Young Voices Debates at FreedomFest: Exporting Freedom or Protecting It at Home? скачать в хорошем качестве

Young Voices Debates at FreedomFest: Exporting Freedom or Protecting It at Home?

This debate explores a key question in foreign policy: "In order to preserve freedom at home, America must make an effort to export it abroad." Scott Horton, a staunch advocate for non-interventionism and author of Fool’s Errand, will argue that America should refrain from intervention abroad to protect its freedoms at home. Countering him, Wang Dan, the Chinese pro-democracy activist and leader of the Tiananmen Square protests, will defend the notion that the U.S. has a moral obligation to promote liberty across the globe, especially in authoritarian regimes. This debate examines the balance between defending American freedoms and the global responsibility to spread democracy, offering powerful perspectives on America’s role in the world. Meet our Debaters: WANG DAN ​Dr. Wang Dan is one of the most recognized figures in the global fight for democracy and human rights in China. As a leading student organizer of the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests, Wang became the number one target on China’s most-wanted list, ultimately enduring two prison sentences for his activism before being exiled to the United States. Since his release, Wang has continued his life’s mission from abroad—advocating for political reform, civil liberties, and democratic values in China. A PhD in history from Harvard University, he has lectured at prestigious institutions including National Tsing Hua University in Taiwan, and remains deeply involved in academic and human rights circles worldwide. As chairman of the Chinese Constitutional Reform Association and a member of various international advocacy boards, Wang has combined scholarship with activism to become one of the most compelling voices on authoritarianism and resistance. His lived experience, unwavering conviction, and global perspective make him a vital contributor to the ongoing conversation about freedom in China and beyond. SCOTT HORTON Scott Horton is the director of The Libertarian Institute, host of the long-running Scott Horton Show, and one of the most prolific and respected voices in antiwar journalism today. With more than 5,000 interviews under his belt, Horton has spent the last two decades cutting through propaganda to expose the human and financial costs of U.S. foreign policy. He is the author of several essential books, including Fool’s Errand: Time to End the War in Afghanistan and Enough Already: Time to End the War on Terrorism. Known for his deep research, fearless questioning, and unmatched recall of facts, Scott has become a trusted source for those looking to understand the real motivations and consequences behind American military interventions. Horton’s work is driven by principle: a belief in nonintervention, human dignity, and accountability in government. Whether behind a mic or on stage, he brings clarity and moral courage to conversations that are too often ignored. ​​This debate was moderated by the Director of Young Voices Debates, Hekmat Matthew Aboukhater, and it took place at FreedomFest 2025 in Palm Springs, CA on Thursday, June 12th, 2025.