US bans diplomats from commenting on democracy, elections abroad

A new guidance by Secretary of State Marco Rubio prevents American diplomats from commenting on the honesty of election processes and democratic values in foreign countries.

The internal order of July 17th represents a radical change in the traditional policy of American diplomacy, which historically promoted democracy and human rights on the global stage.

According to the document, US embassies will no longer issue public statements on elections in other countries, except with the direct approval of Rubio or State Department spokesman.

The guidance highlights co-operation based on strategic interests, even with authoritarian governments, avoiding pressure for democratic reform or respect for human rights.

This policy is in line with President Donald Trump's approach, who in a speech in Riyadh on 13 May spoke against the western “intervention in Middle Eastern countries' internal affairs”. The American rhetoric will now focus on geopolitical and economic interests, regardless of the ruling regime, Euronealbania reports.

Critics view this movement as an institutionalisation of hypocrisy in American foreign policy, remembering double standards against traditional allies like Saudi Arabia compared to countries like Cuba. According to them, this change could strengthen authoritarian regimes and weaken US credibility in civil society and human rights advocates in other countries.

Analysts warn that this departure from promoting democracy could damage the US reputation as a rights champion and reduce its soft “ ” (source power) in the world. The guidance comes at a time when international reports, such as those of Freedom House and Economist Intelligence Unit, point to a decline in democracies across the globe, while China and Russia are increasing their authoritarian influence. /Periscopi/