What way is the most effective way to spread Democracy?

Question

Is it the USA model of trying to directly affect the country by placing funds in the hands of pro-democratic parties (and by using other means)?
Is it the European model that offers membership to the EU when you are "democratic enough"?
If the latter, would it be beneficial if more unions would rise, for example in Asia and Africa with the same mode of operation as the EU?
If neither, then what is the way to do it, or should it be done at all?

Answer 1

The best and effective way to spread democracy is to imbibe the democratic values in the younger generation. Democracy can not be imposed upon people who do not value it. There should be democratic culture and people should respect their right to liberty. Peace education is one of the main ways to spread democracy.
Also, like the EU, whose decisions on matters of human rights etc are controlled by international organs, USA should also sign the regional international treaties and be bound by the Inter-American Court of human Rights for example.

Answer 2

This question has been kicking around for ages and there are plenty of examples of how NOT to spread democracy, such as the current attempt to impose it on Iraq by military and economic force. Although it takes more time than it did to make it work in post-World War II Germany & Japan (two radically different cultures, with Germany at least having had some prior experience), education by student exchange programs, and UN monitored elections might be better in the long run.

Answer 3

The U.S.A. is a poor example of democracy. In fact, it's a poor example of a republic, which is a state governed by those elected by the people.
European models of democracies and republics are much more efficient and effective, without the corruption, arrogance, greed, and incompetence we see in the United States.
George W. Bush apparently believes the most effective way to spread democracy is to illegally and unconstitutionally invade another sovereign nation and force his will on its people, just as he believes it's okay to force his religion on all Americans and force his interpretation of our Constitution on the rest of us.
I believe the most efficient way to spread democracy is through an educational program that orients young schoolchildren in third-world countries about political structure and government systems. As those children grow up, perhaps they can become instrumental in choosing which form of rule they want for their countries: a republic, which is ruled by those the people elect, or a democracy, which truly is government ruled by the people.
Governments that emphatically serve the people are few and far between, but I look to Switzerland, and some of the Scandinavian countries as good examples of how government can serve its populace without becoming dictatorial.
Unfortunately, despots like George W. Bush and the people that control him have effectively turned America into a police state where citizens are presumed guilty until proven innocent. Bush has ruined America's reputation as a world leader and a global peacekeeper. We can only hope and pray that as America continues to deteriorate and decay, newer nations will accept better forms of government as they become world powers and the U.S.A. collapses from its own hubris, immorality, avarice, selfishness, arrogance, and stupidity. -RKO-

Answer 4

I think it might be beneficial if asia and africa follow the european mode of operation!!!!.But then again,I see democracy as an acquirable thing,you either have it,or you don't!.

Answer 5

Trade that leads to the creation of a middle class is the only effective way to create a democracy.

It is what is working with such powerhouses as China and Russia, while military action and isolation has utterly failed with such tiny countries as Cuba and Vietnam.

Isolation+Military Action=Stagnation

Trade+Talk=Transformation

Answer 6

Why do we have to spread democracy? There are cultures much older than ours that have thrived without our conception of democracy. The world will not end if everyone does not bend over for America to insert its giant ego.

Answer 7

What an arrogant, failed policy it is to advocate the spreading of US style democracy. Better to make the distinction between good government and bad government.

Answer 8

Minding ones own business would do the trick I'm sure!

Answer 9

Use the Republican method: Pay 'em off!

Answer 10

Blow up everyone who disagrees with you. OOPS -- the U.S. is doing that already.