Chapter VII. Expand the Circle of Development by Opening Societies and Building the
Infrastructure of Democracy
Section C. The Way Ahead - 1. Transformational Diplomacy and Effective Democracy
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Transformational diplomacy means working with our many international partners to build
and sustain democratic, well-governed states that will respond to the needs of their
citizens and conduct themselves responsibly in the international system. Long-term
development must include encouraging governments to make wise choices and assisting
them in implementing those choices. We will encourage and reward good behavior
rather than reinforce negative behavior. Ultimately it is the countries themselves that
must decide to take the necessary steps toward development, yet we will help advance
this process by creating external incentives for governments to reform themselves.
Effective economic development advances our national security by helping promote
responsible sovereignty, not permanent dependency. Weak and impoverished states and
ungoverned areas are not only a threat to their people and a burden on regional
economies, but are also susceptible to exploitation by terrorists, tyrants, and international
criminals. We will work to bolster threatened states, provide relief in times of crisis, and
build capacity in developing states to increase their progress.
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