Idealism and pragmatism have long made rival claims on American foreign policy, forcing hard choices and sometimes leading to disappointment.
For American presidents and policymakers, this poses a challenge; it is no longer enough to champion the ideals of liberal democracy and count on the rest of the world to follow.
Advancing American ideals requires being pragmatic and even accommodating when our democratic partners fall short of the mark — and humility about where the United States falls short, too.
Take India, and the quandary it poses for Washington, which is on display as Prime Minister Narendra Modi makes a state visit this week.
India is a democracy in which the world’s biggest electorate openly and freely exercises the fundamental right to choose its leader.
Persons:
—, Narendra Modi, Modi
Organizations:
Washington
Locations:
Soviet Union, Russia, China, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, United States, India, Moscow