THREAD/President #Biden is getting ready to deliver on a campaign promise — to hold a Summit for #Democracy. But rights groups are worried if the event will go beyond being a talk fest, fearing the inclusion of some countries w/problematic human rights track record casts a shadow
An invite list, first reported by Politico & confirmed by a source familiar, shows that the event will bring together mature democracies such as #France and #Sweden but also countries including #Philippines and #Poland, where activists say democracy is under threat.
Just think about this — Philippines’ Duterte, who in the past stated he does not "care about human rights" & #India’s Modi, who Freedom House said is driving India toward authoritarianism, will be among those virtually discussing with Biden how to help democracy flourish globally
The event - to be held on Dec. 9-10 - is a test of Biden's longstanding claim, announced in his first foreign policy address as president in February, that Washington would return to global leadership under his tenure to face down authoritarian forces led by #China and #Russia.
In Asia, some U.S. allies such as Japan and South Korea were invited, while others like Thailand and Vietnam were not. Israel and Iraq are the only nations invited from Mideast and notable U.S. allies such as #Egypt and NATO partner #Turkey are absent from the list
U.S. officials we spoke to emphasize that the event is not a judgement on which country is a democracy or which country is not, but several nations are already upset that they are not invited, while others are annoyed that Washington attached conditions to their participation.
Rights groups appreciate that Biden reinstated human rights as a foreign policy priority. But they also say the mixed invite list illustrates the administration's struggle to balance wider U.S. national security interests, such as countering a rising #China, with higher ideals.
About the invite list, US officials say they had to make some choices to ensure regional diversity. They also stress that all countries will have to pledge reforms to better their democracies and only if they fulfill those they will be invited to the follow-up event next year.
Last but not least, US officials say they’re coming to the table aware of the world’s skepticism about the health of US democracy after last year’s shocking events, particularly the Jan. 6 storming of the Capitol. “We are starting from a place of humility,” says a US official.
Here’s the story, from me and @Simondlewis #SummitforDemocracy #Biden #S4D reuters.com/world/bidens-d…
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