Democracy Is

A woman casts a ballot. Rotating text displays: justice, peace, hope,respect, human rights, dignity freedom
democracy icon

DEMOCRACY IS

The ongoing quest by people around the world for democracy and freedom guides and inspires our work at USAID.

For decades the American people, through USAID, have partnered with countries, communities, and people around the world to strengthen resilient democratic societies.

Citizen-responsive governance is also a critical factor in development, and we believe it is not possible for any country to rise to its full potential without it.

USAID is reinforcing its commitment to strengthen democratic governance and is investing in democracy work to advance a free, peaceful, and prosperous world.

There are many around the world who are committed to this cause. They are working towards respect for human dignity, rights, and the rule of law.

Meet our democracy heroes in the short films below.

Administrator Green Announces USAID's Democracy Communications Campaign

 

SHORT FILMS

Justice for Kosovo

Meet Nepal's Democracy Defender

Selma Votes in Tunisia

NEWS & INFORMATION

Last updated: January 15, 2020

USAID Administrator Mark Green's Keynote Speech at the U.S. Institute of Peace Conference, "A Governance Agenda for Preventing Violence in a Fractured World"
January 7, 2020

History tells us that states with more democratic characteristics are usually more prosperous, stable, and reliable partners. They're better economic partners, because they possess the characteristics and conditions that we believe are vital for economic vibrancy and sustainable growth. They're better strategic partners because they're citizen-centered, making them less likely to produce terrorists, proliferate weapons of mass destruction or engage in armed aggression. Conversely, authoritarian regimes are, at best, unreliable partners and, at worst, pose significant risks to peace and stability.