12 of 50

Write now Article Tools

Every nation, newly-democratic or non-democratic nation in the world, has reasons why democracy "won't work" there. However, as always, one must consider what exactly is being suggested. When one debates whether "democracy" is the best method of governance for every country, there are three major parts of the question: What is democracy? What is needed for governance? What do we mean by "every" country?

In its simplest form, democracy simply means rule by the people. In the western world. we are obsessed with the idea of voting. By voting, we, the people, express our will and determine government action. However, it is preposterous to believe that the western model of mass voting is the only means by which the people can rule. Other models, such as communal and participatory democracy, can be imagined and could, theoretically, work. Moreover, the western heritage is a tradition of almost neurotic individualism, even in its most authoritarian branches. Many other cultures have a much stronger sense of community or tribal identity and, therefore, the idea of millions of individuals each privately forming opinions to create an abstract governing collective is, in every sense of the word, alien.

Democracy must be understood as sovereignty of the people; the people being the legitimate and rightful residents of a nation. Democracy, therefore, is obviously the best method of governance for any nation, unless one is prepared to say that a nation-group is not its own best master. Perhaps a British colonialist in 1898 might have thought that, but such opinions have been widely abandoned, or at least, appear to have been.

Western democracy obviously is not best for every country because not every country is Western. Not every community needs or wants a jury-trial system where the laws are based on "certain inalienable rights" that include the right to property, but not certain tribal or religious rights. While some may argue that these societies have flawed value systems, the fact remains that western democracy will not achieve order, or provide stability, or even allow genuine popular sovereignty of nations, where the culture is hostile towards secular/individualist western values. In such countries, modified democracy is required: democracy designed to root in and derive its legitimacy from existing communal and social institutions. It must be rule by the people; not by a pro-Western elite, not by multinational corporations, not by foreign militants seeking recruitment, not by superstition, but by the people.

Given time without interference, democracy will prevail. People will self-govern, good sense will prevail and good sense recognizes the basic premise, that a people should rule themselves. Democracy, the rule of the people, is indeed the best method for every country, but not every country need have the same kind of democratic method; they need only have some kind of democratic method.

Learn more about this author, Lyman Stone.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about Why democracy is or isn't the best method for every country?
We want to hear your view. Write now!