The word ‘democracy’ is uttered with great reverence and universal acceptance. Hence, anyone in the West who dares to express a different view often runs the risk of being considered a person from the prehistoric age.
The many catastrophes that we have been witnessing around us these days, makes us wonder whether ‘democracy’ can ever be considered the ideal form of government. Would it universally fit all the different cultures and all the different countries of the world? No doubt, it is envisaged as the government of the people, by the people and for the people. Therefore, the success of democracy would very largely depend on the background of the people, especially in relation to the following two prime areas:
The prime factor is the in-built sense of discipline and patience inculcated into people through a proper educational background. For instance, it can never succeed in a society where it is not even feasible to make people stand in a queue for as simple a procedure as boarding an aircraft. Democracy cannot work where even the slightest exercise of orderly control to streamline a function leads to chaos and revolt.
Democracy indeed, has succeeded in most Western countries because of the standard of discipline that once prevailed in those countries through good educational and social upbringing. No matter what, this sense of discipline in their blood will continue to protect their democracies for many more years.
The second important component that is required for the success of democracy, is tolerance, especially towards those who are different the majority, and the maturity to accept and respect others as equals and to coexist, without spite and hatred. Discrimination existed in many of the known democracies today, and was once attributed to security and hygiene, however, most societies have now been mature and noble enough to eliminate such flaws, at least at the surface.
Democracy is not a ready-made garment that can universally fit all the different societies and cultures prevalent in the world today. Monarchy or oligarchy could be a more successful form of government, as it maintains much-needed law and peace in those parts of the world that are not exposed to literacy and civil discipline.
We have witnessed that the jubilant removal of certain dictators and disciplinarians in many countries has only ushered in a more terrible era of anarchy. Turmoil and bloodshed is common on a daily basis and continues to worsen day-by-day.
- The reader is an Indian training manager based in Dubai.
