IS IT TIME FOR AN ALLIANCE OF DEMOCRACIES? - On December 9–10, President Joe Biden hosted a Summit for Democracy, a virtual event to which the leaders of more than one hundred democracies worldwide have been invited. The Summit convened as the world entered what Biden has framed as a broad global struggle between democracy and autocracy.

Autocratic powers, particularly China and Russia, have become more assertive in challenging rules-based international order. Democracies are on the defensive as they seek to contend with these threats, with many facing their own internal challenges. To succeed in this new era, the United States and its democratic allies and partners must find new ways to strengthen cooperation.

Is it time for a new Alliance of Democracies? What would be the purpose and mission of such an alliance? Which nations should be included? In light of the upcoming summit, is there a feasible way to bring this alliance to life?

On December 7, the Atlantic Council, in partnership with the Alliance of Democracies Foundation, released a report, An Alliance of Democracies: From Concept to Reality in an Era of Strategic Competition, by Ash Jain, Matthew Kroenig, and Jonas Parello-Plesner.

ORIGINAL AIRDATE: 12/07/21