The Pitfalls of Aid

Abstract

The development of democracy has suffered a series of setbacks so far this year. Georgia was once a model of successful reform in the former Soviet Union, but controversial presidential elections have stirred doubt about the future of its democracy. Russia's sham elections excluded serious opposition in order to anoint Vladimir Putin's hand-picked candidate. Meanwhile, calls to scale back U.S. democracy assistance are increasingly heard as the Bush administration enters its final year.