Discuss the different challenges faced by democracy long answer
Answers
A few challenges faced by democracy in several parts of the world are as follows:
1) Foundational challenge: At least one-fourth of the world is still not under democratic govts. Countries that do not have democratic setup face the foundational challenge of making transition to the democratic form of govt. They need to lay the foundation in terms of laws and policies that would be followed under the democratic setup. This involves bringing down the existing non-democratic regime, keeping military away from controlling govt. and establishing a sovereign and functional state. Countries like Poland, Iraq and Nepal face this kind of challenge.
2) Challenge of expansion: Countries already having the democratic setup face the challenge of expansion. Such counries need to ensure that more and more social groups, regions and institutions follow democracy in their functioning. This ensures greater power to local govts, extension of federal principle to all the units of federations, inclusion of women and minority groups, etc. It also means that less and less decision should remain outside the domain of democratic control. Most countries including India and US face this kind of challenge.
3) Challenge of deepening democracy: This challenge is faced by every democracy in this form or another. Every democratic country needs to strengthen the institutions that ensure democracy. This should haplen in such a way that people can realise their expectations of democracy. This involves strengthening of the institutions and practices of democracy and bringing down the control and influence of rich and powerful people in making the governmental decision. Countries like Mexico, South-Africa and Belgium face this kind of challenge.