Virtual meeting: Biden invites you to the democracy summit

The US feared that democracy is in danger worldwide. That is why President Biden is holding a summit on the subject. Chancellor Scholz is also there. There are frowns because of the rest of the guest list.

Poland is invited. Hungary doesn’t. Russia and China are not invited either, but the Philippines and Pakistan are. Old US allies such as Saudi Arabia or Egypt are also not wanted.

The US State Department’s guest list for today’s Democracy Summit is causing tension. The host seems to divide the world into good and bad states, into democratic states and those that expressly reject democracy.

Uzra Zeya, Secretary of State at the US State Department, rejects such an allegation: “This summit is not about taking sides. It should not divide or stir up conflict. It is about a positive program – and about working with others Leading democracies by example. ”

White House spokeswoman Jen Psaki also tried to take the wind out of the anger about who is invited and who is not: “An invitation does not necessarily mean that we approve of their form of democracy. And exclusion does not mean that we reject them. ”

Chancellor Scholz also takes part

US President Joe Biden has invited around 110 states to a virtual summit on democracy. The new German Chancellor Olaf Scholz also takes part. According to Psaki, the aim should be to jointly take action against authoritarian systems of rule, fight corruption and promote respect for human rights.

The invited heads of state and government should ensure that democratic processes are maintained in their countries, says State Secretary Zeya. “It’s no secret that democracies around the world are facing new threats. Almost every country on earth has experienced varying degrees of de-democratization.”

Democracy in danger. The US also experienced this after ex-President Trump tried to overturn the election result. His successor Biden, on the other hand, wants to use the summit to expand the leadership role of the USA among the democracies.

A first step – with a symbolic effect

At the same time, such a summit also has a symbolic effect. China and other autocratic states should not think that they can unabashedly expand their influence in the world. Foreign Minister Blinken was optimistic yesterday, on the preparation day for the summit: “With all the challenges that democracy is facing, we have reason to be optimistic. Especially when you listen to young people. This democracy summit is the first step . ”

The next democracy summit is scheduled to take place in a year. Biden had already promised during the election campaign that he would want to promote the rule of law around the world. With the summit initiative, he has at least kept this promise.