Section A27: On Democracy
Democracy, it is said, is a precondition of the truly humane life; the absolutely best political system that human beings have ever tried. But what is democracy, we might ask? Is it the same as voting--from time to time--and shopping in the period in-between? What are the threats to a democratic way of life?
Is democracy Western; good for us and not suitable to the non-American, non-European "others?" Can we "export" democracy to, say, Iraqis, like we do MacDonald's or Hollywood productions? Are revolution or war viable paths to democracy? Isn't it the economic prosperity--capitalism--that will finally bring democracy to the whole "global village?"