Democracy is never finished. No country has gotten it perfect—not even here at home.
In this episode of Global Development Interrupted, Leah talks with Amy Hamelin, a former USAID Democracy Officer who spent her career working across South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. Drawing on her experiences in countries where democracy has been hard won and often tested, Amy shares what she learned about the people, communities, and institutions that keep it alive.
Their conversation explores what democratic resilience looks like in practice: the importance of strong institutions, the role ordinary citizens play in sustaining democracy, and what we can learn from countries navigating democratic challenges—including lessons that matter here at home.
Because democracy isn’t something we build once and then move on from. It is a work in progress, sustained by people who show up and institutions worth showing up for.
Guest: Amy Hamelin, former USAID Foreign Service Officer
Topics: Democracy, democratic resilience, institutions, civic participation, USAID, international development, South Asia, Kenya, South Sudan
