Is Spreading Democracy in the U.S. National Interest?

The Truman Doctrine established a policy of containment against communist governments. People believed the spread of communism would overthrow the democratic ideals our country believed in and followed. After the policy of containment died down, a new policy of spreading democracy emerged. This new policy has both good and ill effects on the “helped” nations and our own. In 2011, there were 115 electoral democracies, representing nearly sixty percent of the world’s government were democratic. In 1989, just 41 percent of all governments were democratic (Current Issues, 2011-12, p. 168). So, is spreading Democracy in the U.S. national interest? Or should our nation employ a more hands-off approach?

The textbook defines democracy as a system of government in which the people rule; rule by the many. A core belief of Democracy is that ordinary people want to rule and are capable of governing themselves (Greenberg & Page, 2011, p.4). The textbook states that political thinkers attribute several components of democracy to its widespread appeal. First, democracy is considered to protect human rights the best because it is founded on the recognition of the intrinsic worth and equality of human beings. Second, democracies are the most likely to produce rational policies because it can count on pooled knowledge with which to make the decision. Third, democracies are long-lasting and more stable because their leaders are elected and answerable to voters. Fourth, democracy is considered to be the best government for economic growth and material well-being. Finally, democracy lets its citizens be free, which causes a state of mind allowing them to best develop their talents and skills. (Greenberg & Page, 2011, p.4).

As stated, Democracy is ...

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