I agree the idea has problems. But I also would like to see democratic countries band closer together, and use their economic and military power to protect demo

I agree the idea has problems. But I also would like to see democratic countries band closer together, and use their economic and military power to protect democracy and human rights. We opened our markets to many unfree countries on the idea that when they became richer, they would become democratic. We were wrong on that. Instead these countries sell to us to make themselves as dictators richer, and use our money to suppress their people, and in the name of free trade, we sell them the weapons and technology to do it. And when they become rich enough, they use their new found influence to attack democracy in other countries. Free trade with the west should be the reward for being democratic, free, and a protector of human rights of your citizens. Afterall it is our freedom that made us rich... we shouldn't allow dictators to benefit from it. Dictatorship is poverty. They are linked together. And without western money, they would be forced to live in the squalor they have created for themselves. Sadly our addiction to fossil fuels is probably the biggest impediment to this. Until thats solved, we'll continue to fund some of the worst human rights abusers in exchange for oil.