The Poisoned Chalice of US Democracy

In a radical reflection, John Young contends that the US model of democracy has failed the Global South because its emphasis on the supremacy of market capitalism entails a loss of national sovereignty and a truncated notion of human rights that leaves little room for citizens' engagement or socioeconomic justice. The Global South needs democracy, but the US model does not address issues of national oppression or economic injustices by raising living standards and ensuring national sovereignty. However, the US international liberal order is increasing being challenged, and a multipolar world is emerging that provides opportunities for people in the Global South to construct systems of democracy that meet their needs rather than those of the US.

John Young has been involved in research around peace, security, governance, federalism conflict, elections, and political parties in the Horn of Africa since 1986, but in recent years has had a particular interest in peace and security issues in Sudan. These research interests have been pursued in various capacities as an independent and UN journalist, academic researcher, Canadian government consultant, peace monitor in the north-south Sudan conflict, evaluator of various peace support programs, and, most recently, political adviser to the Carter Center for the April 2010 national elections and southern Sudan referendum.

Preface Introduction 1. Rise and Decline of US Democracy 2. Horn of Africa Relations in the Wake of US Decline 3. Ethiopia and the Challenge of Democracy 4. Sudan, the United States, and the Propagation of Democracy 5. South Sudan: Another Failed US Democracy Project Conclusion Final Words