Democracy Rising
Click to view the Democracy Rising publication
(PDF, 4.2 mb) | "So it is the policy of the United States to
seek and support the growth of democratic
movements and institutions in every nation
and culture, with the ultimate goal of
ending tyranny in our world.… America will
not impose our own style of government
on the unwilling. Our goal instead is to help
others find their own voice, attain their
own freedom, and make their own way.”
President George W. Bush
Second Inaugural Address,
January 20, 2005 |
We saw them marching for
democracy through the
streets of former Soviet
capitals such as Kiev and
Tbilisi. Millions more defied
threats of violence and lined up to cast
their first democratic votes in Kabul and
Baghdad.
In parts of the world that had long been
ruled by despots, or those who still believe a
one-party state can control the lives of
mankind, a vast outpouring of people reaching
out for democracy stunned the world in
the past two years.
One picture summed it up: in the cold
dark night of Tbilisi, Georgia, as people
marched towards the seat of government to
protest a fraudulent election, one firm hand
held up a model of the Statue of Liberty.
Millions are asking for the rights that statue
represents: elections to choose their leaders
and freedom of speech, press and religion.
Many people watched in wonder as the
multicolored revolutions took place—the
Orange Revolution in Ukraine, the Rose in
Georgia, the Cedar in Lebanon, the Tulip in
Kyrgyzstan. Each country had a different
form of government but all were denying
people a chance to chose new leaders
through fair elections.
Few realized that for years, the United
States and other countries and organizations
have been supporting this homegrown desire
for democracy.
This magazine tells the story of
the recent explosion of democratic
values in several corners of the world.
It's the story of courageous people who
seized the chance to reform and improve
their own societies. One thing remains clear:
while U.S. and other aid can help local people
overseas strengthen their democratic political
parties, conduct elections and improve
their government, it is only when citizens
and local leaders in each country decide to
change things that countries move from authoritarian
rule towards democracy.
Back to Top ^
|
