After taking office in January 2025, President Trump’s White House announced that United States foreign aid agencies were not aligned with American interests and were contributing to global instability. This announcement was followed by an order to suspend projects under the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). He made his vision clear that he wanted overseas spending to align with his “America First” approach. On his Truth Social page, Trump posted that USAID’s spending “IS TOTALLY UNEXPLAINABLE… CLOSE IT DOWN!”
Later, the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) posted on X that USAID has spent USD 21 million on a “voter turnout” programme in India, which was later revealed to have been sanctioned for Bangladesh. Still, this news has reignited debates surrounding “democracy promotion,” a concept as complex as it is controversial. This incident serves as a timely reminder to examine the historical context, motivations, and diverse activities that constitute democracy promotion.
Democracy promotion refers to efforts by governments, international organizations, and non-governmental actors to encourage and support democratic governance in other countries.
Historically, the concept of “democracy promotion” gained traction during the Cold War. The West, particularly the US, viewed it as a crucial tool for countering the spread of communism based on the belief that democratic states were less likely to engage in conflict and more likely to align with Western interests. The establishment of institutions like the National Endowment for Democracy (NED) in 1983 reflected this strategic imperative, with the NED becoming a central player in funding and supporting pro-democracy movements worldwide.
The impetus for such organized international engagement can be traced back to the period following World War II, when the US recognized the importance of stable and prosperous nations for global security, as evidenced by the Marshall Plan (1947-1949). This significant financial and technical assistance to Europe aimed to rebuild infrastructure, strengthen economies, and stabilize the region, laying the groundwork for potential democratic allies. The widespread atrocities committed during the war also spurred a more formal acceptance of democracy and human rights as legitimate concerns for the international community.
Role of International Organisation
United Nations Organisations
The opening words of the UN Charter, “We the Peoples,” underscore the principle of popular sovereignty, suggesting that the legitimacy of a state—and by extension, the UN itself—rests upon the will of its people. Despite this foundational principle, the term ‘democracy’ was notably absent from the UN Charter signed in 1945, reflecting the geopolitical sensitivities of the Cold War era.
However, the conclusion of the Cold War ushered in a new era of activism for the UN in the realm of democracy promotion. The Millennium Summit in 2000 marked a significant turning point, with world leaders explicitly resolving to actively promote democracy and strengthen the rule of law. Since then, the UN has undertaken a wide range of activities to foster democratic governance globally. These efforts include promoting good governance practices, monitoring electoral processes, supporting civil society organizations, strengthening democratic institutions and accountability mechanisms, ensuring the right to self-determination in formerly colonized nations, and offering assistance in the drafting of new constitutions in post- conflict countries.
A concrete manifestation of the UN’s commitment was the establishment of the UN Democracy Fund (UNDEF) in 2005. UNDEF focuses its resources on empowering civil society organizations to have a stronger voice and role in democratic processes worldwide. By directly supporting grassroots initiatives, the UN aims to foster local ownership and ensure the sustainability of democratic development.
European Union
The European Union (EU) stands out as a strong proponent of democracy. It employs a range of instruments to advance democratic governance, including the Copenhagen criteria, which candidate states must meet to gain membership—encompassing respect for democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. Furthermore, the EU incorporates “democracy clauses” into its trade and development agreements with third countries, stipulating that democracy and human rights are essential elements; a breach of these principles can lead to restrictive measures.
Historically, democracy promotion has evolved from implicit principles within the UN Charter to a more active and multifaceted engagement by the UN, regional organizations like the EU and the African Union, and a wide array of NGOs. However, the current global environment presents significant challenges to democracy promotion. The complex interplay of geopolitical competition and conflicting foreign policy interests often complicates its prioritization and implementation. Despite these considerable obstacles, the enduring belief in the importance of democratic values and institutions for global peace, security, and human development suggests that the pursuit of democracy promotion—albeit in potentially adapted forms—will likely remain a significant feature of international relations.
