The idea is that democracy is not only a series of decisions, rituals and the montage of a whole structure. In old democracies, behind the whole democratic process there are experiences, a history, a culture and an acute sharp sense of citizenship plus a rather acceptable economic stability preventing bribery etc.
The fear is that, in countries of democratic transition, where citizenship is not developed, justice is not independent, economic disparities are sharp and capital is corrupt, the functioning of democracy such as voting etc. is carried on but, in terms of practice, on the ground, things could look like what some call it "the democracy of donkeys, just a façade, an appearance". What do you think about that?
Probably, but adapted responsibly to the needs of that society. Many poor countries suffer from the continued threat of the military and corruption, but a constitution, while not eliminating the problems may be able to overcme many of the issues. UK is the only democracy that has no institution because its democracy was attained through historical and cultural experience, but these are acquired not prescribed.
My empirical experience of about 40 years, travelling across 475 Indian districts out of 660, and having extensive exposure to these rural and urban areas for field works suggests that democracy is not at all a feasible (viable) system of governance in countries with high poverty and illiteracy. Kings, monarchs, rich people and powerful people have become the corrupted politicians under such democracy, which is simply a luxury. Exceptions are there like the present Indian PM and a very small rare minority like him. Of course, as I have read world history in details, dictatorship can never be a substitute for it. So, what system works better is not in sight still now. Dr. Buddhadeb Ghosh, ISI Kolkata, and www.omegist.com, [email protected]
Based on your given data, these circumstances are genetically connected to corruption, very high unemployment rates, conspiracies, foreign fundings, etc. therefore, democracy and its set up are kind of accessories!!
Bassel Diab Hello,
These are questions I raised but I do not have any position yet. By no means, I believe that social behaviour has any gentic explanation. All huamans have the same genes and are equal wherever they are.
Buddhadeb Ghosh Thank you for your testimony. What to do? Are there any alternatives.
Thank you Dr. Zied. I forgot to mention that I have had enough of experiences- both real life and textbook- with Communism. In West Bengal (an Indian state on the Eastern side), the Communist Party came to power in 1977, and closed all industries, terrorized the people, the Party members ruled supreme; the State Govt was Party's slave; they captured schools, colleges, universities, social organizations, everything; they made the life of the farmers miserable; the Party members became millionaires in a short period; they stopped the music, films, all cultural programs and history; those who did not support them, their identity cards were forcibly seized; they reiged all the elections from 1977 to 2011; they closed all English medium schools but the leaders' children went to selective international schools; West Bengal was a pioneering state in India in terms of culture, industry, education, job etc. upto 1960s. They made it a Hell. They used to say China and Mao were their parents. Hinduism is a lie. Today West Bengal has become one of the most backward states. My Ration Card (till then citizenship identity) was seized in my village, so I had to leave my childhood village.
The same trend is continued in West Bengal, although the ruling party has changed. But all politicians are f----, t----, loooooo, ioooooo--------
Marxism was my special paper in Economics Honours.
So imagine what is happening in China! Therefore, there is no relationship between Marxism and Communism.
Finally, I must say that in educated societies even with some degree of poverty, democracy is the only option till today. As I see at this stage of my wisdom moving across India and the world, and publishing research papers and popular articles, and keeping my mind and eye windows open, the whole world is in chaos. There is no respectable system of governance in foreseeable future.
Buddhadeb Ghosh Thanks for the documents. Your contribution to the debate is very interesting.
Unfortunately it is true, without the right conditions democracy does not exist.
Yes, a competitive democracy requires education, no poverty, a flawless incentive and penalty system, good governance and strict unbiased Police which is impossible to imagine in Asia, Africa, eastern Europe and Latin America. If there are widespread poverty and mass illiteracy, democracy ultimately becomes a Chaplin's Circus. The leaders buy the votes, buy the judicial and Police. Justice vanishes in such a system. Still, India has been continuing for 7 decades simply because the "tolerance" of Indian people is enormously high.
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