Social Democracy

Paper Summary:

The paper discusses democracy and states that democracy is the best form of political construction for both government and governance as there is no other system that is capable of guarding against authoritarian despotism and all the unfortunate characteristics that accompany it. The author of the paper feels it is fair to conclude that the desirability of democracy in developing countries is unquestionable but questions whether it is achievable. The paper thus focuses far more on whether democracy is achievable in developing countries rather than whether it is desirable. The paper states that there currently exists a growing number who consider democracy in any form to be abhorrent and this belief is often espoused by the proponents of Islamic fundamentalism. The paper then gives brief consideration to this issue and to the impact it has on the global spread of democracy. The paper concludes that a secure democracy is a positive basis on which to construct political and social life.

From the Paper:

"The fundamental tenets of social democracy, as laid down by Huber et al is I believe the base line of what we should consider to be fully a formed and sustainable democratic system. The question that logically follows from this must be, is social democracy in developing countries achievable? I believe that it is, provided that its emergence and progress is nurtured by a profound wish to improve the lives of ordinary people, a process that cannot be rushed. It is when such foundations are sacrificed in order to maintain the economic, strategic and political interests of the world's leading democracies that the process is impeded. Similarly, quick fix solutions, however well motivated are not the answer. The developed democracies have an opportunity to play an enormously positive role in the spread of social democracy in the worlds less fortunate nations, an opportunity that is being squandered."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Clapham, C. (1985) Third World Politics: An Introduction. London: Routledge.
• Diamond, L & Plattner, Marc. ed. (1996) The Global Resurgence of Democracy. Baltimore: John Hopkins.
• Gerard, D. (2000) Citizenship in a Global Age. Buckingham: Open University.
• Guardian Unlimited. (2005) Bush Admits Iraq Intelligence Was Wrong, http://www.guardian.co.uk/usa/story/0,,1667411,00.html, Date accessed 19/3/06.
• Halliday, F. (2003) Islam and the Myth of Confrontation. London: I.B.Tauris.

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