America’s military raid in Venezuela and the threats against Greenland are clear signals that this US administration rejects the very idea of multilateralism, the UN Charter and international treaties. Its withdrawal from UN agencies and the Climate Change Convention sent the same message. In an increasingly polarised and coercive world, the democratic community must now ask how it can take back the initiative. What does democracy support mean in this context, and what can it realistically achieve, writes Thijs Berman, former MEP, acting Executive Director of European Partnership for Democracy (EPD).
One conclusion is unavoidable: if ever there was a moment to strengthen international dialogue and democratic resilience, it is now. If we accept a world where might makes right, the legitimate aspirations of smaller states will be trampled. It is a recipe for conflict. Many countries today have unresolved border disputes with their neighbours. While France and Italy are unlikely to go to war over Mont Blanc, in other regions the risks are real. As climate change reduces water supply from the mountains, how will just, fair and peaceful water management be possible if not through dialogue and negotiations? The alternative is war – a luxury no one can afford.
Democracy, the only political system with dialogue at its core, is essential to the quality of our societies and to our strength, security and freedom. In all its different forms among nations, democracy is the only system capable of protecting individual rights, allowing every voice to be heard and social justice to exist. Resilient democracies are better equipped to defend themselves against interference by autocratic regimes and others. Democracy must therefore be upheld and strengthened, not only as the foundation of open societies, but as a strategic asset, on a par with natural resources, energy, food and water.
Democracy at home
Beyond the geopolitical risks caused by the US attitude, there will be repercussions on a national level. External threats exert pressure and sow chaos inside democracies. How can presidential elections in Colombia take place calmly on May 31st, as Trump’s threats of military action loom over President Gustavo Petro? How can Denmark’s opposition parties still scrutinize Prime Minister Frederiksen on domestic issues, when preoccupied with existential US threats to Greenland? How can we prevent the spread of a bullying and intolerant culture at all layers of society, from secondary schools to parliaments, when key concepts of democracy – compromise, inclusion and equal rights – are dismissed as ‘woke’?
NATO members have pledged to spend 3.5% of their GDP on defence and 1.5% on relevant infrastructure. A small share of this investment should strengthen democracy itself. We can make our European democracies more resilient against intimidation and interference. We can educate younger generations – much more than today. We can restore public trust in democracy’s ability to meet the legitimate expectations of voters. This will be a painful exercise for some – the process can only succeed if politicians are willing to be self-critical and enter into an open dialogue with the public. They will need to demonstrate that democracy, however imperfect, produces more sustainable and cost-effective solutions than lawlessness and brute force, with procedures bringing out the best of us. Dialogue opens the way for empathy and solidarity.
Investing in democratic transitions
Europe offers better solutions to global issues than denial and intimidation. This requires sustained investment in shared values, both within the EU and abroad. In countries like Venezuela, the margins are small. Yet, continued engagement through dialogue is necessary, as well as long-term democracy support – combined with coordinated international pressure and law-enforcement cooperation against drug trafficking.
Here, Europe has solid experience. With financial and diplomatic support from the EU, democracy support organisations such as the 20 members of the European Partnership for Democracy, have focused on training future leaders, supporting credible elections, helping women and youth gain access to elected positions, backing grassroots civic movements and strengthening judicial independence and anti-corruption frameworks.
It should be noted that democracy support rarely addresses international negotiation skills. This is an omission that needs urgent repair. Politicians develop their skills within their national borders. Working with foreign counterparts is a different cup of tea that can’t be filled by skilled diplomats alone, although this is certainly not the time to close embassies. From now on, democracy support must also equip young political leaders with negotiation skills at the international level. This will enable future leaders to reach peaceful, mutually beneficial solutions.
Europe’s geopolitical voice and power
In this era of fragmentation and tension, Europe must be an impactful actor supporting democracy and speaking out clearly against violations of human rights and international law. Investing in democracy and human rights is also the most cost-effective investment in peace, apart from being an obligation under the EU Treaty. The EU has the legitimacy to speak out – it has ensured sustained peace among its members since 1945. Brute force does not have to define history. We can do better.
Silence is not an option for the EU, if we don’t want to turn into a vassalized region. Past mistakes or today’s incoherencies should not lead to paralysis. It is never too late to regain credibility and influence.
In 2026, the stakes are high. If we fail to stand up to coercion and don’t invest in democracy, we risk losing hard-won gains, betraying our values and sliding into a more violent world. Europe will need the courage to respond and the resolve to defend our democratic future.
