POL214Y1 : POL201REVIEW.docx
Document Summary
Main argument: democracy is not necessarily good; real democracy is hardly widespread. Democracy is becoming less democratic, hence, it is not here to stay. Five part argument (1) democracies are value neutral. Nothing more than institutions that translate the will of the majority; If the will of the majority is good, than the outcome will be good (vice-versa); Democracy is nothing more than an electoral system (thin definition) because that is what is being propagated around the world; democracy cannot be exported, elections can; : hitler was elected. (2) democracy emerges as a capstone to economic development. Low birth rates. (3) moral argument retreat. Democracy does not produce security, prosperity or stability - it has no instrumental value. Hence, we retreat to moral arguments to defend it: Freedom; self-determination; voice; participation; human rights; etc. (4) democracy is not here to stay. Major argument: a world government is emerging - real power rests with large corporations that have armies .
