Democracy Is

A woman casts a ballot. Rotating text displays: justice, peace, hope,respect, human rights, dignity freedom
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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: February 28, 2020

USAID Deputy Administrator Bonnie Glick’s Keynote Address at a Community of Democracies Event
January 28, 2020

USAID programs help countries resist Russia’s manipulation of their information sources, journalism, and overall public discourse by bolstering the capacity of their news outlets to provide professional, trusted coverage… and to strengthen the legal and regulatory operating environment for press freedom. Our support for independent media restores the power of truth to the people and away from malign foreign actors.

Statement by U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Administrator Mark Green on National Religious Freedom Day
January 16, 2020

This National Religious Freedom Day, we take the opportunity to celebrate America's first freedom.  A desire for religious freedom is what brought Americans to Plymouth's shores, which makes it a foundational value in the United States' Journey to Self-Reliance.  One expression of religious freedom in the United States is the legacy of faith-based organizations and their enduring contributions to stability, peace, and prosperity here at home and around the world. 

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.