Democratisation and European illusions

Angela Merkel said something that infuriated me the other day.

The BBC World quoted her as saying that the Germany and other western European countries endured a long and arduous struggle to reach the level they are at in terms of democracy and human rights, also referring to Europe's 'culture' of human rights. She referred to something along the lines of 'blips' along the way further contributing to progression along this path.

Something very closely along those lines, anyway.

If these comments aren't downright outrageous in their detachment from history then they are no doubt very problematic.

A few problems:

Illusion 1: Democracy means respect for human rights.

e.g. see foreign policy of US and UK invasion of Iraq, France's support of the genocidal Rwandan regime of 1994, increasingly draconian and anti-democratic anti-terror laws in this country. And hello Ms Merkel, how soon we have forgotten the Nazi genocide! Only 60 years ago, that's nothing when juxtaposed to modern history.

Illusion 2: Democracy is the goal

Rather is one of the means to achieve the ultimate goals of peace, stability and prosperity.

Illusion 3: Democracy within your borders translates to sound foreign policy

See devestation foreign policy of Israel, US and UK amongst others.

Illusion 4: Are our societies democratic anyway?

How can we in the UK call ourselves democratic when political protest is largely neutered, our system is two party and voting for alternatives is discouraged because it is considered 'pointless', corruption investigations are stopped by the PM for obvious reasons and our system so unrepresentative?

Illusion 5: Democracy, once achieved, is permanent.

In fact Democracy is fragile and is constantly challenged by the authoritarian nature of the governing structures, statesmen, bourgeois and religious leaders. In face of a multitude of challenges it need constant protection and regular bolstering.


So shut it Merkel!