Why America Must Spread Democracy [Just Not the Way George Bush Did] | James Traub Book Event

Today, the PCR Project hosted James Traub for the release of his latest book, The Freedom Agenda:  Why America Must Spread Democracy [Just Not the Way George Bush Did].  The conversation was moderated by Alexander T.J. Lennon, editor-in-chief of The Washington Quarterly and Project Director for Democracy in Future U.S. Security Strategy at CSIS.  The book critiques the notion that terrorism can be cured by democracy promotion and the use of force, an important element of the Bush Doctrine. While Traub clearly acknowledges the importance of democratic governance to human rights, political stability, and economic development, he argues the value of “democracy” as a U.S. export has been diminished by the war in Iraq, Guantanamo Bay, and the antiquated logic of the Cold War in support of friendly dictators.  By pointing out what is wrong with democracy promotion under George W. Bush, the book at the very least argues against repeating the mistakes of the last administration.  Traub provides interesting perspective for the future of democracy promotion as a U.S. strategic objective for the next administration.  A foundational argument that seems to have emerged from the discussion today is the importance of fixing failed states as a first step towards promoting true democratic values around the world. James Traub is contributing writer for The New York Times Magazine.  He has written four books, including The Devil’s Playground and The Best Intentions.  He lives in New York City.