Award-winning documentary maker John Pilger suggests that, far from bringing democracy to the world as it claims, the US is doing its best to stifle its progress.

Talking exclusively to American government officials, including agents who reveal for the first time on film how the CIA ran its war in Latin America in the 80s, Pilger argues that true popular democracy is more likely to be found among the poorest in Latin America, whose movements are often ignored in the West.

The Guardian UK:

The War on Democracy:
A Film by John Pilger

America likes to talk about "spreading democracy", but in his latest film John Pilger argues that the US is actually stifling its progress. The War on Democracy shows that the principles of democracy can be found more readily among the poorest people of Latin America than anywhere near the corridors of the White House. It features an exclusive interview with Hugo Chávez and Pilger also speaks to former US government officials who claim the CIA waged covert wars in Latin America. Through this film, Pilger conveys his central belief in the enduring power of the people.

John Pilger will be answering questions on democracy and Latin America on Comment is free today. Post your questions here.

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www.guardian.co.uk

Besides posting the video on their website, the Guardian is also offering a free download