democracy and real politic

Democracy is…

I would like to look at this question from an unusual perspective. Democracy is freedom, both individual and institutional. And any freedom is limited by anther coexisting freedom in this very place and timeframe. Thus, any democracy may be checked by another one. In this case it is quite complicated to identify what democracy is in terms of international relations.

The United States of America is the greatest cradle of democracy. All citizens are equal before the law and have equal access to power and their freedom is protected by the constitution (particularly in The Bill of Rights). Not only does the country enjoy all benefits of democracy as an institution, but it also actively exports it throughout the world.

But one more democratic society would pose a significant threat to the “Stronghold” for, as it was said, any democracy can be checked or limited by another one. Thus it would be logical to suppose that the “export variant” of the institution is different from what is known be American democracy.

In terms of international relations, democracy is a powerful tool or instrument for the USA to pursue its national interest. It seems to be an “almighty” shield to justify the principles of Realpolitik, described by Hans Morgenthau (i.e. any state on international arena is driven by its interests only and any method is good to secure them). 

Long before the 20^th century, it was possible to openly adhere to the principles of Realpolitik (even very aggressive ones). But the first nuclear weapon changed the approach to foreign policies dramatically (in 1962 our world was at the edge of a catastrophe). The methods of Realpolitik had to be substituted for democratic ones as a pursuit of a better future. Many countries in the world (especially the Western Block) fell for this trend.

Eventually it led to mutual limitations of national “hunger” OR to the situation in which there is one democracy which suppresses all the others. Exporting democratic values and the idea that democracies don’t fight with each other, America obtains a powerful instrument to secure its national interests. Protecting the world from a potential threat coming from Iraq and the idea of establishing a democratic regime (export democracy) justified bringing American troops into the region which is of great national interest for The US. We can see a similar situation in Iran and Afghanistan nowadays. Multiple advances in science and military technology made it necessary to cover such an approach to international relations under the mask of DEMOCRACY.     

 Thus I have to admit, that democracy, in terms of international relations, has become a powerful instrument for The United States of America to pursue its national interests; the greatest manifestation of Realpolitik.