National Democratic Institute for International AffairsNational Democratic Institute for International AffairsNDI_1ff133e8-4257-4eaa-82ef-094fcb4ed3a0To strengthen and expand democracy worldwide_54618920-a2c6-49e2-85ef-afd9a10cb1b5Assistance to Advance Democratic Values, Practices, and InstitutionsProvide practical assistance to civic and political leaders advancing democratic values, practices and institutions in every region of the world to build political and civic organizations, safeguard elections, and to promote citizen participation, openness and accountability in government._9ee1824a-4cf7-4c0a-a0d1-1ff1dc9ac338Calling on a global network of volunteer experts, NDI provides practical assistance to civic and political leaders advancing democratic values, practices and institutions. NDI works with democrats in every region of the world to build political and civic organizations, safeguard elections, and to promote citizen participation, openness and accountability in government.
In many countries, advocates of democracy lack experience with democratic practices and face weakened or non-existent democratic institutions. They have turned to NDI for assistance in building their democratic structures. These include: national legislatures and local governments that function with openness and competence; broad-based political parties that are vehicles for public policy debates; and nonpartisan civic organizations that promote democratic values and citizen participation.
While NDI puts much effort into the consolidation of new democracies, autocratic political regimes persist in many places. And in other countries, democratic gains have been reversed. In these situations, NDI works with advocates of democracy who courageously struggle against tremendous odds to promote peaceful, political change.
Geostrategic "hot spots" most likely to erupt into violence are found, for the most part, in areas of the world that are non-democratic or where governments are anti-democratic. Democracies remain viable at home by resolving conflicts within society nonviolently and through compromise. Thus, they are predisposed to seek solutions peacefully with their neighbors.
Democracies also promote economic growth more consistently and equitably than non-democratic political systems. It is no coincidence that the world's most prosperous and peaceful nations are also the most democratic. With unchecked power, governments squander resources, resulting ultimately in economic decline. Democracy building programs are, above all, an investment in peace and stability. 2010-02-08ArthurColman (www.drybridge.com)colman@drybridge.com