Political and social scientists often considered the mercurial Greek philosopher-thinker Plato’s condemnation of democracy as a blemish on his otherwise brilliant political analysis, enshrined is his magnum opus, The Republic. Many attributed his revulsion for this hallowed social system to the execution of his mentor Socrates, who was voted to death by the Athenian public on charges of corrupting its youth and the illustrious life, tragically ended by a concoction of the poison hemlock. The gruesome catalogue of political developments in history, especially bemoaning the state of 21^st century democratic institutions and its administrative apparatus, one is inclined to believe that Plato was indeed right in 4^th century BC.

Plato’s pessimism of democracy stemmed from his prognosis that it will eventually give rise to tyrants. Though at the outset, such a thesis seems improbable and overarching because democratic systems are often the result mass uprisings and revolutionary movements aimed to depose monarchy, oligarchy and aristocracy. But historical evidences corroborate Plato’s concern as many democratically elected, sovereign nations of the 21^st century have witnessed the emergence of authoritarian rulers, equipped with the subtle eloquence of oratory and populist policies to sway the masses. Rhetoric is the strategic weapon of these leaders who invariably appeal to human emotions than using reason, facts and a visionary socio-economic manifesto to persuade the electorate. Deep fakes, disinformation, privacy breaches, pathological lying, mainstream media lynching and false propaganda in New Age social media are the vicious tools employed and however expedient, is the order of the day.    

Globally, some countries in Asia and Europe, once considered as paragons of democratic ideals and progressive liberal societies are disquietingly being relegated to electoral autocracies now. This regressive transition that is even morphing into neo-fascism could be attributed to the rising wave of populism and tyrant like personalities of their leaders, stoking the flames of racism and jingoism. A prominent North African nation, that created history as the bastion of Arab Spring and the last beacon of hope for democratic longevity in the region, has eschewed democratic ideals when its incumbent President has ruled by decree ever since he had ousted the erstwhile government in July 2021 and arbitrarily suspended a part of the constitution.  In the Eurozone, couple of post-communist nations in Eastern Europe that were emancipated from the clutches of oppressive regimes through ‘peaceful evolution’ are retrogressing into democratic backsliding by the ruling parties. Such realpolitikal ulterior motives of recreating an ‘Orwellian’ state are consummated by undermining and weakening the role of secular institutions of autonomous judiciary, independent media, civic sector and targeted cracking down on vulnerable minority populations. Fear and paranoia permeate into the soul of nations and if history is any guide, have ruined societies.  

These narcissistic and megalomaniacal leaders are classic case studies on the “Cult of Personality Syndrome”, who by their divisive policies based on majoritarianism, supremacism, ethnicity, anti-immigration and pseudo-nationalism are jeopardizing the principles of secularism and liberalism which guarantees an individual, his right to freedom of speech, expression, lifestyle and religion. The UKIP party in the UK could garner popularity and support leading to the Brexit referendum, only by capitalizing on fears, uncertainties and vulnerabilities of a gullible segment of the population residing in semi-urban and mofussil towns. Conversely, the educated and cosmopolitan population in major metropolitan cities in the UK, voted resoundingly against Brexit. 

Robert Dahl, the eminent Yale University political scientist and democratic theorist have proposed two acclaimed tests of rigor of any democracy. They are inclusiveness and public contestation. The first pertains to a citizens’ right to freedom of speech and expression, accessibility of information and equal voting rights. The second proposition is a testimony to an egalitarian participation by various political parties in seeking a political mandate through free and fair elections. Those democracies that allow competing ideologies and manifestos, where multiple actors could wield equal and substantial political power in deciding the destiny of its party and citizens were characterized as ‘polyarchies’ by Dahl, which, is the culmination of the idea of democracy. Historically, such democracies have immensely benefited from constructive debates, rational decision making and inclusive growth.

In an alarming point of departure, ever since 2004, the charm of democracy as the preferred socio-political system is waning in popularity. The Bertelsmann Transformation Index (BTI) of 2022, that measures transition and continuity of democracies, highlighted by the adoption of free market economies have recorded more autocratic than democratic states. Among the 137 countries that were studied, those that are emerging, developing and transitioning, only 67 retained the status of democracies, while the number of autocracies ruefully increased to an unprecedented 70. In these countries, BTI has empirical data on the erosion of secular institutions, censorship of information, rise of monopolies and duopolies, curbing of freedom of opinion and assembly, state repression, neo-fascist uprisings, atrocities against minorities and sabotage of free and fair elections. Political and economic elites who are egregiously corrupt with a well-entrenched system of cronyism and clientelism are the main culprits of the anti-democratic turn worldwide.        

Voting in a democracy is a skill to be taught and practiced and its should be a part of university curriculum. An informed and educated citizenry is the bedrock of any civilization, immune to the perilous influences and wicked machinations of unscrupulous con-men who proliferate and corrupt societies by flattery for achieving their ulterior motives. Educating the society on the purpose and direction of democracy and the preservation of its hallowed institutions are absolutely essential to our survival as a species. An intellectual democracy is the need of the hour and not a democracy by birthright. A market-place is a fitting analogy for a democracy, where there are competing and conflicting constellation of interests and opinions. The irony is that nobody can be heard clearly when the whole crowd has the liberty to speak simultaneously. In such a scenario, the danger lies in the demagogue, the schemer and fanatic, whose lone voice punches through this hopeless mass of confusion and commotion in a democratic structure, will also be an ace manipulator of human emotions. Devoid of competence, skill and vision, these merchants of power lead the nations to peril through their myopic policies ranging from trade wars to demonetization to Brexit, leaving lasting legacies of communal hatred, polarized societies, instability, wars, bloodshed and ruin. 

Mankind has undertaken a long, painful and ponderous journey from primitive tribalism to the modern, space-age, knowledge society of the 21^st century. Democracy and its egalitarian institutions have contributed immensely to this progress, defying the cynicism of the mercurial philosophers of ancient Athens, predominantly Plato and Aristotle- where democracy was born – that it will not survive the tide of times. In the uncharted future of humanity, which will be dominated by external algorithms, deep learning, robotics and Artificial Intelligence, its crucial that we elect the best leaders and choose the wisest courses. An educated and progressive society, enlightened on its sacrosanct principles and inherent limitations are the pillars of democracy. 

When an elected leader surrounds himself with bodyguards and sycophants, people should realize that he is subordinate to every citizen as he is only a representative. The politician should rise to his feet, where masses gather, as a sign of reverence for his real masters, the general public. Any attempts to minimize democracy by limiting education for ‘engineering consent’ should be thwarted. People should remember that they are the masters of their own destiny, also knowing themselves that, they are so good in the individual, but wretched in a mob. The true principles of liberal democracy are the last hope for a fair and just society. The moral psychology of the state is truly a reflection of the moral psychology of the individual. 

Disclaimer : The opinions expressed within this article are the personal opinions of the author. The facts and opinions appearing in the article do not reflect the views of TAS and TAS does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.