Someone Has to Lead

Overview:

This article by Daniel F. Runde at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) emphasizes the need for continued U.S. leadership in promoting global human rights, despite the country's flawed human rights record and internal struggles. His commentary argues that progress on freedom in the world requires U.S. leadership, as exemplified by the role the United States played in the creation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR).​

Key Points:

1. The UDHR, a groundbreaking document for human rights, required U.S. leadership for its creation and implementation.
2. Despite its internal challenges and flaws, the United States has been a crucial actor in promoting human freedom globally.

Key Quotes:

1. "The United States was flawed then, and it has internal challenges now, but that did not disqualify it from leading then and it does not disqualify Americans from leading now."
2. "If not the United States, the alternative is having these human rights issues stewarded by a coalition led by 'someone else,' namely the Chinese Communist Party, Vladimir Putin in Russia, Ali Khamenei in Iran, Daniel Ortega in Nicaragua, Miguel Díaz-Canel in Cuba, or Nicolás Maduro in Venezuela."

What They Discuss:

• The historical context of the United States' leadership in human rights, despite its own domestic issues with racism and discrimination.
• The contrast between the principles of democracy and human rights upheld by the United States and the policies of authoritarian regimes.
• The ongoing challenges to democracy and human rights globally, with examples from Russia, China, Iran, and other countries.
• The importance of U.S. leadership in promoting human rights and democracy in the face of global democratic backsliding.
• The need for the United States to continue its role in advocating for human rights, despite its imperfections.

What They Recommend:

• The article suggests that the United States must continue to lead in promoting human freedom and human rights globally.
• It advocates for the United States to uphold democratic values and principles in the face of challenges from authoritarian regimes.

Key Takeaways:

• The commentary underscores the critical role of the United States in leading the global campaign for human rights.
• It highlights the importance of U.S. leadership in promoting freedom and democracy, despite the country's own historical and current challenges.
• The article emphasizes that the alternative to U.S. leadership in human rights could lead to a world influenced by authoritarian regimes.

This is a brief overview of Daniel F. Runde's commentary from the Center for Strategic and International Studies. For complete insights, we recommend reading the full article.