Aristotle - Interdisciplinary Studies and Global Problems

According to Aristotle’s analysis of democracy, “the rule of the majority could be just, but only to the extent that the law is hardened by the desires and virtues of the minority.” (Skocpol, 2013). American political theorists have recently established the ideals of self-governance while highlighting the need for adherence to a constitutional system as a means of reining in people’s free will, actions, and behaviors. (Giddens, 2013). Without considering the relative benefits and drawbacks of democratic governments, observers from various parts of the world seem more optimistic about absolute democracy today. As for the pieces of evidence provided by Zakaria (2007) in his book “The Future of Freedom” it is evident that ”democracy has not always fulfilled its promises.”

The argument according to Zakaria (2007) means that the pursuit of more democratic processes in both private and public institutions has increasingly become detrimental to people’s liberty, life and happiness. Furthermore, most people suffer from ”too much democracy” because the results of such ideologies have always been characterized by the emergent of ”illiberal democracies,” ”degeneration of better systems,” and greater displeasure with the current political systems (Giddens, 2013). For example, achieving full democracy in the United States has become difficult. According to the American Diplomat, Richard Holbrooke, regarding the 1996 Bosnian elections, democratic processes have seen people put in power separatist, racists, and fascists. In most cases, people elect or re-elect leaders who lack the capacity to protect the constitutional rights of citizens. The failures on the part of the government to safeguard the interests of the citizen have led to many political uprisings and wars such as those witnessed in the United States, Middle East, Libya, Egypt, Ghana, and Kenya (Giddens, 2013). It has become difficult for political thinkers to predict if Middle East countries that are shifting from authoritarian regimes will be able to restore democracy and practice the ”rule of majority” (Skocpol, 2013).

Democracy is limited to political ideologies and therefore, cannot be used to pursue economic growth. The fact that political bureaucracies characterize the process means that it makes formulation and implementation of policies difficult. However, governments can still strengthen their democratic processes by (1) respecting the rights and political decisions of the majority (2) supporting civil societies and the interests of the minority groups and (3) allowing multiparty democracy.

References

Giddens, A. (2013). The third way: The renewal of social democracy. John Wiley & Sons.

Skocpol, T. (2013). Diminished democracy: From membership to management in American civic life (Vol. 8). University of Oklahoma press.

Zakaria, F. (2007). The future of freedom: Illiberal democracy at home and abroad. New Delhi: Penguin Books.