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Plenary
Discussion II: Democracy and Development
Chair:
Izumi Nakamitsu Lennartsson (Head of Planning, International
Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance, Japan)
Presenters: Jung Ok Lee (Professor, Taegu Catholic University,
Korea),
Omar Noman (Deputy Director, Human Development Report Office,
UNDP, Pakistan),
Surin Pitsuwan (Member of Parliament and former Foreign Minister,
Thailand),
George Soros (Chairman, Open Society Institute and Soros Fund
Management, U.S.)
According
to Chairperson, Izumi Nakamitsu Lennartsson, the objective
of this plenary discussion on the relationship between democracy
and development is to try to identify aspects of the debate
needing further elaboration. One is the issue of “ Asian values”
which gives leaders justification not to democratize for fear
of stifling economic development. Empirically, democracies
have achieved economic growth, but both the percentage of
poor people are on the rise and there is a wider class gap.
Apparently, the formal components of democracy, such as civil
rights, free elections, and the establishment of democratic
institutions are not sufficient to promote sustainable development.
Another is the need for external actors’ strategic engagement
in order to strengthen democracy.
Summary
of presentations:
Omar
Noman
There has
been a gradual shift in the inherently suspicious view of democracy
as an impediment to economic growth. However, Korea is an exemplary
state, demonstrating that sustainable economic growth may be
achieved under democracy. In South Asia, countries such as India
and Sri Lanka, in contrast to Pakistan, also stand as examples
of democratic states achieving economic growth. At the same
time, democracy is also consolidating in countries that have
historically suffered from instability. There
are four types of democratic deficits: unfavorable democracies,
growing social injustice, democratic authoritarianism, and the
influence of money on politics. Unfavorable democracies are
characterized by the exclusion of minorities within the electoral
process. Deepening poverty and wider class gaps generate growing
social injustice. Democratically elected leaders sometimes act
in an authoritarian manner within a democratic society. Even
in highly developed democracies, corporate power is exerting
enormous influence over the democratic process.
Jung
Ok Lee
Terrorism,
militarism, corruption, fundamentalism, racism, and patriarchy
all weaken democracy. Even though we recognize that democracy
is a precondition for development, why do undemocratic rules
and cultures remain? There is a growing gap between social
elites and ordinary people. There is also a gap between endogenous
democracy and exogenous democracy. The latter refers to countries
that where democracy has been imposed from outside, while
endogenous democracies are those where democracy emerged from
within. Democracy requires a cooperative and nurturing system.
Only through expansion and strengthening of democracy can
the world be improved. Only through mutual concern and encouragement
can we develop democratic personalities. Non-governmental
organizations should be responsible for human development,
which in turn should move in tandem with socio-economic development.
Security can be achieved through democracy.
Surin
Pitsuwan
“Democracy
is a middle aged man, full of life” but going through a crisis.
There are three models of development: socialism, full-open
democracy, and a strong state with a semblance of democratic
institutions. All three models are now irrelevant with the
advent of globalization. All three models are converging.
People are demanding participation. Every individual is asking
for his or her own proper role. Support, encouragement, and
the lowering of trade barriers will strengthen democracy.
Through cooperation, partnership, and transfer of technology,
we can push forward emerging democracies.
George
Soros
Mr. Soros
wants the Community of Democracies to move the discussion
from analysis to action and suggested a three-part program
as part of an Appeal to Governments. First, only the countries
that meet the criteria of the Warsaw Declaration should be
included in the Community of Democracies. Second, bilateral
development assistance should be given only to democratic
governments except in cases of humanitarian crises. Aid to
non-democracies is very likely to be squandered and may also
be counter-productive by helping to keep these authoritarian
regimes in power. Punitive measures should be limited. The
global community should use financial and political support
to reinforce countries moving toward democracy. As stated
in the Warsaw Declaration, democracies should work together
to strengthen democracy where it has begun to take root.
The plenary
discussion on democracy and development concluded with comments
and questions from the audience. The questions centered around
the criteria, process, and evaluation of democratic states
with respect to inclusion into the Community of Democracies.
Also, monitoring of assistance to countries is necessary in
order to insure those in need receive the intended aid.
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