Monte Erfourth
Introduction
The world's political landscape is marked by diverse forms of governance, each with unique features and consequences for society. Democracy, autocracy, oligarchy, and totalitarianism represent distinct models, each defining how power is distributed and how citizens are engaged in the political process. At the core of these regimes lies a spectrum of approaches to authority and individual rights. These regime types influence international relations. Each form of governance heavily influences how the regime decides to leverage power and influence others to advance and protect its interests geopolitically.
Since WWII ended, the U.S. democratic approach to international relations—founded on the rule of law, respect for human rights, and promotion of a rules-based order—has long been considered a more sustainable and morally grounded way of engaging with the world. During the Cold War, this approach starkly contrasted the closed, repressive regimes of the communist Eastern Bloc, garnering support from countries seeking a path to stability, security, and prosperity under a liberal world order. This model promotes transparency and accountability, allowing for checks on power and fostering alliances based on mutual respect and shared values. It helped shape international institutions like the United Nations and the World Bank, which have played crucial roles in fostering cooperation and reducing global conflict.
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