Multilateral Strategies to Promote Democracy
Multilateral Strategies to Promote Democracy

Multilateral Strategies to Promote Democracy

Jan 27, 2004

A panel of high-level peers met at the Council to develop multilateral strategies for democracy promotion. Impatient with the usual critique and lamentation, the participants focused on constructive avenues to produce change.

The discussion begins with two diagnostic questions: What is the state of democratization in the world today? How have democracy promotion strategies changed since September 11, given the transformed U.S. agenda of war on terror? The panelists provide insightful and important answers to these panoramic questions.

The panelists then explore the effectiveness of four strategies for promoting democracy:

  • • Do
economic reforms help or harm budding democracies?

• How useful are indirect methods of democracy promotion, such as building civil societies and independent judiciaries.

• When does it make sense to engage in direct confrontations with undemocratic rulers, from “naming and shaming” through to military conflict?

• How can multilateral institutions and multi-stakeholder initiatives better encourage democratization?

The discussion concludes with a critique of whether economic incentives, such as sanctions, can motivate obedience to international democratic norms.

You may also like

Joel Rosenthal and Avril Haines. CREDIT: Bryan Goldberg Photography.

DEC 15, 2025 Video

The Ethics of Decision-Making in National Security, with Avril D. Haines

Reflecting on her career in public service, Avril D. Haines, former director of national intelligence, discussed current trends and future needs for building vibrant institutions.

Left to Right: Peter Hoffman, Asha Castleberry-Hernandez, Scott Silverstone. CREDIT: Kathleen Egan.

DEC 11, 2025 Video

Re-examining our Capacity for Just Peace

Watch this discussion featuring distinguished experts reflecting on the state of war in 2025 and the obstacles to achieving just peace.

DEC 10, 2025 Feature

Empowering Ethics in 2025

Explore Carnegie Council’s 2025 Year in Review resource which highlights podcasts, events, and more covering some of this year’s key ethical issues.

Not translated

This content has not yet been translated into your language. You can request a translation by clicking the button below.

Request Translation