Summary
Navigating the "Democracy-Security Dilemma" in U.S. foreign policy explores how the United States maintains cooperative security relationships with governments that lack democratic governance or are moving away from democracy. This paper delves into this complex issue through case studies of U.S. policies towards Egypt, Turkey, and India.
Key Points:
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Complex Interplay: The paper highlights the inherent tension between advancing democracy and protecting security interests. This tension arises particularly when the U.S. seeks to cooperate with governments that exhibit democratic backsliding.
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Case Studies:
- Egypt: U.S. concerns over authoritarian politics have been recurrent but have struggled to find a meaningful role in a relationship heavily influenced by security cooperation and extensive U.S. security assistance.
- India: A robust push for strengthening the U.S.-Indian security partnership has occurred alongside a notable shift towards illiberal politics within the Indian government.
- Turkey: The democratic decline in Turkey has coincided with a significant deterioration in relations with the U.S., including divergent foreign policy stances.
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Policy Framework:
- The paper suggests a systematic approach to address the democracy-security dilemma, focusing on:
- Identifying specific security interests the partnership aims to advance.
- Assessing the relationship between these security interests and the partner's problematic democratic situation.
- Evaluating how pushing for democracy could threaten security interests.
- Strategies for engaging on democracy and rights issues that maximize potential for democratic progress.
- Setting realistic expectations for the impact of pushing harder on democracy.
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Challenges and Solutions:
- The paper acknowledges that there are no simple solutions to the dilemma. However, careful assessment of security and political issues can help policymakers navigate these complexities more effectively.
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Relevance:
- The paper underscores the importance of considering both democracy and security in U.S. foreign policy, especially as President Biden prioritizes democracy and human rights.
This paper serves as a guide for policymakers to navigate the delicate balance between upholding democratic values and pursuing security objectives in international relations.
