Charles Kupchan

TRANSCRIPT:

The fact that VOA is independent, that VOA is broadcasting both critiques of U.S. policy as well as support for U.S. policy in some ways showcases the heart of American democracy. And so I think to have the U.S. government try to shut it down because it sees it as working against American interests makes no sense. It is in America’s interests to both broadcast critical news to foreign populations and to broadcast that news in a way that reflects American values — the freedom, the independence of the press, and the importance of diverse and contrasting opinions.

Since the United States began life as a liberal democratic federation in 1789, [it] has been a model that other countries want to emulate. The United States has led by example, and to have a move that shuts down a very important instrument of demonstrating to the world the vibrancy of American democracy, the U.S., in my mind, is really scoring what we call an own goal, taking actions that damage American interests.

The world has become less free, less just. And as a consequence, I think the United States has to lean in to its founding mission, and that is spreading liberal democratic ideals, spreading and emulating liberal democracy, and modeling liberal democracy. And I think VOA has been doing that for decades and should continue to fulfill that mission.

Published August 6, 2025

Kupchan is now a professor of international affairs at Georgetown University. He served as senior director for European affairs on the National Security Council during the Obama administration and director for European affairs on the NSC during the Clinton administration.