Distilling Democracy


Democracy is perhaps the buzzword of politics and foreign relations in the 20th century. More than any other political philosophy, democracy has thrived as an ideal after which nations both large and small, rich and poor strive. But despite the admirable, altruistic elements of democratic systems of government, democracy, on a practical level, has failed to live up to all it purports to be.

But the problem is not democracy itself. On paper, it works quite well. Rather, the corrupting influences endemic to so many democratic systems throughout the world have rendered it ineffectual and often times downright repressive.

Take for example, the United States. A cursory glance leaves the impression that all is well on the political scene. But this is far from the case. While hardcore corruption may be less visible in U.S. politics, various softcore versions of corruption are prevalent.

Just look at the current U.S. presidential race. With George W. Bush having already raised approximately $60 million in campaign financing, money has taken precedence over the qualifications of the candidates, and Bush has been all but guaranteed the Republican party nomination and looks poised to waltz into the White House. This is a corruption of democracy.

Then there is the question of the corrupting role of the media in American politics. A biased enterprise from the earliest years of U.S. history, media coverage of politics panders to sensationalism, latches on to non-critical "polarization" issues and creates a false aura of public consensus on candidates and issues. And citizens should take umbrage at the presumption that some media poll speaks for their political beliefs and leanings. Again, this is a corruption of democracy.

So if this is the case in the United States, where the economy is strong, coups are non-existent and public outlook is generally positive, then consider the mess that corruption of democracy creates in countries faced with more dire societal challenges.

Take Egypt. Everything from poverty to regional stability weigh upon on the prosperity of its citizens. But democracy, instead of being an effectual tool for change and reform, has become nothing more than an upper crust meal ticket, redeemable for $3 billion in U.S. foreign aid annually. And with outright corruption and authoritarian influence mucking up the system, the wheels of democracy have ground to a halt.

But once again this is no fault of the concept of democracy. In fact, were it not for the meddling of power hungry politicians and international pressuring, Egypt would most likely be run by capable, widely supported Islamists. But as was the case in Algeria in 1992, only "acceptable" forms of democracy are allowed to surface.

Of course it would be remiss to not mention Pakistan, where debate on the efficacy of democracy has come to the fore as a result of the coup. Some have argued that military rule is not so onerous given Pakistan's circumstances and that it could possibly be a viable alternative to the failed western ideal. But such arguments are reactionary.

Democracy has not failed in Pakistan; rather, corruption has succeeded. And without proper safeguards, this will continue to happen. Pakistani military officials are just as susceptible to bribes, extortion, greed and influence peddling as any civilian. But with guns, tanks and troops, military officials have perhaps a little too much control over how long their version of "just rule" will last. If General Musharraf can ferret out corruption and return the state to more even handed civilian rule, Pakistan will have realistic shot at bootstrapping its recovery. But if Musharraf becomes too accustomed to the halls of power, then he will have to show and prove that he has not simply moved from one ineffectual system to another.

Now this is not to say that democracy is the only viable, valid form of political rule. Au contraire. Muslims are well aware that better forms of governance have existed and should be pursued. But given the current state of world affairs, and the current leadership pool available, true democracy is perhaps the best alternative.

The task at hand is to make democracy all that it potentially can be. Safeguards must be implemented to keep corruption to a minimum. The United States is moving in the right direction by tackling campaign finance reform. Indonesia is on track with its 40+ political parties working to chart the course of the nation. And Iran is taking steps towards legitimacy as its reform movement makes politics there more transparent. It's a tall order to fill, but if these reforms of democracy can take hold, then maybe true civil justice will arise.

Ali Asadullah is the Editor of iviews.com


  Category: World Affairs
  Topics: Government And Politics, United States Of America
Views: 887

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