How is Democracy working for you?
"As you stand on the Peak and look down across Central, Victoria Harbour, and Kowloon, it is worth remembering that democracy played no role in building all this."
The chant is always for democracy. The unquestioned mantra is that more democracy equals more freedom and prosperity. But is that the case? And what does democracy mean in any case? These are questions that went through my head as I escorted pro-democracy processions.
With my gregarious manner, I would take the opportunity to discuss these issues with the students or young people I was escorting.
"What sort of democracy do you want?"
"Like in the US or UK" would be a standard reply.
If time permits, I'd offer, "But one man, one vote, does not elect the US president. It's an electoral college system. The President could win but have fewer votes than his rival."
The perplexed looks this drew often indicated the conversation was over. What struck me first is the ignorance of how democratic systems work or evolve. Also, the blind assertion that once we get 'democracy', it solves all their problems is baffling. It's also plain naive.
Yet, it's a seductive notion. A simple theory. It is the perfect excuse for evading certain truths and omitting evidence.
There is a shorthand to the thought processes of these protesters: 'Democracy/ voice/ all is well'. They skip: 'How it works/ influence peddling/ fickle public opinion/ bad outcomes'; All that is too complex for those following slogans. However, understanding the complexities of democratic systems is crucial for making informed decisions and shaping the future.
Professor Francis Fukuyama points out that geography and climate have as much impact on a nation's economic success as its political institutions, whether democratic or otherwise. Given human behaviour's complex nature, it is impossible to attribute an outcome to a single factor. Thus, it's arguable that 'democracy' (in whatever form) will bring about the goal the Hong Kong protesters seek.
After all, as you stand on the Peak and look down across Central, Victoria Harbour, and Kowloon, it is worth remembering that democracy played no role in building all this. Sure, some off-shoot institutions helped, but the governance was colonial.
The track record of introducing democracy to post-colonial states is patchy at best. Yes, I know that Hong Kong is not a state like this. Yet, the nearest comparison is what happened in the post-colonial nations. Democracy has not brought good outcomes for most African States liberated from colonists.
Even when the departing British left behind a template based on the so-called 'mother of parliaments'. It's not working well in Afghanistan either. Nor is the system operating in Russia a shining example of democracy's best outcomes.
Nearer home, the Philippines struggles as corruption distorts any attempt to achieve good outcomes for the majority. The power of money and influence peddling is stark, with wealthy individuals and corporations often using their financial resources to influence political decisions and policies. While state institutions are weak in the face of strong leaders, further exacerbating the problem.
That's the point about democracy and probably its greatest weakness. It allows powerful forces with money and influence to capture the political process to the detriment of the majority. Fringe elements, often representing extreme or minority views, mobilised against the greater good have undue sway, hence the divisive outcomes of Brexit and the unexpected election of Trump.
Opinions are divided on what makes a democracy function well. Indeed, robust institutions that function according to the law are crucial. These act to counterbalance the demands of overzealous political entities.
On this basis, Hong Kong has indicators that suggest democracy could work here within our unique context. The indicators include strong institutions such as the Courts, the rule of law and a corruption-free police force. The ICAC and other agencies also play a role.
Nonetheless, vested interests will continue to wield influence in Hong Kong. Seeking to protect their businesses, leading current players would shift their influence peddling. Given their considerable resources, it's foreseeable that their influence, whilst less direct, will be significant. Thus, the existing centres of influence will remain intact.
So, democracy does not bring the nirvana the young protesters on the streets of Hong Kong seek.
February 2017
With my gregarious manner, I would take the opportunity to discuss these issues with the students or young people I was escorting.
"What sort of democracy do you want?"
"Like in the US or UK" would be a standard reply.
If time permits, I'd offer, "But one man, one vote, does not elect the US president. It's an electoral college system. The President could win but have fewer votes than his rival."
The perplexed looks this drew often indicated the conversation was over. What struck me first is the ignorance of how democratic systems work or evolve. Also, the blind assertion that once we get 'democracy', it solves all their problems is baffling. It's also plain naive.
Yet, it's a seductive notion. A simple theory. It is the perfect excuse for evading certain truths and omitting evidence.
There is a shorthand to the thought processes of these protesters: 'Democracy/ voice/ all is well'. They skip: 'How it works/ influence peddling/ fickle public opinion/ bad outcomes'; All that is too complex for those following slogans. However, understanding the complexities of democratic systems is crucial for making informed decisions and shaping the future.
Professor Francis Fukuyama points out that geography and climate have as much impact on a nation's economic success as its political institutions, whether democratic or otherwise. Given human behaviour's complex nature, it is impossible to attribute an outcome to a single factor. Thus, it's arguable that 'democracy' (in whatever form) will bring about the goal the Hong Kong protesters seek.
After all, as you stand on the Peak and look down across Central, Victoria Harbour, and Kowloon, it is worth remembering that democracy played no role in building all this. Sure, some off-shoot institutions helped, but the governance was colonial.
The track record of introducing democracy to post-colonial states is patchy at best. Yes, I know that Hong Kong is not a state like this. Yet, the nearest comparison is what happened in the post-colonial nations. Democracy has not brought good outcomes for most African States liberated from colonists.
Even when the departing British left behind a template based on the so-called 'mother of parliaments'. It's not working well in Afghanistan either. Nor is the system operating in Russia a shining example of democracy's best outcomes.
Nearer home, the Philippines struggles as corruption distorts any attempt to achieve good outcomes for the majority. The power of money and influence peddling is stark, with wealthy individuals and corporations often using their financial resources to influence political decisions and policies. While state institutions are weak in the face of strong leaders, further exacerbating the problem.
That's the point about democracy and probably its greatest weakness. It allows powerful forces with money and influence to capture the political process to the detriment of the majority. Fringe elements, often representing extreme or minority views, mobilised against the greater good have undue sway, hence the divisive outcomes of Brexit and the unexpected election of Trump.
Opinions are divided on what makes a democracy function well. Indeed, robust institutions that function according to the law are crucial. These act to counterbalance the demands of overzealous political entities.
On this basis, Hong Kong has indicators that suggest democracy could work here within our unique context. The indicators include strong institutions such as the Courts, the rule of law and a corruption-free police force. The ICAC and other agencies also play a role.
Nonetheless, vested interests will continue to wield influence in Hong Kong. Seeking to protect their businesses, leading current players would shift their influence peddling. Given their considerable resources, it's foreseeable that their influence, whilst less direct, will be significant. Thus, the existing centres of influence will remain intact.
So, democracy does not bring the nirvana the young protesters on the streets of Hong Kong seek.
February 2017
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