America, Democracy, and the World

'America Abroad' takes a look at America's attempts at democracy promotion around the world.

Democracy promotion has been a pillar of American foreign policy since the founding of the nation. While democracy is an ideal that unites Americans, spreading it around the world has proven difficult and often divisive. Today, America’s efforts to bring freedom to Iraq and Afghanistan have sent democracy promotion’s stock tumbling to an all time low.

This edition of "America Abroad" travels to the Middle East and the former Soviet republic of Georgia to examine some of the challenges, and successes, in America’s attempts to spread democracy. Also, a look back at the changing role democracy promotion has played in the country’s foreign policy. In addition, interviews with key policymakers involved in the effort to remove Ferdinand Marcos from power and foster a democratic government in the Philippines in the 1980s.

Program Overview

Ray Suarez examines the challenges of promoting democracy in the Middle East today. Featuring interviews with Carl Gershman, president of the National Endowment for Democracy; Rami Khouri, director of the Issaam Fares Institute at the American University of Beirut; and Jennifer Windsor, executive director of Freedom House. Also includes interviews with locals in Beirut.

Ron Nessen narrates an archival audio tour of the history of democracy promotion in US foreign policy, from World War I to the War in Iraq. Featuring Tony Smith, professor of political science at Tufts University.

Steve Roberts looks back at American efforts to foster democratic change in the Philippines in the 1980s. With Richard Armitage, assistant secretary of defense; Michael Armacost, undersecretary of state; Steven Bosworth, US ambassador to the Philippines; Morton Abramowitz, head of the State Department’s Intelligence and Research Bureau; Sen. Paul Laxalt (R-Nev); and Rep. Steven Solarz (D-NY).

Ray Suarez examines the state of democracy in the former Soviet republic of Georgia four years after the Rose Revolution. Featuring Eduard Shevardnadze, former president of Georgia; Giga Bokeria, member of the Georgian Parliament for the United National Movement party; John Tefft, US ambassador to Georgia; and Tinatin Khidasheli, founder of the Georgian Young Lawyers Association.

Hosted by a team of prominent news broadcasters that includes Ray Suarez, Marvin Kalb, Steve Roberts, Garrick Utley, and Margaret Warner, "America Abroad" examines key issues in international affairs and U.S. foreign policy.

More "America Abroad."