The relationship between democracy, security and development is at the heart of global liberal governance. It has been enshrined by the UN as a guiding principle of international cooperation. At the same time it is hotly disputed. on the one hand by realists who argue that promotion of democracy conflicts with the requirements of security and unduly restrains the pursuit of national interest. On the other hand by radical critics who view it as an ideological fig-leaf for intervention by powerful international actors in the affairs of poor and vulnerable countries.