The United States aims to support democracy, human rights, and development together because they strengthen each other. The focus is on helping citizens and leaders build strong democratic institutions that can serve the public effectively. This includes ensuring free and fair elections, maintaining strong legislatures, and keeping military forces under civilian control.
Efforts also emphasize honest policing, independent and fair courts, a free press, an active private sector, and a strong civil society. To achieve this, the U.S. works through both bilateral (country-to-country) and multilateral (international) partnerships. The goal is to help young democracies provide real services that meet people’s needs and expectations. The strategy recognizes that democracies which fail to deliver development often struggle to survive.
Practicing Principled Engagement with Non-Democratic Regimes
The United States continues to engage even with countries that are not democratic, while still promoting human rights and freedom. This balanced approach focuses on key interests like counterterrorism, nonproliferation, and economic cooperation, but also pushes for greater individual rights.
Through a dual-track approach, the U.S. seeks to improve relations between governments and at the same time support civil society, peaceful opposition, and non-governmental organizations. By maintaining dialogue with these nations, the U.S. hopes to create conditions that allow civil societies to operate freely and encourage people-to-people connections.
However, if these efforts are rejected or met with resistance, the U.S. will lead global efforts to use diplomacy both public and private and a mix of incentives and penalties to push back against repressive actions and encourage positive change.
Recognizing the Legitimacy of All Peaceful Democratic Movements
The United States respects the right of all peaceful, law-abiding, and nonviolent groups to express their views, even when their opinions differ from those of America. U.S. support for democracy is not about favoring specific political candidates or parties but about upholding the principles of freedom, equality, and justice.
America welcomes any government that comes to power through legitimate and peaceful means and governs with respect for human rights and international obligations. On the other hand, leaders who use democracy as a means to gain power but rule harshly once elected will lose U.S. support. True democratic leadership must come from the consent of the governed, not from coercion or intimidation.
U.S. Works with Non-Democratic Countries
| Area of Focus | What the U.S. Does | Goal / Result |
|---|---|---|
| Security & Counterterrorism | Share intelligence and work together on security | Make countries safer |
| Economy & Trade | Encourage trade and investment | Help countries grow economically |
| Human Rights | Support NGOs and peaceful opposition groups | Protect individual freedoms and promote democracy |
| Diplomacy & Incentives | Offer rewards or penalties to encourage change | Encourage positive political and social reforms |
| People-to-People Connections | Promote cultural, educational, and professional exchanges | Build better international understanding |
How the U.S. Helps Build Strong Democracies
- Make sure elections are free and fair so governments reflect people’s choices.
- Keep strong legislatures to check government power.
- Ensure the military follows civilian control to avoid abuse of power.
- Promote honest police work and fair courts.
- Support a free press, active businesses, and strong community groups.
- Work with other countries and international organizations to help democracies provide public services.
- Help young democracies meet the needs of their citizens and grow.
Supporting the Rights of Women and Girls
The National Security Strategy 2010 highlights that women and girls must have equal rights and opportunities. When women are empowered, societies become more peaceful, stable, and prosperous. Conversely, when women’s rights are denied, nations often fall behind in growth and justice.
Women and girls frequently suffer the most during crises and conflicts. Therefore, the U.S. works with regional and international organizations to stop violence against them, especially in conflict zones. The strategy supports women’s access to justice, participation in politics, better healthcare for mothers and children, and stronger laws against human trafficking.
Additionally, the United States promotes education, employment opportunities, and micro-finance programs to empower women around the world, ensuring that they can lead better, safer, and more independent lives.