When Democracy and Liberalism Collide

June 05, 2006

When Democracy and Liberalism Collide
Posted by Shadi Hamid

We are liberals. As such, one presumes that we believe in not just democracy, but democracy of a distinctly liberal nature. Democracy, without liberalism, can lead to “mass praetorianism,” rule by decree, and a kind cynically constructed populism. One presumes that these are not good things and, for those Americans that were not sure, the last five years offer a rather fascinating window into democracy’s fragility once its liberal safeguards begin to erode, first slowly then with greater intensity. The fact that America has resisted the careful onslaught of the republican-dominated legislative, executive, and judicial branches is a testament to the strength of our founding institutions, their durability, and their unmistakable ability to adapt, however haltingly, to the most urgent of challenges.

Our preference for liberal democracy, however, is not one without inconsistency. It is often assumed that promoting democracy abroad is in keeping with our founding ideals. It of course is, but it is less tidy than it might otherwise appear. In the context of the Middle East, more democracy leads to less liberalism. In societies where the electorate is illiberal, their illiberalism will be reflected in the kind of leaders they elect. Not only that, these leaders will invariably be more “populist” and anti-American than the “pro-US” dictators which preceded them. This makes sense – democracy is supposed to reflect the will of the majority.

The rising levels of anti-Americanism, thus, complicate our efforts to promote democracy in the Arab world. The more anti-Americanism there is, the more promoting democracy abroad will bring to power people who don’t like us too much (i.e. Islamists). Arab democracy in 2006 will look different than it would have in the less contentious times of, say, Bill Clinton (whom Arabs have always had a soft spot for).

There are some who believe in democracy only when it leads to outcomes which are to their liking. If democracy leads to illiberalism, then they will cease to support its promotion abroad. Let there be no mistake – this cynical Scrowcroftian realism is a very negation of our country’s founding principles.

For example, here at home, if democracy means that the religiosity and “fundamentalism” of conservative Christians is reflected in our government (as it currently is), does that mean we should move to ban Christianist parties or prevent Christianists from voting? Of course not. Democracy is a moral good regardless of its outcomes. Of course, certain fundamental rights must be guaranteed irrespective of the will of the majority (i.e., no rounding up of Muslims here in the US, and no rounding up of Copts and other non-Muslim minorities in the Arab world). Having a liberal polity, however, is not a fundamental right. It is something that must be fought for – through democratic give and take – by liberals.

If liberals, whether it be here or in Egypt, cannot convince the electorate to vote for them, then that is what democracy is about. Democracy’s not easy. It’s not tidy. It’s not some cure-all panacea. And it is, by no means, an affirmative action program for disaffected Arab liberals. No – democracy is messy, uncertain, and, yes, risky. Democrats, although they might like to, can no longer hide behind prudence, caution, or “nuance.” The Democratic Party must move forward with a bold vision, which while acknowledging the risks inherent in democracy promotion, unmistakably places our devotion to democracy at the center of US foreign policy.

June 05, 2006 at 10:09 AM in Democracy, Middle East | Permalink

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June 05, 2006