Realist Governance Within a Liberal Framework: the Tension of American Democracy as a Paradigm or Counter Paradigm

This article examines the contradictions of American democracy as both a global paradigm for liberal governance and a counter-paradigm, defined to address political dysfunction and ideological polarisation. Drawing from realist and liberal theoretical traditions, it investigates fundamental liberal ideals like the rule of law, constitutionalism, and individual rights, which showcase coercion and executive American dominance in the global political system. It interacts with realist imperatives such as national interest, coercion, and executive dominance in the American political system. The study further highlights instances where realist governance has pushed for liberal norms, such as executive authority expansion, systemic gridlock, populist insurgencies, and foreign interventions in advancing democratic progress. It also looks at the international presentation of American democracy as a paradigm, despite internal challenges and legitimacy crises. The paper suggests that American democracy, while frequently extolled as an exportable ideal, is increasingly functioning as a cautionary tale, a counter paradigm, illustrating liberal government's limits in dealing with realist power relations. This contributes to current arguments over the global future of democracy and the sustainability of Western political models in a multipolar world. The study concludes that, while it contains elements that could serve as a paradigm for other democracies, such as its founding principles, the realities of political practice frequently present significant barriers that may render it a counter paradigm in certain contexts and thus recommends that bipartisanship initiatives be promoted to encourage collaborative efforts across party lines.