The Freedom Support Act of 1992 (Freedom for Russia and Emerging Eurasian Democracies and Open Markets Support Act) made the "promotion of democracy" a main strategic priority of the US in the former republics of the USSR. What specific achievements can the US claim in this sphere in the Caucasus and Central Asia, and what have been its failures? To what extent does the experience of the last quarter century call for revisions in America's tactics in this area? And to what extent, if any, does experience call into question the strategy itself?

Rather than duel over the number of successes and failures, our speakers will focus on steps that might improve the effectiveness of actions to advance this strategic goal or, if necessary, more fundamental changes in the strategy itself.

The recorded version of this seminar is now available to view on the SAIS events Youtube channel.

Speakers:
  Laura Jewett, Regional Director, Eurasia Programs, National Democratic Institute (NDI)
  Stephen Nix, Regional Director, Eurasia, International Republican Institute (IRI)
  David Kramer, Sr. Director for Human Rights and Democracy, McCain Institute for International Leadership

 Moderator:  S. Frederick Starr, Chairman, Central Asia-Caucasus Institute

Juha Kähkönen
Deputy Director, Middle East and Central Asia Department, IMF

Edward Gemayel
Mission Chief, Kyrgyz Republic, IMF

MODERATOR:  S. Frederick Starr, Chairman, Central Asia-Caucasus Institute