I also see you correctly can make the distinction between small “d” democracy and big “D” Democracy. That is a distinction which many liberals today often intentionally misuse to benefit their cause.
There is much debate over how the principles we espouse should be brought to bear in other territories, if at all. The tension between universal principles, geography, and culture make for a mess. I strongly believe that without the inculcation of virtue any pursuit of any disciplined self-government is vain. Alas, we’ve lately elected an administration sorely lacking in virtue.