3.17.08: Ambassador Kinsman Participates on German Marshall Fund Panel in Washington, DC

"Other People's Democracies - Is It Any of Our Business?"

A panel discussion with:

Dr. Almut Wieland-Karimi
Executive Director
Friedrich Ebert Foundation
                                                                                                                                         
Moderated by:
Peter Van Praagh
The German Marshall Fund of the United States
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Since 1974 more than 90 countries have made the transition to democracy, nearly doubling the number of democratic countries.  But some experts argue that celebrations of democracy's triumph are premature, and that the democratic wave has been slowed by the authoritarian undertow. Is democracy in retreat? And should we be alarmed? Is democratic revolution a discredited doctrine? What can Western policy-makers and civil society do to assist progress towards democratic governance in the world? 

Former Canadian Ambassador to Russia, UK, Italy, and the European Union Jeremy Kinsman will present the soon to be published “A Diplomat's Handbook for Democratic Development Support,” developed by the Community of Democracies.  The handbook offers practical support and case studies for how embassies on the ground can support civil society groups. Susan Johnson of the U.S. Department of State and Dr. Almut Wieland-Karimi from the Friedrich Ebert Foundation will discuss European and American approaches to supporting democratic development.

This event was held on Thursday, March 6, at the German Marshall Fund of the United States in Washington, DC.