Intelligence Squared debate: Is America still a model for the world?

When President Donald Trump’s supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol and halted the Electoral College certification, European leaders decried the violence as "horrible" and "disgraceful,” and called on the president to allow the peaceful transfer of power.

Meanwhile, China, Russia, Venezuela and Iran issued swift condemnations with not-so-subtle jabs at the legitimacy of Western democratic values. 

In the wake of this, can America remain the world's model for democracy? Have months of strife around the election results and ensuing political violence destroyed America's credibility and ensured it will no longer inspire the oppressed or legitimately condemn authoritarians? Or have the nation's institutions held under pressure and demonstrated democracy's strength and resilience in politically polarized times?

The Intelligence Squared debate motion is: "Is America still a model for the world?"

John Donvan is the moderator.

Arguing yes:

• Kori Schake, American political scientist and columnist at The Washington Post.

He is an associate professor in global politics at University College London and director of foreign and defense policy at the American Enterprise Institute. She has held several high positions in the U.S. Defense and State Departments and on the National Security Council. She was a foreign-policy adviser to the McCain-Palin 2008 presidential campaign.

Arguing no:

• Brian Klaas, Minnesota native, political scientist and columnist at The Washington Post.

He is an associate professor in global politics at University College London.

Use the audio player above to listen to the program.

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