PRI: Public Radio International: National and World News, Talk, Arts, Entertainment and Music: America, Democracy, and the World

America, Democracy, and the World
================================================================================
America Abroad on 29 March, 2008 05:14:00
 
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
Americas attempts to spread democracy. Also, a look back at the changing role
democracy promotion has played in the countrys 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
Departments 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."