In this conversation with RevDem editor Ferenc Laczó, Shadi Hamid – author of the new book “The Problem of Democracy: America, the Middle East, and the Rise and Fall of an Idea” – addresses democratic dilemmas that cannot be wished away; explains how he distinguishes between liberalism and democracy and why he proposes a democracy-first strategy; assesses the democratic record of Islamist political movements and parties; and discusses how the US could use its leverage in the Middle East to support or even foster democratic change.