In his essay here (https://theloop.ecpr.eu/how-to-overcome-democratic-gridlock/), Pablo Ouziel states:
"Today, our ability to imagine democratic futures is diluted, and narrow perspectives on democracy are presented as universal. Such a state of affairs [...] calls for a conversation among democratic traditions that emphasises diversity and reciprocity."
From my perspective, a key to emphasising diversity and reciprocity, as Ouziel puts it, is to carefully describe the thousands of different manifestations of "democracy" (
We not only know many different manifestations of democracy, but above all, each of us has our own subjective and often idealized imagination of democracy, which we then confront with the reality in which we live. The most important thing for democracy is to establish a catalog of its permanent and inalienable features. The DNA of democracy. Such code cannot be diluted.
The statement "Today, our ability to imagine democratic futures is diluted" suggests that we are currently facing challenges in envisioning and creating democratic societies that reflect the values and aspirations of the people. There are several factors that could contribute to this phenomenon.
In the context of African countries, the ability to imagine democratic futures may also be diluted due to a variety of historical, political, and social factors.
One of the key challenges facing many African countries is the legacy of colonialism and its impact on the development of democratic institutions. Many African countries were only granted independence in the mid-20th century, and the legacy of colonialism has had a lasting impact on political and economic systems, including the development of democratic institutions. This legacy has made it difficult for African countries to build democratic systems that are truly representative and responsive to the needs of their citizens.
Additionally, many African countries have experienced political instability, authoritarianism, and conflict, which have further eroded the ability to imagine democratic futures. This has created a cycle of distrust and cynicism towards democratic institutions, which can make it difficult to build a sustainable and inclusive democracy.
Other factors that could contribute to the dilution of the ability to imagine democratic futures in African countries include economic inequality, corruption, and the erosion of civil liberties. These issues can limit the participation of citizens in the democratic process, undermine the legitimacy of democratic institutions, and create a sense of apathy and disengagement among the population.
Despite these challenges, there have been notable successes in building democratic institutions and promoting democratic values in many African countries. For example, several African countries have held successful democratic elections and made progress towards greater political participation and freedom of speech. Moving forward, it will be important for African countries to continue to prioritize the development of democratic institutions and create a more inclusive and equitable democratic system that reflects the needs and aspirations of all citizens.
Jean-Paul Gagnon
Am in support of Janusz Ruszkowski , with respect to the DNA of democracy.
Yet every man (and woman) has a property in his (her) own person; this nobody has any right to but themselves. Richard Lyons, The DNA of Democracy
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