You know, there is a long tradition in the U.S. of, um, promoting elections up to the point that you get an outcome you don't like. Look at Latin America in the Cold War.
Interpretation
This quote highlights the hypocrisy in promoting democratic elections only when they align with certain outcomes.
Samantha Power points out the selective nature of support for democratic elections in the U.S., suggesting that there is a tradition of endorsing elections only when they produce favorable outcomes for the U.S. interests. This often leads to undermining the principles of democracy when the results do not match the expectations or preferences of those promoting the elections, as seen in historical contexts like Latin America during the Cold War.
In practice
In a speech about foreign policy, one might cite this quote to illustrate the inconsistencies in supporting democracy abroad.
Sanctions did indeed help to bring Iran to the negotiating table. But sanctions did not stop the advance of Iran's nuclear program. Negotiations have done that, and it is in our interest not to deny ourselves the chance to achieve a long-term, comprehensive solution that would deny Iran a nuclear weapon.
Zimbabweans are severely malnourished, and deaths from starvation occur even in the cities. The country has not yet suffered nationwide famine only because international donors have stepped in.
Western governments have generally tried to contain genocide by appeasing its architects. But the sad record of the last century shows that the walls the United States tries to build around genocidal societies almost inevitably shatter.
No more than a surgeon can operate while tweeting can you reach your potential with one ear in, one ear out. You actually have to reacquaint yourself with concentration. We all do.
When dictators feel their support slipping among adults, it is not unusual for them to alter school textbooks in the hope of enlisting impressionable youths in their cause.
Throughout history, when societies face tough economic times, we have seen democratic reforms deferred, decreased trust in government, persecution of minority groups, and a general shrinking of the democratic space.
It used to be said that when the U.S. sneezed, the world caught a cold. The opposite is equally true today.
We work on macro issues and macaroni and cheese issues. When women are in the halls of power, our national debate reflects the needs and dreams of American families.
Democracy may not prove in the long run to be as efficient as other forms of government, but it has one saving grace: it allows us to know and say that it isn't.
The blunt truth about the politics of climate change is that no country will want to sacrifice its economy in order to meet this challenge.
The most radical revolutionary will become a conservative the day after the revolution.
My poet's heart gives me strength to face political problems, particularly those which have a bearing on my conscience.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.