Democratic Peace: Real or Imagined?

What is Westernized democracy?

Democracy as understood by Westernized principles is the theoretical solution to globalization and democratic peace.  Still there is much debate regarding a true and correct definition of democracy and the implications of freedom on an evolving democratic state.  The notion of democracy as having global applicability requires deep exploration considering the variant international personalities of states.  Realists often argue that war is inevitable and that if all countries are democratic they will still find something to disagree on.  Huntington’s “Clash of the Civilizations” lends support to this claim.  Arguably, democracy and globalization go hand in hand.  For a full democratic system to be employed across all nations, then there would be no reason for conflict as democracies do not fight other democracies according to the democratic peace theory.  According to this theory, though collective action, corruption is reduced and justice is further promoted.  Democracy is also credited with its ability to increase prosperity, protection, peace, and security.    To be more specific:  the more democracies in international relations, the more peace in the international society.  Additionally, through economic and political ties any disagreements would seemingly be curbed as not to disrupt a global system.  Yes, disagreements are inevitable, but war is presumably not in a fully democratic international society. 

The difference between developed and underdeveloped countries is further divided by social, cultural, and economic factors such as elitism (as a result of capitalism) and colonialism. If political culture and diversity are recognized as a critical components in shaping foreign policy goals, then states are more open to dialogue and communication that can lessen the prospect for conflict and enhance global integration. Through tolerance of diversity and shared values then it can be easily hypothesized that the Westernized democratic principles might come to fruition.

Yet, through our system of global trade, tariffs and sanctions restrict trade and create barriers to democratic peace.  Westernized “loose” notions that vaguely define democracy when coupled with these barriers leave developing states to illicit their own democratic policies, which in fact are often not viewed as democratic at all by Western Societies.  This provides evidence that while some countries are seeking democratic initiatives, with no real blueprint on what democracy is then they are often left to fend for themselves.  In this circumstance, it becomes much easier for the United States to proclaim that they are non-democratic States.  To the contrary, they are ready to pursue democracy; we are just unprepared to take the appropriate steps to show them the way.

Ignorance to acknowledge differences in culture and identity development make westernized democracy an infringement upon the principles of others with opposing views.  In Eastern societies, structure and order begins with the family unit and extends to the collective whole.  While governments and cultures may change, familial relationships are bound and strengthened by these changes. 

Lee Kuan Yew, the previous Prime Minister of Singapore states, “In the ultimate crisis….it is your human relationships that will see you through.”  These relationships cultivate a culture that is reliant on the family unit, and strives to preserve it by promoting order and peace.   In this light, Westernized principles of democracy undermine the potential for conflict as members seek stability and cumulative growth through the familial and social structure.

For democracy to flourish, order is fundamental.  A foreign policy that promotes democracy based on Westernized values essentially contradicts itself from Lee’s point of view.  While East Asian’s recognize that things are rapidly changing in their political and economic realm, Lee points out that their values and core beliefs will be something to which only they can preserve.  Modernization in technology and economic achievements are desired, but not so much by Westernized standards.  By allowing freedoms of choice without fully embracing Westernization, then change can occur within a culture that integrates peacefully all members of society.  Their choices are based, essentially, on a convergence of ideas that protects their cultural identity while at the same time seeking to “maximize opportunity (Lee)” as an individual and as a collective.  Stripping a state of its cultural roots and identities thus compromises its value systems.  

 Several aspects of Greek democracy are also exceptional deviants from Western democratic ideology. Political democracy was established as early as 8 B.C. in Athens, which cultivated an early sense of unity and citizenship within the country (U.S. Dept. of State 2008). Throughout time, warfare produced a weak economic and political state, yet against all odds strengthened its nationalism allowing for the spread of Greek influence and the preservation of its heritage. 

One of the biggest challenges of states and political systems is building community based on a common identity.  Greece defies this assertion as its unification and common identity is what defined its democratic ideology.  Having never achieved any real economic or political power, the Greeks pursued intellect and cultural preservation as a means of social equity.  Through cultural osmosis and adherence to cultural norms, they have maintained unity and nationalism. For example, 99 percent of the population speaks Greek, and 98 percent claim the Greek Orthodox religion (U.S. Dept. of State 2009).  Three thousand years of instability strengthened ties to cultural values and norms.  Resilience to years of challenges and instability bound the Hellenic society with their cultural heritage which has overshadowed political change.     The continuity of democracy for the Greeks was defined by its culture, which depends on ethics, tradition, and custom which form the basis for citizenship, society, and its political culture.   

