Earlier this year Egypt’s military leaders overseeing the transition to an elected government attempted to prosecute U.S.-funded pro-democracy and human rights groups. They relented after weeks of heavy diplomatic pressure from the United States.
James Goldgeier, the dean of American University’s School of International Service, said the most vocal critics of U.S. democracy programs often are elite leaders trying to hold onto power in the face of growing popular opposition.
“If you are an authoritarian leader and you have a group that is fostering civil society, you are going to naturally fear that, that funding is helping people who would like you to not be in the... not be the ruler anymore,” said Goldgeier.
Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez has also been critical of U.S. pro-democracy efforts, saying they have attempted to undermine his socialist agenda. Goldgeier said the U.S. does indeed promote a different ideology.
“The United States in general tends to support democracy, a market economy, rule of law and protection of human rights. So if those things are at odds with what a particular government might be promoting then there will be a conflict,” he said.
Goldgeier says the U.S. does not pick political sides, but it does support building a framework of democracy that preserves majority rule and minority rights.
最新
2013-11-25
2013-11-25
2013-11-25
2013-11-25
2013-11-25
2013-11-25