Global Stage Podcast
About the Episode:

In this special episode of Global Stage, democracy promotion expert Thomas Carothers joins Kellogg Doctoral Affiliate Patrick McQuestion for a conversation from the Kellogg Institute’s Global Democracy Conference, held in Washington, DC, on May 12 and 13, 2025. Drawing from decades of experience, Carothers provides insight into the origins of development aid in the United States since the 1980s and the ideological dilemmas at home and abroad around the role of the US supporting democracy around the world. Carothers addresses the fundamental benefits of liberal democracy in contrast to autocratic alternatives, and the important role of universities in convening and bringing knowledge to bear on current affairs.

Show Notes:

Welcome to Global Stage, a podcast produced by the Kellogg Institute at the University of Notre Dame. In this episode, Kellogg Doctoral Affiliate Patrick McQuestion sits down with Thomas Carothers of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, fresh from his panel appearance at the 2025 Global Democracy Conference in Washington, DC.

Carothers opens with historical context on US policies toward democracy promotion, focusing on the role of USAID. He recalls the uncertainty and debate in early efforts, when US policymakers struggled to define democracy and reconcile those ideals with the realities of countries where the US sought to engage.

Reflecting on four decades of scholarship and practice, Carothers and McQuestion explore how democracy promotion has grown more complex and multifaceted. While academic definitions of democracy persist, frontline practitioners face a variety of challenges and realities that don’t always fit those ideals. McQuestion highlights resilience as a key theme in today’s era of democratic turbulence. Carothers urges listeners to consider why democratic progress may be reversing or stalling, and underscores the crucial role of resilience in sustaining political environments worldwide.

Turning to USAID, McQuestion asks about recent budget cuts. Carothers explains that USAID became the largest financial backer of democracy efforts globally, with the European Union a close second. Historically, its support enhanced both political and economic development. However, during President Trump’s second term, USAID’s democracy funding was dismantled, leaving many partner organizations without resources. Carothers notes that this shift reflects a “complex” set of motives: a rejection of foreign assistance akin to welfare, a drive to reduce government spending, and President Trump’s “America First” approach, which deprioritizes US leadership in global democracy support.

Carothers and McQuestion examine the mixed reception of US democracy aid abroad. Some countries resent what they see as American interference—especially when support is given to independent groups or media outlets critical of their governments. Such initiatives have faced claims of corruption and political overreach, drawing further criticism from foreign leaders allied with Trump.

Zooming out, Carothers observes that most major democracies invest considerable resources in democracy promotion, not just the US. Though China accuses the US of being “obsessed” with the topic, he sees the struggle to support democracy as a broad international project. Carothers acknowledges today’s dark period for democracy, yet expresses conviction that people ultimately prefer the democratic model over autocracy, which he argues appeals more in theory than practice. Effective leaders, he says, offer a sense of purpose and stability that citizens crave—qualities sometimes prioritized over abstract ideals.

In closing, McQuestion asks Carothers for his final thoughts. Carothers responds by emphasizing the vital role of universities: professors and students, he says, provide essential knowledge and serve as voices of reason and expertise, especially in challenging times.

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