U.S. assistant secretary of state on campus
By: Jessica Adams
Issue date: 10/9/07 Section: News
- Page 1 of 1
Thomas Shannon, assistant secretary of state for western hemisphere affairs for the U.S. Department of State, spoke of the importance of democracy in Latin America at the Peeler Art Center on Oct. 7.
Shannon said he began working in foreign affairs in 1984 with Latin America and Africa. He said he's seen various forms of government and that effective governments must be democratic.
"For development to be real, to be enduring, to be effective, it has to be democratic," he said.
In order to attain democracy in Latin America, Shannon said the United States has to have a positive agenda and a long-term engagement. The United States must be involved with the Americas, be open to European engagement and new democracies and understand the effects of other countries on democracy.
Shannon said the first step to spreading democracy is to have a social agenda. He said governments are capable of delivering benefits and services to its people, and it is their duty to do so.
"Governments have to be able to respond to expectations placed by people and their markets," Shannon said.
The next step is to communicate with the Americas, Shannon said. A common understanding between the United States and Latin America will make the spread of democracy easier. He repeatedly cited engagement as a vital part in the relationship and encouraged cooperation and dialogue.
"As we build democratic states, we need to understand that democracy is about institutions, rule of law and stability," he said.
This idea, however, poses a new challenge because of the swift changes in Latin American society and the changing nature of American influence on democracy, Shannon said. He said communication plays a large role in understanding these changes and their effects on American society.
Shannon said he supported the Bush administration in its efforts in Latin America and abroad. He said many people focus only on the United States' impact on Iraq without knowing about our participation with other countries. Shannon also said President George W. Bush has a strong idea of social justice and hopes to encourage other countries to adopt this ideology as well.
Freshman Jim Stone said Shannon's lecture provided often unheard information about the interaction the Bush administration has with Latin America.
"He highlighted the significant increases in assistance spendings, President Bush holding more visits than any other president to the region and a critical development in making democracy and social justice in the region a national security objective," Stone said. "I thought he was supportive to the U.S.'s role in the region, and it was reassuring to know that all our energies are not focused on Iraq."
Shannon said he began working in foreign affairs in 1984 with Latin America and Africa. He said he's seen various forms of government and that effective governments must be democratic.
"For development to be real, to be enduring, to be effective, it has to be democratic," he said.
In order to attain democracy in Latin America, Shannon said the United States has to have a positive agenda and a long-term engagement. The United States must be involved with the Americas, be open to European engagement and new democracies and understand the effects of other countries on democracy.
Shannon said the first step to spreading democracy is to have a social agenda. He said governments are capable of delivering benefits and services to its people, and it is their duty to do so.
"Governments have to be able to respond to expectations placed by people and their markets," Shannon said.
The next step is to communicate with the Americas, Shannon said. A common understanding between the United States and Latin America will make the spread of democracy easier. He repeatedly cited engagement as a vital part in the relationship and encouraged cooperation and dialogue.
"As we build democratic states, we need to understand that democracy is about institutions, rule of law and stability," he said.
This idea, however, poses a new challenge because of the swift changes in Latin American society and the changing nature of American influence on democracy, Shannon said. He said communication plays a large role in understanding these changes and their effects on American society.
Shannon said he supported the Bush administration in its efforts in Latin America and abroad. He said many people focus only on the United States' impact on Iraq without knowing about our participation with other countries. Shannon also said President George W. Bush has a strong idea of social justice and hopes to encourage other countries to adopt this ideology as well.
Freshman Jim Stone said Shannon's lecture provided often unheard information about the interaction the Bush administration has with Latin America.
"He highlighted the significant increases in assistance spendings, President Bush holding more visits than any other president to the region and a critical development in making democracy and social justice in the region a national security objective," Stone said. "I thought he was supportive to the U.S.'s role in the region, and it was reassuring to know that all our energies are not focused on Iraq."
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