The Foreign Service Journal, January 2009

J A N U A R Y 2 0 0 9 / F O R E I G N S E R V I C E J O U R N A L 43 F O C U S examples of the former. Arab opponents of reform frequently deride the idea of democracy as a Western model being imposed on their so- ciety. However specious, these arguments have resonance with a large segment of the population, even among liberal reformers. We have not yet found a magic lexicon to ad- dress this challenge, but are working on it. Hot-button words vary by country, as do examples of democratic practices that resonate. In general, people re- spond well to specific examples of change that affect the daily lives of average individuals. The key for outsiders like the U.S. government is to find terms that reinforce the ideas that democratic development is already taking place; that it is not being imposed from the outside, but is home- grown; and that expanding democracy ultimately leads to concepts that are genuinely shared by our different cul- tures, such as justice and security. The Projects During its first two years, MEPI primarily funded U.S. NGOs to implement large regional programs —either the same activity in several countries or activities bringing par- ticipants from different countries together. This approach was effective in establishing relationships and testing the appropriateness of certain types of assistance, but it was not adequate to fulfill the initiative’s mandate to be flexible and responsive to the needs and opportunities of reformers on the ground. To accomplish this, we have put greater emphasis on country-specific strategies, and MEPI has shifted increas- ingly to direct funding of local groups. American NGOs continue to play a crucial role, providing technical assis- tance and organizational skills that allow us to maintain ef- fective regional programs and to focus their expertise where none exists at the local level. These adjustments have re- quired significant outreach efforts by embassies andMEPI staff to local reformers and activists. Identifying and building relationships with reliable local civil society partners is central to our strategy and serves the overriding objective of supporting home-grown demo-