World Democracy?

[newtron]

Part of Bush's stategy in fighting the war on terrorism is to spread democracy throughout the world.  Bush acts like he is doing the world a favor and that we are helping people by liberating them.  Assuming that Bush's apparent motivations (to help people) are sincere (of course, that's a whole different debate), do you think it is right for the US to go around trying to force democracy on other countries?  Do you think everybody in the world wants democracy?  The obvious example is Iraq.  Do you think Iraq will ever be a true democracy?  Do you think that democracy would ultimately be good for Iraq as a country and for the wold as a whole? 

[andy hughes]

I must admit i am wary of the notion that everyone loves democracy as much as America. there are 20-plus Emmerates, none of them are democracies, so you wonder if the Arab temprement actually likes this form of government. Whether or not, I don't agree with forcing a system of government on any country - but it's getting to be a habit. I remember the lessons of Viet Nam, despite not being either American, or a member of the US Government of the time - why don't they?

[camille79]

I think on a previous thread someone commented that democracy only works with an educated public and that really stuck with me!  When it comes down to it, there are very few countries where the majority of people know exactly what they are voting for.  I know I don't!

[tartanwiz]

It has been said that democracy cant work in a crisis, and poor countries are in a constant state of crisis.  The only way democracy and political stability could work in a Third World or Middle East country would be if living standards were high.  I don't think high living standards are Bush's main concern, though.  His idea of democracy means loyal to America.  Or maybe I'm just cynical.

[archbishop]

It can be argued that though Democracy ( from the Greek word 'Demos' meaning common people ) is commonly associated with voting someone into a position of power. It can also be a social condition of equality and respect for the individual within the community.

[Pinotage]

Bush didn't invade Iraq to bring democracy - he did it to secure oil supplies. A long term ally in that region is Saudi Arabia - thats no democracy and the US has supported them without mentioningtheir undemocratic ways.

 

The US has funded and actively brought down democracies and replaced them with dictatorships when it suited them, e.g. Chile Allende and Pinochet.

 

The US wants Iraqs oil and will only allow a government that will let them have it. If democracy brings another government, expect that the US will change it. :)

[newtron]

Yes, I agree Pinotage.  I based the question on the assumption that Bush was doing it to help the people of Iraq as he has said over and over again.  Supposedly, we are "liberating" the people of Iraq and they are all so happy to have us there.

[kempie]

Democracy sounds good in theory but I can't think of a single instance of true democracy anywhere in the world.

The US seems to operate more of an oligarchy (def. Government by a few, especially by a small faction of persons or families) and the populace get to vote which of the faction becomes President.

[ianess]

I never was and never will be a fan of the now `Lady` Thatcher but I do agree with her comment that just because the majority want something, that in itself doesn`t make it right.

Democracy seems to suit some cultures and not others.  There are alternatives but are they better or worse? 

 How does one choose? 

 By a democratic vote?