Can Democracy Create Stability?

Can democracy truly create stability in a society? Many have viewed democracy as the silver bullet to end all problems that society faces, believing that, as democracy takes the collective opinion of the masses, everyone will be content. However, I beg to differ as I feel that one should approach the topic at hand with its deserved scepticism, and question the underlying assumptions behind the assertion.

For one, the assertion inherently assumes that democracy would definitely result in the satisfaction of the citizens. Although democracy does assume the collective opinion of everyone, we cannot deny that it is, in fact, individuals that make up a society. As all individuals are unique, it would thus be naïve to think that everyone will agree with the view of the majority. For example, in a country plagued with racial discrimination between the majority and minority races, decisions made democratically would inevitably swing in favour of the majority race. In such a scenario, the minority race would definitely be frustrated by the discrimination evident in their society, as a direct result of democracy. This could potentially result in political unrest and instability in the society. Such an example shows how democracy is potentially hazardous and cannot totally be depended on to create stability in any given society.

Another neglected underlying assumption is that the citizens are receptive to change and are prepared for a switch to democracy. Whereas in reality, a change in political system cannot guarantee the citizens experience the full merits of the system as they adapt to the change. For instance, many would have thought changing the Iraqi political system to a democracy would have brought stability to a country ruled under Saddam Hussein’s iron fist, or at least seen a distinct improvement from the past. However, Iraq was unable to adjust to the change, resulting in increased civil violence, political breakdown, as well as major disruptions to the country’s economy and infrastructure. Recently, according to the 2007 Failed States index, Iraq was ranked as the world’s second most unstable country, bringing doubts as to whether democracy, given all its merits, can really create stability in a society. As can be seen from this example, the society’s background influences its ability to adapt to the change in political system, which in turn also plays a big role in determining whether democracy can create stability in a society.

However, it would be unjust to write off democracy as a viable system to create stability. In countries with a homogenous population, democracy can be effective as it reflects the views of everyone in the society. For example, in Switzerland, where pure democracy is practised, has one of the most stable economies in the world and is a stable society. Kris Kobach, an American law professor, suggests in his book entitled The Referendum: Direct Democracy In Switzerland that Switzerland enjoys tandem successes socially and economically, as a result of its political system. In this case, one sees that due to the political situation and social background of the society in question, democracy can, indeed, create stability.

Of course, a natural question to ask would be “Under what circumstances does democracy create stability?” I believe there is no straightforward set of guidelines to follow, and there never will be. General criteria that should be considered would be the social background and culture of the society, which would encompass the readiness of the people in accepting democracy. Even so, the full implications of implanting democracy in the society cannot be predetermined. For example, many believed that bringing democracy to Iraq would solve many problems, whereas in reality, it created new ones instead. This shows the unpredictability of events, which translates into uncertainty in deciding whether democracy can really create stability in a society.

In conclusion, there is no clear-cut answer as to whether democracy can create stability in a society. As evidenced above, democracy has created stability in some societies, and failed to do so in others. However, what is clear is that the statement does not always hold true. As to individual instances, we can only let time decide.