Support for democracy has been a priority of U.S. foreign policy since the earliest days of the republic and its advantages over other forms of government have come to be accepted globally. But there are many manifestations of democratic governance – how it is achieved and how it delivers for its citizens – that are the subject of continuing debate. To help illuminate this debate, NDI has collected commentary from its own experts and others along with some of the key documents upon which democracy programs are based.
Our Perspectives
Commentary from NDI Board members and staff on democracy promotion generally and on specific NDI programs. | Read more »
News and Views
Commentary from experts on the directions and challenges of democracy promotion programs. | Read more »
Key Documents
A library of the basic documents upon which democracy programs are based. | Read more »
New Additions
Our Perspectives
New Technologies for Democracy
Speaking at a panel at the Community of Democracies meeting in Krakow, Poland, in July, NDI Chief Technology Officer Chris Spence explores the role of technology in democratic development and the challenges and opportunities it poses in closed societies. Spence also addresses the importance of using technologies in new and emerging democracies using examples from Afghanistan and Uganda. He notes that while technology can provide useful tools, to be most effective they must be used to support well-organized "off-line" activities by civil society groups.
July 2010 | Read »
Women as Agents of Change
Women's meaningful participation in politics affects both the range of policy issues considered and the types of solutions that are proposed. In places such as Timor-Leste, Croatia, and South Africa, an increase in the number of female lawmakers has resulted in more legislation related to domestic violence, inheritance and security. NDI President Kenneth Wollack testified about these gains at a House Foreign Affairs subcommittee hearing on "Women as Agents of Change: Advancing the Role of Women in Politics and Civil Society."
June 9, 2010 | Read »
News and Views
A War-Crimes Commission Could Help Lead Burma to Democracy
Responding to an oped in the Washington Post, David Clair Williams, executive director of the Center for Constitutional Democracy at Indiana University, argues in favor of a commission of inquiry as a way to help the Burmese people further their fight for democracy. "A commission of inquiry would help the people of Burma in several ways. First, it would cost the junta hard-liners some political support at home and abroad, making a transition to democracy more possible. Second, an inquiry into the conduct of higher-ranking officers would make lower-ranking officers think twice before committing atrocities themselves. Third, an inquiry might be the first step in bringing justice to the victims of the junta's atrocities."
August 25, 2010 | Read more»
Moribund Legislature Part 3
In the Liberian Observer, John K. Forpka and Stephen Binda look at ways the legislature could be more efficient and effective by using better technology and research services. The article goes on to cite NDI projects such as the new legislative library and archives that will help the Liberian legislature in these matters.
August 23, 2010 | Read more»
Pictured above: NDI President Kenneth Wollack (center), with Lorne Craner (left), the president of the International Republican Institute, and Ambassador Robert Neumann at a panel discussion.
