State of Affairs

In a time of growing global instability, the principles of democracy and freedom are being challenged like never before. President Joe Biden, in a recent State of the Union address, laid bare the stark realities facing the United States and the broader world, echoing the grave concerns once articulated by Franklin Delano Roosevelt ahead of World War II. This historical parallel isn't merely rhetorical; it's a call to recognize the magnitude of the threat that looms over us.

Drawing from Roosevelt’s era, President Biden highlighted the internal and external threats to freedom and democracy, embodied today by forces reminiscent of past adversities—be it the Confederates or the Nazis. The specter of authoritarianism, both at home and abroad, compels us to revisit our commitment to the values that define us. This moment in history is not just a reflection of political rivalry but a battle for the soul of the nation and, by extension, the future of the global democratic order.

The ongoing crisis in Ukraine stands as a testament to the broader struggle against autocracy. Russia’s invasion, under Putin’s command, isn't merely a regional conflict; it's an assault on the principles of national sovereignty, self-determination, and democratic governance. The United States' support for Ukraine transcends geopolitical strategy; it is a commitment to defending the bedrock of international peace and stability— the Rules-Based International Order.

History has shown us that indifference in the face of aggression only emboldens oppressors. The Allied intervention in the Russian Civil War, as recounted by Anna Reid in A Nasty Little War, serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities and challenges of supporting democratic forces against entrenched authoritarianism. Despite the intervention's failure, largely due to misaligned objectives and unreliable allies, the endeavor underscores the necessity of a clear and unified strategy in supporting freedom abroad.

Today, the conditions are markedly different and more favorable for a successful intervention in Ukraine. Unlike the fractured White Russian movement of the past, the West is presented with a unified, democratic Ukraine, ardently defending its sovereignty against Russian aggression. The moral clarity of this struggle cannot be overstated; it is a fight not just for Ukraine's future but for the preservation of a world order that favors freedom over tyranny.

The echoes of the past serve not as a deterrent but as a guide for a more resolute and informed engagement. The critical ingredients for a successful intervention—clear objectives, reliable allies, material means, and unwavering political will—are within our grasp. The question is not of capability but of commitment.

As President Biden’s address vividly illustrates, the fight against autocracy today requires a dual focus: safeguarding democracy at home while supporting its champions abroad. The internal divisions and political turmoil must not distract from the imperative of this moment. Just as the future of American democracy once hinged on the outcomes of the Civil War and World War II, today's global democratic order relies on our resolve to support Ukraine and counter the tide of authoritarianism.

The importance of securing the future for freedom has never been more apparent. Amidst the cacophony of domestic politics, the essence of our national identity and our role on the world stage is at stake. This is not a moment for complacency or internal discord; it is a time for unity, action, and a reaffirmation of our deepest values. The legacy of American support for democracy, from the beaches of Normandy to the streets of Kyiv, must continue.

Let us then rise to the occasion, as generations before us have, to secure a future where freedom and democracy do not just survive but thrive. It's not merely a policy choice; it's a moral imperative that defines who we are and the world we aspire to create. In the face of autocracy's advance, our message must be unequivocal: Democracy will prevail, and freedom will endure.