Democratization
Democratization is the process through which a government transitions to a democratic system, where the people govern themselves, typically through elected representatives. This journey can occur gradually, through social movements, or via more abrupt methods such as revolutions. The term "democracy," derived from the ancient Greek word "demokratia," emphasizes the role of the common people in governance. Historically, the earliest examples of democracy are often linked to ancient Athens, although other forms of self-governance have existed across different cultures, such as the Iroquois Confederacy. Modern democracy is characterized by key features, including regular elections, the right to vote for all eligible citizens, and fundamental freedoms such as speech and press. While many view democracy as a desirable form of governance, the path to achieving it can be complex and influenced by both internal desires and external pressures. Notably, the 20th century saw significant advances in democratic principles globally, even as recent trends indicate challenges and a decline in democratic practices in certain regions. Despite these setbacks, the principles of democracy remain influential and continue to inspire movements worldwide.
On this Page
Democratization
Democratization is a process by which a government moves from any other system of governance to democracy. Democracy is a form of government in which the people govern themselves. This is usually accomplished by a majority of the people electing representatives of their own choosing to make laws for the benefit of all. Democratization can take place in several ways. These include a gradual process of change from within, through some form of upheaval or revolution, and through outside influence.
Background
The Greeks established the word demokratia, which meant "popular government." This word in turn was a composite of two other Greek words, demos and kratos. Demos originally meant "district" and came to be used to refer to "common people." Kratos meant "rule" or "strength." The word "democracy" as it is now known came into use in Middle French in the fourteenth century.
The world's first democracy is usually considered the city-state of Athens in ancient Greece around the sixth through the fourth centuries BCE. Some areas of India include accounts of democratic rule from an earlier time in their historical tradition. However, these were not associated with the term democracy and are therefore not usually seen as the earliest examples.
In contemporary times, democracy is usually seen as a form of government in which the leaders are chosen by the majority of the people through regularly scheduled elections. This responsibility to choose leaders is shared by most people of legal age, power transitions peacefully from one elected official to another, and elected officials then reach majority decisions on laws that affect those who elected them. However, it took many centuries to reach this definition, and this has generated much debate over which is the longest existing democracy.
For example, when the Vikings moved through northern Europe in the ninth and tenth centuries, they often set up legislative bodies known as parliaments. A parliament is a body of representatives responsible for forming laws for the people they represent. The parliament of Iceland, known as the Althingi, was established in 930 CE; as a result, Iceland is often said to be the oldest parliamentary democracy.
The indigenous Iroquois in North America, also known as the Six Nations Confederacy, can claim to be a participatory democracy with people having equal say. The history of the Six Nations can be traced back more than eight centuries; their system of nation-states that are self-ruled in many ways but bound together for their common good is said to have influenced American founding father Benjamin Franklin in drawing up the federal system used in American democracy.
At more than two centuries old, the United States of America is one of the oldest modern forms of democracies in existence. However, many political scientists say the first true democracy was not established until 1906, when Finland became the first nation to allow its citizens of all races and genders to vote. Previously, women, slaves, and some others were not allowed to vote.
In addition to the right to vote by secret ballot for elected representatives that is nearly universal for all citizens of legal age (those who have committed certain crimes are sometimes excluded), there are other hallmarks usually evident in a democracy. These include a set of written documents that outline the structure of the government, open competition for elected office in a multiparty system, freedom of speech, freedom to worship, and freedom of the press. This includes the right to be critical of elected officials, subject to the bounds of laws that pertain to slander and liable (making false statements either verbally or in writing).
Overview
Democracy is often seen as a desirable form of government because it gives people a combination of power and freedom that is not found in other forms of government. Those who live under another system often seek some of the benefits of a democracy. The process by which an entire nation or culture moves from another form of government to a democracy is known as democratization.
In some cases, the people of a nation decide on their own that they wish to change to a democracy. By mutual choice or at the insistence of the people, legislators pass laws that remove authority from a monarch or other governing official and grant more power to the people. Sometimes the rulers themselves institute this process, although these governments may only have the appearance of a democracy. Other times, the people petition and are granted rights in a long, gradual process. This was the case as Great Britain changed from a full monarchy to democratic rule by a parliament.
Countries have also been democratized by force. Sometimes people who do not like the form of government under which they live take up arms to change it. This was the case with the French Revolution (1789–1799), the Chinese Revolution in 1912, and the Russian (or Bolshevik) Revolution in 1917. The American Revolution (1765–1783) produced a democracy that endured.
In other cases, the formation of a democracy is influenced by others. This can occur when a democratic country colonizes another country, bringing its democratic principles and ways of governing into the new country. The democracies in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and India are examples of democracy brought about by colonization.
Other times, democratic nations help to impose democratic standards in countries where the governments have been defeated in war. In the aftermath of World War II (1939–1945), Germany and Japan were both defeated and occupied by the Allies. The Allies, who had democratic forms of government, helped the conquered countries to form democracies. Germany was divided into East Germany, which became Communist under Russian occupation, and West Germany, which became democratic with the assistance of occupying forces from France, Great Britain, and the United States; this democracy proved strong enough to maintain control when the two halves of Germany were combined again in 1990.
Nations that have democratic governments often encourage other countries to do the same. Having other countries embrace the principles of democracy is beneficial to democratic nations. The system that allows for peaceful transfers of power and the belief system that goes along with democracy make countries less likely to initiate wars against other democratic nations. Democratic countries also participate in trade and other agreements that are mutually beneficial.
The early twenty-first century has seen decreases in democracy and flaws in the election systems of democratic nations. The Freedom House report on democracy noted a decline in global freedom for the eighteenth year in a row. The report also noted authoritarian violence and widespread problems with elections contributing to the decreases in freedom. Despite these declines, democracies continue to exist in many nations throughout the world.
Bibliography
Barksdale, Nate. "What Is the World's Oldest Democracy?" History.com, 2 Dec. 2014, www.history.com/news/ask-history/what-is-the-worlds-oldest-democracy. Accessed 25 Dec. 2024.
Borshchevskaya, Anna. "Morocco Is a Positive Example of Democratization." Forbes, 18 Dec. 2014, www.forbes.com/sites/annaborshchevskaya/2014/12/18/morocco-is-a-positive-example-of-democratization-efforts/#5531534d1513. Accessed 25 Dec. 2024.
"Democratization." Organization for Security and Co-Operation in Europe, www.osce.org/democratization. Accessed 25 Dec. 2024.
Lee, Mike. "Join or Die: Canasatego, Ben Franklin, and the Confederacy in the Wilderness." Written Out of History: The Forgotten Founders Who Fought Big Government. Sentinel, 2017, pp. 68–94.
Mark, Joshua J. "Athens." Ancient History Encyclopedia,28 Apr. 2011, www.ancient.eu/Athens/. Accessed 25 Dec. 2024.
“The Mounting Damage of Flawed Elections and Armed Conflict.” Freedom in the World 2024, freedomhouse.org/report/freedom-world/2024/mounting-damage-flawed-elections-and-armed-conflict. Accessed 25 Dec. 2024.
Rummel, R. J. "Democratization." University of Hawaii, www.hawaii.edu/powerkills/DEMOC.HTM. Accessed 25 Dec. 2024.
Saikal, Amin. "Democracy and Democratization." Princeton University, pesd.princeton.edu/?q=node/231. Accessed 25 Dec. 2024.
Samarasinghe, S.W.R. de A. "Democracy and Democratization in Developing Countries." Harvard University, July 1994, www.hsph.harvard.edu/ihsg/publications/pdf/No-7-1.PDF. Accessed 25 Dec. 2024.