Democracy News

Carnegie Panel Discusses New Role of the Community of Democracies
November 18, 2011
By: Mark Hsen | Printer Friendly

On November 17, the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace hosted a panel discussion on the role of the Community of Democracies (CD) in supporting global democracy. Particular focus was given to current developments within the CD, including recent reforms and initiatives. Moderated by Thomas Carothers, the panel included Samantha Power (US National Security Council), Evaldas Ignatavicius (Lithuanian Vice Minister for Foreign Affiars), Suren Badral (Mongolian Ambassador-at-Large to the Community of Democracies), and Tomicah Tillemann (US Department of State). 

The CD was founded in June 2000 in Warsaw, Poland with the goal of promoting common democratic values and standards, while strengthening democratic institutions across the world. Its current priorities include encouraging regional cooperation on democracy and promoting democracy education. 

However, since its founding, the CD has faced significant criticism over its ability to engage in concrete action.  It still faces challenges in producing tangible results as well issues over inclusivity. It has been criticized in the past for inviting clearly non-democratic states to attend its biennial Ministerial meetings.  

Despite these challenges, the CD has taken steps to reform and revitalize. As discussed during the panel, the CD is shifting from a gathering of democracies to a platform of getting things done.  The CD has several operational initiatives such as the Democracy Partnership Challenge, the Open Government Partnership, and the Defending Civil Society initiative.

The CD also recently announced internal reforms to increase effectiveness.  With a new Governing Council, the CD will be better equipped to respond to member countries' concerns as well as its ability to counter adverse trends such as democratic backsliding.  The CD will also implement stricter entry requirements as well as including a process of mandatory consultations with civil society and human rights groups to ensure that participating governments are appropriately vetted.

To read the transcript or watch the event video of the panel, please see:
Carnegie Endowment for International Peace – Is the Community of Democracies Coming of Age?

For other sources, please see:
Democracy Digest – The new Community of Democracies – from talking shop to one-stop shop?