Hoover InstitutionStanford University
Why America Must Lead the Fight for Freedom Throughout the World

Published April 18, 2023

The world is currently experiencing a democratic recession, with autocracies like China and Russia posing threats to democracies globally. Strong US leadership is crucial to support of global democracy, but that leadership must be continually emphasized for each new generation. Democracies with the rule of law reduce the threats to peace and security and increase the prospects for prosperity worldwide.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Why do you think the world is experiencing a democratic recession?
  2. Why do China’s leaders feel they need to recapture Taiwan?

Additional Resources:

  • Read “All Democracy Is Global,” by Larry Diamond via Foreign Affairs. Available here.
  • Read “Deterring a Chinese Military Attack on Taiwan,” by Larry Diamond and James O. Ellis via Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists. Available here.
  • Watch “China’s Expansion into the South China Sea, with Michael Auslin” on PolicyEd. Available here.

Cast

Larry Diamond

Larry Diamond

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