Democracy I: What is the point?

A number of thoughts on democracy were sparked while conducting a seminar on democratic peace theory at the University of Dar es Salaam. Among the questions from the students was why democracy should be introduced if the people were already happy? Is democracy something worth striving for in itself? Does democracy really create peace and prosperity? These are difficult questions that deserve much space, and I thought I would present some ideas as a series on the Open Forum.

Democracy is in the West one of those holy concepts that we seek to achieve without asking why. It is therefore seen as an end good enough to strive for without asking too many questions. It has for a long time been considered an end worth spending billions of dollars a year in development aid for, and more recently it is also considered worth starting wars for. But perhaps we are making a mistake by not questioning the concept of democracy once in a while. I would therefore like to start the democracy debate by presenting an alternative interpretation of democratisation not as an end in itself but as a means to a different end.

First, we must ask why the process of democratisation took place in Europe and North America, later in Asia, and now to a limited extent in Africa and South America? Was it because everyone suddenly realised the importance of the democratic ideals? No really! It seems to me that true democracy is something that slowly grew as previously sidelined classes and genders gained in economic importance and power. The middle classes were allowed into the political process as the agricultural societies started to change and early industrialisation essentially made them responsible for the welfare of the state. The working classes and women were of course allowed into the political process even later, but the importance of a large workforce in industrialised countries in combination with political education made these groups not only vital to the welfare of the state, but aware of that position, and thereby empowered.

As such, democracy has a place within the history of liberal market capitalism, as a means to keep the productive citizens happy, involved and thus in order. Democratisation is thus a way to ensure effective management of economic development – the result of early economic development and a catalyst for the final stages of economic development into effective market economy. I sound frightfully much like a Marxists who would argue that democracy is simply a way to keep the proletariat under control in order to increase the profits of the bourgeoisie. Although I share some of Marx’s historical views of capitalism I see it as a force for good rather than as a tool of exploitation. A large happy middle class is good for society and its citizens, and not a sign of oppression.

What is the point of this argument? Again, I seem to push for pragmatism rather than humanitarianism. When seeking to spread democracy around the globe, which has been the main aim over the last 50 odd years, the moral arguments are compelling but not enough. It must be made clear that the purpose of democracy is to maintain a well-oiled societal machinery and economic development by providing for a happy hardworking citizenry.

Thus, when promoting democracy it is therefore important to understand its mechanisms and to be pragmatic rather than idealistic. Human beings are no good hearted idealists who really want the best for everyone – we are pragmatic survivalists and will agree to change if we can see the personal benefit of it! How was the West democratised? How has the Far East been democratised? How will China finally open up? Through market demands!

Next time - Democracy II: A must for economic development?

(c) Robert Egnell