“Global freedom declined for the 18th consecutive year in 2023,” Freedom House reported. “The breadth and depth of the deterioration was widespread. Political rights and civil liberties declined in 52 countries, but improved in only 21. Fraudulent elections and armed conflict contributed to the decline, endangering freedoms and causing severe human suffering. ”
The world faces threats from right-wing groups and ideologies that reject democratic values such as diversity, the rule of law, free speech, equality, and tolerance, the very same values targeted by the MAGA movement. It is at the root of this phenomenon. “Almost everywhere, the decline in rights has been caused by attacks on pluralism (the peaceful coexistence of people with different political ideologies, religions, and ethnic identities), negatively impacted elections, and sowed the seeds of violence,” Freedom said. – House pointed out. “These escalating attacks on core features of democracy reinforce the urgent need to support organizations and individuals, including human rights defenders and journalists, who are on the front lines of the struggle for freedom around the world.”
America’s role in strengthening democracy Just like during World War II and the Cold War, I have never been so critical. “As we have done for decades, the United States can play an important role in expanding freedom around the world,” the report reiterated. “But much will depend on whether the November 2024 presidential election strengthens or weakens America’s democratic values, processes, and institutions, and America’s will to defend democratic causes around the world. Masu.”
US The country remains vulnerable, with “harassment and intimidation of federal, state, and local politicians, election officials, and judges posing significant challenges to the conduct of the November presidential election.” “The American people, still reeling from the January 2021 attack on the Capitol and related trials, are sharply divided and making decisions, with some questioning the very usefulness of our fundamental democratic institutions.” We are facing a major election.”
As the world’s only true superpower, the only nation capable of mustering global alliances, and a historic exemplar of democratic values, the United States must take the lead in defending democracy from internal and external threats. Unless “governments, donors, and the private sector” “deepen solidarity with frontline allies, hold dictators accountable for rights abuses and corruption, and invest in democratic institutions at home and abroad,” democracy will continue to grow. will continue its declining trajectory. said the report. If the United States sacrifices “core principles for illusory short-term gains,” we will lose a “world order in which democratic norms prevail,” and “will harm the people of today and the future.” It will bring freedom, prosperity, and security to all living people.” future generations. ”
Military defense of democracy remains an important part of defending the Alliance in the face of aggression from authoritarian regimes, such as the Kremlin’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. [that] It continued into its second year, further violating fundamental rights in the occupied territories and prompting even more violent repression inside Russia. ” But questions remain as to whether the United States has the will to do so.
we recently witnessed How dangerous is the United States to strip us of our democratic leadership in the world? When the Republican presidential front-runner espouses fascist ideology and is determined to destroy NATO, and his minions appear to be relying on a Russian-orchestrated conspiracy to impeach him and destroy Ukraine; We can imagine the threat to democracy here. And overseas we have reached a point of no return.
Rep. Mikie Sherrill (D.N.J.), a three-term congressman who served nine years in the Navy and recently returned from the Munich conference, deplored the Republican Party’s irresponsibility in defending democracy at a critical moment. expressed. She pointed to former President Donald Trump and his party, who have been indicted four times for “undermining alliances and disengaging.”
She explained that even though “a rules-based order benefits not only the United States but other countries as well,” Republicans “want to blow up this system.” She noted that Republicans don’t seem to mind that they rely on Democratic Alliance allies for everything from protecting maritime routes to confronting Chinese aggression. She said there is a military term: “We never fight alone.” Still, if Republicans persist in enabling Putin and destroying our democratic alliances, we will be left isolated, vulnerable, and saddled with higher defense costs.
“We are at a tipping point,” Sherrill said, echoing the Freedom House report, with obvious emotion. “I cannot accept that this is the country that I gave my life to. [for which] I can’t count the number of oaths I’ve taken, and I’ve fought for this country, so I can’t accept that we can’t work together with Ukraine. ”
But if Republicans get their way, denying Ukraine a lifeline, following Putin’s orders internationally, and elevating Putin’s stooge to the US presidency, there will be an avalanche of democratic backsliding. . Imagine if the only country that could strengthen the rules-based order and stop oppressive regimes from overwhelming vulnerable countries sided with dictators. Under such circumstances, democracy in the United States and around the world is unlikely to survive.
It’s hard to argue with the argument that this election is the most important in our history, and in the history of Western democracies. The world will be watching.