America.gov-Democracy Around the World: Introduction

Cuba Solidarity Day Reminds World of Cuba’s Political Prisoners

Eric Green — Fri, 16 May 2008 14:03:34 GMT

The first Cuba Solidarity Day May 21 -- the day after the 106th anniversary of Cuba gaining its independence -- will help focus international attention on the more than 300 political prisoners imprisoned by the communist dictatorship of President Raúl Castro. Cuba experts share their views on the importance of this event with America.gov.

Mexico, China Partner with U.S. in Anti-Methamphetamine Fight

Eric Green — Wed, 14 May 2008 15:23:56 GMT

Mexico, China and the United States are working together to stop the use of methamphetamine, an addictive stimulant drug that has been called one of America’s most serious drug problems. America.gov talks with U.S. attorneys about how a stepped-up campaign against the powerful stimulant is reaping success.

Police Harass Diplomats After Visit to Zimbabwe Hospital

Eric Green — Tue, 13 May 2008 17:38:39 GMT

Zimbabwean security forces harass the U.S. ambassador and other diplomats amid continuing post-election tensions. If foreign diplomats are being treated this way, “you can only imagine for Zimbabwean citizens what life is like if they make an effort to speak up,” the State Department spokesman says.

Inter-American Meeting to Focus on Youth and Democratic Values

Eric Green — Wed, 07 May 2008 18:20:45 GMT

The views of civil society will be well-represented at the annual meeting of the Organization of American States General Assembly in Colombia in June. Organizers expect about 200 representatives from 94 civil society groups to participate. Creating jobs for youth will be a priority at the event.

Human Rights Concerns Prompt Continued U.S. Sanctions on Belarus

Eric Green — Fri, 02 May 2008 18:41:11 GMT

Belarusian youth activists meeting U.S. officials in Washington hear that the recent expulsion of U.S. diplomats from Minsk will not succeed in ending economic sanctions that were imposed to encourage democratic reforms. The activists are participating in a State Department international visitors program.

Citizen Involvement in Summit of the Americas Process Expanding

Eric Green — Fri, 02 May 2008 12:15:22 GMT

Citizen involvement is increasing in the Summit of the Americas process, as demonstrated by a recent Civil Society Hemispheric Forum in Miami. About 120 representatives of civil society organizations from more than 30 countries in the Americas participated. Some of them share their thoughts on the process with America.gov.

American University in Kosovo Training New Generation of Leaders

Eric Green — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 12:45:47 GMT

Kosovo is not only Europe’s newest country, but, with a population whose average age is just 22, its youngest. The American University in Kosovo is helping the new nation develop its economy and civil society by training the next generation of entrepreneurs and leaders to take full advantage of Kosovo’s potential.

Three-Nation Partnership Growing Strong, Says Negroponte

Eric Green — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 11:54:48 GMT

U.S. Deputy Secretary of State John Negroponte authors an op-ed in the Times-Picayune of New Orleans on the United States’ strong partnership with Mexico and Canada. The three nations’ “unprecedented levels of cooperation … at every level” are making their citizens “safer and more competitive in the world,” he says.

Democracy in Colombia Seen Making Measurable Gains

Eric Green — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 12:31:20 GMT

Colombia is making measurable progress in reducing drug-fueled violence and in defeating a rebel group fighting the government, says Gerard Martin, director of the Colombia program at Georgetown University in Washington. Martin says that despite its problems, Colombia’s democratic government is becoming a Latin American success story.

Violence Against Zimbabwe’s Opposition Contrary to Democracy

Eric Green — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 15:50:44 GMT

U.S. officials say there is no place for violence or intimidation in a democracy after groups loyal to Zimbabwe’s government mount attacks against the political opposition in the aftermath of the March 29 election. The State Department also criticizes plans to recount the votes in the presidential balloting.

Nepali Actors Set Scene for Upcoming Elections

Eric Green — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 16:29:35 GMT

Drama unfolds in Kathmandu’s Ratna Park as more than 1,000 Nepalis watch a theater group entertain and inform citizens about the upcoming Constituent Assembly election. In collaboration with Nepal’s Election Commission, the U.S.-based nongovernmental organization IFES is supporting theater groups as they perform in all of Nepal’s 75 districts.

Olympic Torch Protests Illuminate U.S. Right to Peaceful Dissent

Eric Green — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 18:39:24 GMT

Protests about the display of the Olympic torch in the United State s are consistent with the American tradition of peaceful dissent. Representatives of human rights group and the media discuss whether these protests and others like them in advance of the 2008 Olympic Games are likely to influence China’s policies.

Zimbabwe Delays Results of Presidential Elections

Eric Green — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 15:58:22 GMT

The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission continues to delay results from the country’s March 29 elections, particularly the contest between incumbent President Robert Mugabe and opposition candidates. The State Department calls for a report that “adequately and accurately represents the actual votes cast and the will of the Zimbabwean people.”

“Extensive” Irregularities Reported Ahead of Zimbabwe Elections

Eric Green — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 16:56:03 GMT

Independent groups are reporting “extensive pre-election irregularities,” ahead of Zimbabwe’s March 29 national vote, prompting the U.S. State Department to question the chances for a free and fair vote. Concerns include inaccurate voter roles, violence against political opponents and overproduction of postal ballots for use by government personnel.

U.S. Legal System Serves as Model for Russian Courts

Eric Green — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 15:58:42 GMT

Russia's judicial system implemented many democratic reforms since the collapse of the Soviet Union, and partnerships arranged by the Russian American Rule of Law Consortium help Russian legal institutions advance those reforms. America.gov talks with a Maryland judge and partnership participant who recently returned from Russia.

National Archives Shows Political Cartoons To Mark Election Year

Eric Green — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 12:37:14 GMT

The National Archives has launched a two-pronged celebration of this U.S. election year, coupling an exhibition of early 20th-century political cartoonist Clifford Berryman’s work with a panel discussion featuring four of his modern-day successors, all Pulitzer Prize winners.

American Volunteer Helps Liberians Realize a Better Life

Eric Green — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 12:59:22 GMT

“Liberia is the kind of country I wanted to come to as an American to be of assistance,” development specialist Conor Hartman says. “If you look at countries around the world that are emerging from conflict, Liberia is the most promising of all … you have the best leadership team and most qualified president, with a very capable Cabinet.”