Should "Democracy" be spread like a disease, or should nations be able to choose their own form of governance?

Answer 1

Interesting...you suggest that "nations" choose their own form of government. Do you not agree with the writings of Jefferson, that governments derive their just powers from the consent of the governed? If the people do not choose their own form of government, it seems from your question that this is just fine with you...

Odd.

Answer 2

While I would like to see all nations be democracies realisticly that is not going to happen. The best we can do is set the example for others and be the role model for what other nations should aspire to be. Help them achieve that but on their terms and not on ours. Just as with religion people resent another's form of governence thrust upon them when not asked for. When resentment is strong any attempts to force a government or religion on others the task becomes much more difficult and may not work in the long run. Sometimes we must be patient to see even the slightest changes in other governments and accept with glee whatever positive changes they make. The dismanteling of the nuclear program in North Korea should be hailed as a great achievement toward peace and ultimate democracy. The North Koreans are actually thinking of an actual peace treaty rather than an armistice with their neighbor to the South. It may have taken 50+ years to get there but being there is the first step to ultimate unification of Korea just as unification of Germany took time but was worth the wait.

Answer 3

To attempt to spread Democracy to people who have voted and do not want the particular Democracy we are selling, is exactly opposite of what a true Democracy is! The problem is we are no longer actually a Democracy in the true sense of the word Some say that we are closer to a Theocracy right now which is quite funny since that is what Iran is who we supposedly want to bring Democracy to! See:

http://www.stutzfamily.com/mrstutz/WorldAffairs/typesofgovt.html

Answer 4

I think each country's leadership should be considered intelligent enough to form their own governance.

To me, the US sees democracy as a gift, but other countries see it as an imposition. They may or may not buy into the concept of democracy, but I find it funny that the US tries to turn other countries' governments into democracies, when the US isn't even considered to be a democracy anymore.

There are many cases where the US is seen as a bullying nation, and I can clearly see that. Your "disease" interpretation of this issue is quite on the mark to me, actually.

But then again, I'm one of the Americans who doesn't see the US as a perfect country, as a role model. I think we should step in to help solve other countries' problems and give aid, but I don't believe that we should try to turn other countries into another version of our own country, but just in another part of the world. We should pay more attention to our own issues here at home, rather than causing issues around the world.

Answer 5

I am sorry but this question makes no sense. Without democracy, how would a nation 'choose' anything?

You are correct (although I suspect unintentionally) that democracy is like an incurable disease. Once introduced, people like it so much it spreads like the plague. It is a disease that actually cures what ails you. Believe me, the germ of liberty scares the hell out of tyrants.

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Answer 6

It should spread like a disease, but like a disease you need an adequate host. The problem with Iraq was there really was not a big pro democracy movement in place to begin with. If the country that you are trying to bring democracy to doesn't show much of an urge to want to embrace democracy you will not get a country that is truely democratic.

Answer 7

To a large extent, the populations should choose their own form of governance.

However the USA and other responsible civilized nations can not stand idly by and witness genocide.

So, in instances like Iraq, where responsible nations have ousted the Tyrannical dictator...we must assure provisions are made in the newly evolving government, that the majority Shia population does not commit genocide upon the minority populations.

Answer 8

It's not democracy if it has to be forced on them. All nations should have a right to choose their form of government.

Answer 9

Your question is a logical contradiction. The only way the people of a country can pick what kind of government to have is to vote on it, and the only to do that is to have a democracy in the first place.

Answer 10

At this point in time, I would say that most people don't have a chance to choose. Can you think of one country that wouldn't choose Democracy?