptance of autocratic governance.
The Impact of a Trump Presidency
A potential Trump victory could dramatically alter America's role in the world, particularly regarding democratic values. By presenting a pro-autocracy stance, Trump may weaken alliances with democratic nations while making concessions to authoritarian leaders. His administration might abandon international commitments and support for democracy, undermining decades of U.S. foreign policy. The resulting shift could foster a permissive environment for autocrats, emboldening them to suppress opposition and erode democratic norms in their own countries.
The Global Rise of Far-Right Movements
Global democratic backsliding can be attributed to the emerging connections among far-right movements across the world. These movements, defined by their anti-democratic rhetoric, utilize similar narratives to advance their anti-liberal agendas while undermining democratic principles. The interdependence of these groups allows them to exchange strategies and bolster each other's influence, creating a transnational web of anti-democratic sentiment. This trend highlights the urgency of addressing the far-right's global rise and its implications for democracy in upcoming elections.
Opportunities for Boosting Democracy
Despite the challenges facing democracy, there exist significant opportunities for promoting democratic values through proactive governance. The Biden administration has made efforts to support democratic movements worldwide, aiming to empower civil society and combat autocratic tendencies. Initiatives focused on addressing corruption, economic dislocation, and public service delivery can provide a solid foundation for democratic resilience. By leveraging these approaches, the U.S. can improve its standing in defending global democracy and maintain influence in an increasingly multipolar world.
The Role of the U.S. in Supporting Democracy
The U.S. has a vital opportunity to redefine its role in promoting democracy, especially under a potential Harris administration. Shifting towards a partnership model will facilitate a collaborative approach that respects local governance while encouraging democratic practices. Engaging with civil society and diverse stakeholders can amplify the U.S. impact in supporting democratic movements globally. Through continued emphasis on supporting democratic reforms, the U.S. can reinforce its commitment to pluralism and uphold its values on the world stage.
In this special episode of Pod Save the World, Ben looks at how this November’s election will impact global democracy. From the rise of autocracy and the far right, to U.S. efforts to support (or undermine) democratic values around the world, Kamala Harris and Donald Trump represent a stark choice. He’s joined by Senator Chris Murphy, USAID administrator Samantha Power, Sarah Margon, the US Foreign Policy Director at the Open Society Foundations, and Zack Beauchamp, Vox reporter and author of “The Reactionary Spirit”.
For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast.
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