UN Democracy Promotion: Comparative Advantages and Constraints

Abstract

The capacity of various actors to promote democracy on an international level is evaluated, & the comparative advantages & shortcomings of the United Nations as a democracy-promoting force are studied. Although the US remains the predominant force for international democratization, it is demonstrated that regional organizations (eg, the Organization of American States), nongovernmental organizations, & international organizations (eg, the United Nations) also firmly promote democratic political systems. Whereas the United Nations international recognition as a legitimate regime & network of governance programs are definite comparative advantages, it is stressed that its democracy-promotion budget is smaller than some national governments, thus impeding its capacity to offer electoral assistance. Several relevant challenges facing the United Nations are then articulated, eg, ascertaining whether international support engenders sustainable democratic processes & whether assistance alters a states cultural, political, or social foundations. J. W. Parker