In the March 9th issue of MacLean’s, the cover article, “The End of Democracy?”, points out that autocracies are on the rise around the world, and democracy is only prevailing in North America, Western Europe, and a handful of other countries. Whereby other countries may be looking to Russia and China as “success stories” for the fact that autocracy and economic success can coincide together. So here are some interesting observations from that article.
1. “Political freedom expands during prolonged periods of prosperity and contracts during regression or stagnation.” – Benjamin Friedman, Harvard University economist
This seems to make sense that when there’s a recession, people just want someone who can get them out of the recession. They are thinking less about capitalist and selfish desires and freedom per se, and more about the basic need for surviving – getting medicine, food, the basics. Something that autocratic leaders can capitalize on to get into power.
2. “’Exporting democracy’… describes a thing that cannot be. [It] is not a product that one consumes. It is a set of values, habits, expectations, and principles… So by its nature it cannot be exported.” – James Traub, director of policy, Global Centre for the Responsibility to Protect
Interesting. Just like you can’t have a “war on terror”, because terror is not a tangible person or thing (as my husband always says), you cannot export democracy. Traub believes that democracy cannot be forced, but it can be nurtured.
3. “…the best way Americans can spread democracy around the world is to be the best model of a working democracy that we possibly can.” – Peter Beinhart, senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations
This comment would be true for Canada as well. That said, wouldn’t Canada be a great representative? Our economy is doing better (for now), our healthcare system is better, our education system is better… so why did MacLean’s interview more American “experts” for this article than Canadians? If the US wants foreign autocracies to take note of a working democracy, they better get their economy, healthcare, and education system in better shape.
4. “Chinese are better off and more satisfied than ever, and value stability and security over democracy.” – Maurice Strong, former Canadian diplomat
So we are led to believe. That may be, but isn’t the stability and security false if you don’t believe you have the freedom to read what you want, think what you want, and write what you want, about your country? So they are plodding along, and some enjoy the material goods of capitalism. But can political autocracy and economic capitalism exist together?
5. “…Over time, more democratic societies seem to be more prosperous and therefore better trading partners and treaty partners.” – Thomas o. Melia, adjunct professor at Georgetown University and executive director of Freedom House
He argues that democratic countries need to promote democracy abroad, not just for the freedom of the people and to “fight terrorism”, but to have an economy. He clearly ties a strong economy to democracy.
So there are interesting and opposing views in this article. My conclusion? I believe in democracy and capitalism, but also believe in the role of government in social provisions like healthcare and education (yes, truly Canadian, aren’t I?). So I’m still skeptical of how autocracy and a strong economy can exist together. But perhaps I’m being naïve and China will show the world how this is done…
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