The Summit for Democracy Aims to Restore US Credibility
President Joe Biden has hosted an unprecedented “Summit for Democracy” in the United States, with the goal of uniting democracies around the world against Russia and China. The summit comes amid a growing concern about democratic backsliding worldwide, and fears that totalitarian states like Russia and China will continue to destabilize the international order.
Nearly $700 Million Committed to Halt Global Democratic Backsliding
At the Summit for Democracy, President Biden announced that nearly $700 million would be committed to promoting democracy overseas, backing programs for free elections, independent media, and action against corruption. This investment represents a significant increase in US support for democratic institutions around the world.
South Korea to Spearhead the Third Summit of Democracies
In addition to this investment, President Biden also announced that South Korea will spearhead the third Summit of Democracies. This is part of an effort to make these summits less US-focused and more representative of democratic nations around the world.
Joint Effort with Around 10 Partners to Counter Misuse and Proliferation of Spyware
Another major focus of the summit was on countering the misuse and proliferation of spyware. The US is leading a joint effort with around 10 partners to create a framework that will help prevent malicious actors from exploiting these tools in ways that threaten democracy.
Leaders with Concerning Records Not Invited
While over 100 leaders were invited to attend the Summit for Democracy, some were notably absent. Leaders such as Turkish Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, who have concerning records when it comes to democratic values, were not invited.
UN Secretary-General Warns Democratic Values are “Under Assault”
The Summit for Democracy comes at a time when democratic values are under threat around the world. As UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres recently warned, these values are “under assault” in a variety of ways, from the rise of authoritarianism to the spread of disinformation.
Congressional Hearings and Commission Examining US Involvement in Afghanistan
Beyond concerns about Russia and China, President Biden is also facing scrutiny at home over his administration’s handling of the situation in Afghanistan. House Republicans are investigating the Taliban takeover, while an independent, congressionally mandated bipartisan commission is examining the two decades of conflict.
Examination of Five Thematic Areas in Afghan Conflict
The commission’s work is focused on exploring five thematic areas related to the conflict, including early decision-making, US military challenges, political issues, and the final chaotic withdrawal in the summer of 2021. Among other questions, the commission will explore weaknesses in the Afghan army and civilian casualties.
Norms Matter But Powerful States Find Ways to Work Around Them
Ultimately, these developments highlight a broader debate about the norms that govern international relations. While norms like the prohibition on territorial conquest and non-interference in domestic affairs have been central to shaping modern international relations, they are not always enough to keep powerful states in check. As China continues to challenge these norms through its actions in Taiwan and elsewhere, democracies around the world are grappling with how best to defend democratic values in an increasingly hostile world.
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
