Global Leadership
Freedom and Democracy
Affirming the values of freedom and democracy, strengthening the institutions that secure these values at home, and helping to spread them abroad.
71%
of Americans favor the U.S. government taking steps to support democracy and human rights in other countries
84%
of Americans believe it is important to live in a country governed democratically
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Democracy Talks
A series of discussions exploring the challenges — and opportunities — facing democracies around the world. -
News and Updates: Putin's Attack Against Ukraine
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Democracy and Human Rights: America's Leadership Matters
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Choose Freedom
Revitalizing American support for democracy and human rights in the 21st century -
The Spirit of Liberty: At Home, In the World
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Democracy
Is democracy in decline? Is democracy in danger?
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The Spirit of Liberty: At Home, In the World
Call to action to affirm our values of freedom
For more than 75 years, the liberal international order has secured peace, advanced justice, and expanded prosperity in the United States and around the world. American leadership has been central to its success.
Today, that order appears to be under attack. The global rise in populism, illiberalism, nationalism, and protectionism have raised questions about the importance of democratic standards to the future of our country and the world.
Americans care about democracy, but there's cause for concern. According to The Democracy Project report by the Bush Institute, Freedom House, and Penn Biden Center, 84% of Americans want to live in a democracy.
Still, a crisis of confidence exists in how our democracy works in practice. Many feel systemic issues like racism and discrimination and the influence of money in politics are eroding the functioning of our democracy.
It is in America's interest to restore faith in democracy and strengthen the values of freedom worldwide.
We know that free governments are the only way to ensure that the strong are just and the weak are valued. We know that when we lose sight of our ideals, it is not democracy that has failed. It is the failure of those charged with preserving and protecting democracy.
President George W. Bush at the Spirit of Liberty, October 19, 2017
- Freedom Collection
The Freedom Collection is a permanent archive of the struggle for human freedom and democracy around the world using video interviews, collected papers and other materials.
View the Freedom Collection - Contact
[email protected]bushcenter.org - Media Inquiries
[email protected]
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Human Freedom
Extending freedom and democracy around the world
