Flash Points: Could Biden’s democracy summit backfire?

Plus: The summit’s missing piece [Foreign Policy Logo]( [Foreign Policy Flashpoints]( December 10, 2021 | [View in browser]( “Here in the United States, we know as well as anyone that renewing our democracy and strengthening our democratic institutions requires constant effort,” said U.S. President Joe Biden in his [opening remarks]( at the virtual Summit for Democracy on Thursday. Whether the two-day summit contributed to that effort—or perhaps [harmed it]( been hotly debated in Foreign Policy. This collection features our very best essays from the world’s leading political theorists and practitioners of international relations to help you assess the summit’s success.—Chloe Hadavas --------------------------------------------------------------- [Biden’s Democracy Summit Could Backfire]( There are dangers to hosting diplomatic meetings without a clear purpose. By Stephen M. Walt --------------------------------------------------------------- [When Promoting Democracy, Less Is More]( Biden’s Summit for Democracy requires a humbler approach to succeed. By Catherine E. Herrold and Aseem Prakash --------------------------------------------------------------- [What Biden’s Democracy Summit Is Missing]( Democracy as it was envisioned was never about real people power. That’s what needs to change. By Hélène Landemore --------------------------------------------------------------- [Democracy Renewal Begins With Accountability at Home]( To show the world the United States is back as a democratic leader, Biden should hold the U.S. military and its allies accountable in warfare. By David Miliband --------------------------------------------------------------- [Why China Is Freaking Out Over Biden’s Democracy Summit]( Beijing’s overreaction to the virtual summit is telling. By Mareike Ohlberg and Bonnie S. Glaser Photo: Joan Wong illustration for Foreign Policy --------------------------------------------------------------- Thinking about graduate school? The [Fall 2021 FP Guide to Applying to Graduate School in International Affairs]( has all the info you need to put together an application. Hear from admissions experts at top IR schools about what they're looking for in applicants. FOLLOW FP ON This email was sent to {EMAIL} because you are subscribed to FP’s Flashpoints newsletter. Want a friend to receive this newsletter? [Forward it]( now. Want to receive other FP newsletters? [Manage]( your FP newsletter preferences. [unsubscribe]( | [privacy policy]( | [contact us]( | [advertise]( Foreign Policy magazine is a division of Graham Holdings Company. All contents © 2021 The Slate Group, LLC. All rights reserved. Foreign Policy, 1750 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Suite 200, Washington, DC 20006. [Link](