Promoting U.S. Leadership

Democracy advocates around the world have historically turned to the United States for inspiration and support. However, in recent years, fierce rhetorical attacks on the press, the rule of law, and other pillars of democracy coming from American leaders undermine the country’s ability to persuade other governments to defend core human rights and freedoms. 

Even as Americans remain committed to the ideals of democracy, a majority see democracy in the United States as weak and getting weaker, according to a national survey jointly commissioned by Freedom House, the George W. Bush Institute, and the Penn Biden Center for Diplomacy and Global Engagement.