 Like the Asian collective identity, the family in Greek society is extended to the whole of the Greek people, provided that they are supportive of the family unit.  This extended family unit provides the framework for the preservation of culture and tradition through education, tradition, language, and historical memories. Democracy is derived from the duties of citizenship.  Citizenship is the basis for political and social responsibilities based on the cultural message of preservation.  The transmission of Greek culture is viewed as a critical function of society in order for it to survive globalization.  With the transformation of society in the era of modernization, the structure of the family has also adjusted.  As the state changes in its organization, so too does the family. There is a reciprocal and mutual relationship between the two.

Costa Rica emphasizes democracy and human rights in its domestic and foreign policy.  The 2009 U.S. Department of State, Background Note: Costa Rica, cites its “political system has steadily developed maintaining democratic institutions and an orderly constitutional scheme for government succession.”  The stability of its political evolution has been attributed to its enlightened leadership, comparative prosperity, flexible class lines, educational opportunities, and avoidance of military involvement.  It has claimed a prestigious state in human rights as it has made it a priority in its foreign policy.    The Costa Rica Embassy notes that the ongoing policy of Costa Rica is “based in principles and values that lead the multicultural and multiethnic Costa Rican society such as peace, democracy, rule of law, disarmament, human rights, protection of the environment, and human development.” 

The United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) notes Costa Rica as “exceptional” due to its “clarity about its strategic objectives, the application of suitable national policy instruments, and the presence of solid institutions (U.S. Dept. of State: ECLAC Report, 2003).” Furthermore, it was Costa Rica who proposed the creation of the United Nations High Commissions for Human Rights. By maintaining its high profile in the international community it has held the advantage of the ability to influence the international community through good-will, promoting international norms and a high-level of human development.  It has the power to take a leading position of influence as it has been a fundamental asset in the formation of several international institutions such as the World Trade Organization and its involvement with the United Nations.   It has directly modeled itself in line with the goals of the United Nations and established its reputation with its ability to achieve the goals of a stable democracy, environmental conservation, successful human development, lack of an army, and an emphasis on human rights and security. 

 The United States Department of State proclaimed Costa Rica’s ‘record on the environment and human rights and advocacy of peace through the settlement of disputes gives it weight in world affairs far beyond its size.” The political evolution of Costa Rica has generated a successful democratic state unlike others in the global environment.  It’s ability to advocate peace, and exert influence through soft power based on its core values and principles have given it a remarkable international presence.  The peaceful nature of political leaders throughout history who supported their people and their claim to independence gave it an individualistic nature which separated it from other Latin American countries. As the political parties of the country continually shifted roles over time in the political limelight, it essentially balanced the liberal/conservative dispute, thus establishing a routine in which the country was ultimately able to achieve its goals.  But in spite of its achievements and international recognition as a ‘model’ for others to follow, can it be defined as a democratic state?

No.

The democratic theory, as defined by Westernized principles, promotes individual liberties and happiness based on equality and individual rights.  Second, it is committed to economic and political freedom.  This freedom will in turn promote peace, prosperity, and cooperation.  It rests on the expansion of free trade.  It ascertains that the world is better off when trade is free, human rights are honored, and self-determination is present in order for a state to be considered as democratic.  The final criteria, however, is what separates the West from the rest:  Modernization. 

 Free trade presumably leads to development and economic growth, increases in production through open market trade, creates peace through economic ties, and fosters prosperity by removing barriers to trade.  Through free trade, interaction and information sharing are present which allows for modernization to take effect.  Additionally, by creating interdependence through deepening economic ties, cooperation is less likely to be jeopardized.   Globalization as it is universally applicable promotes interest and facilitates effective functioning.  Through national self-determination, liberalism flourishes preventing control over people. Primarily, through collective global interactions democratic states can solve problems that they could not otherwise overcome. 

Democracy is a derivative of the Greek word “demos”, meaning “the people.”  Under the generic tenet of democracy, people can manage society collectively, and are able to participate in social decisions.  A lack of individualism and free capitalism, in summary, defies Westernized democratic principles.  Therefore, states that see themselves as democratic through human rights initiatives, freedom of peoples, and the practice of ideologies that motivate and mobilize citizens in order to achieve their political, economic, and social goals that lead to an improvement in social conditions and well-being are ostracized by the Westernized collective.  Ironically, it is the very states that maintain a sense of collective identity and nationalism that are cast out by the democratic community that so vigorously advocate collective integration for the advancement of peace and democracy.

Just as we would not compromise our political integrity, it is hard to imagine that anyone else would either.