Former U.S. Ambassador to the Netherlands Shefali Razdan Duggal / Wikimedia commons

Indian-origin former U.S. Ambassador to the Netherlands Shefali Razdan Duggal has drawn on her own immigrant journey to defend democratic values, political civility and transatlantic partnerships, warning that growing polarisation and contempt for political opponents threaten the foundations of democracy.

In a keynote address at a Netherlands America Foundation event in Washington DC, Razdan Duggal said her family's experience embodied the promise of the United States and the opportunities available to immigrants who embrace public service and civic engagement.

"My family came to this country when I was a young child.....for the promise of its potential.....a country based on meritocracy," she said.

"I was raised by a single mom, who worked two minimum wage jobs to support us. Nothing was handed to me. I played by the rules, I overworked and overperformed at every turn.....and, because of the miracle of the possibilities in the United States, I personally witnessed dust turn into gold."

Razdan Duggal , who served as the 72nd U.S. ambassador to the Netherlands, said her story reflected the broader strength of America.

"And, I am not unique. That is the greatness of this country," she said.

She praised immigrants and ordinary citizens for contributing to American society and democratic institutions.

"I have seen America at its best.....in everyday people, in government and military.....In immigrants who choose this country again and again. In students who still believe public service matters. In citizens of every stripe who continue showing up for their communities," she said.

Much of her speech focused on the challenges facing democratic societies across the world. She warned that social media, political tribalism and growing hostility between opposing viewpoints were weakening public discourse.

"We are living through challenging times.....across many democracies.....where polarization increasingly dominates public life," Razdan Duggal said.

"Social media rewards outrage over reflection. Political discourse can feel more performative than thoughtful. And.....too often, disagreement is treated as a moral failure."

She added: "Partisanship may deliver short-term victories. But contempt is not a governing philosophy. It is not a sustainable foundation for democracy."

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Calling for a return to mutual respect, Razdan Duggal said democracies thrive when citizens remain committed to one another despite political differences.

"No political party has a monopoly on patriotism, wisdom, compassion or love of country," she said.

"Democracy requires argument. And, it also requires grace."

She urged leaders to prioritise trust-building over division.

"We need leaders willing to lower the temperature rather than inflame it. Citizens willing to listen.....communities willing to rebuild trust," she said.

Razdan Duggal also highlighted the enduring relationship between the United States and the Netherlands, describing it as a partnership rooted in shared democratic values.

"Because the relationship between the United States and the Netherlands is beyond geopolitical. It is civilizational," she said.

"It is anchored in a belief that democracy, human dignity, freedom of expression, equality, rule of law and human rights are worth defending."

Reflecting on the future of democratic societies, Razdan Duggal said younger generations were increasingly questioning whether democratic institutions could still deliver results.

"They are asking whether democracies can still solve problems. Whether leaders can still act with integrity. Whether political opponents can still treat one another with dignity. Whether institutions still deserve trust," she said.

"The answers we give.....through our behavior, through our leadership and through our example.....will shape far more than elections. They will shape the democratic culture that future generations inherit."

Razdan Duggal was nominated by President Joe Biden and served as U.S. ambassador to the Netherlands from 2022 to 2025. During her tenure, she frequently highlighted the importance of democratic alliances, human rights and transatlantic cooperation.

The Netherlands America Foundation, established in 1921, promotes educational, cultural and business ties between the United States and the Netherlands. The organisation has long served as a platform for strengthening one of the world's oldest and most enduring democratic partnerships. 

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