 |
|
 |
| |
II. Elements of Continuity
The reassessment attempted in this document suggests some important shifts in emphasis and priorities, but it also points to significant elements of continuity. We believe that the basic mission and approach outlined in the Statement of Principles and Objectives adopted by the Endowment Board in 1984 remain no less valid today. As a reading of that document shows, the Endowment's mission was from the very outset conceived not as anti-communist but as pro-democratic. Its aim was not only to assist those seeking to bring down dictatorships and carry out democratic transitions, but also to support efforts to consolidate new democracies.
The basic program categories set forth in the Statement of Principles and Objectives have proven their worth and continuing relevance. The Endowment has funded programs primarily in three major functional areas -- pluralism; democratic governance: and education, culture and communications, Programs in these areas have as their goals the strengthening of civil society, democratic political institutions, and democratic culture, respectively, Although political scientists and other experts may disagree about the relative importance of these three aspects of democratic development. It is generally acknowledged that all three are essential to the achievement and maintenance of stable democratic orders.
Pluralism involves the development of strong, independent private-sector institutions, especially trade unions and business associations, as well as civic and women's organizations, youth groups and cooperatives. Endowment programs in the areas of labor and business are carried out, respectively, through the Free Trade Union Institute (FTUI) and the Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE).
The program area of Democratic Governance and Political Processes involves, above all, efforts to promote strong, stable political parties that are committed to the democratic process. The National Democratic Institute (NDI) and the International Republican Institute (lRI) carry out such party-building programs. This area includes, as well, programs that promote the rule of law and respect for human rights, strengthen the unity and effectiveness of the democratic forces in transitional situations, encourage dialogue among different sectors of society, and advance solutions to national problems. It also includes programs that bolster the effectiveness of parliaments, improve relations between civilian and military authorities, promote constitutional reform, and strengthen electoral processes.
The program area of Education, Culture Communications involves programs that nourish a strong democratic civic culture, including support for publications and other communications media. Also included here are training programs for journalists, the production and dissemination of books and other materials to strengthen popular understanding and intellectual advocacy of democracy, and programs of democratic education.
The Endowment also devotes modest funding to research on questions related to democratic development, and to programs that encourage regional and international cooperation in promoting democracy. These two smaller categories of programming are addressed in the final section of this document
|
|
|
 |
|
 |
|
