Development has been described as the gradual expansion of people’s choice. Democracy can be described in a similar way. Choice makes sense only if we are, and remain, diverse. Diversity becomes irrelevant if the possibility of choice is out of reach.
Hence, it appears quite natural, at least in theory, to see democracy, diversity and development as converging harmoniously and complementing one another.
Yet, as soon as we look at the harsh reality of everyday life for millions of people throughout the world, we are bound to notice that this harmonious trinity of democracy, development and diversity rarely exists.
In Latin America for example, studies show a strong correlation between the level of disparity of income distribution and trust in democratic institutions. The greater the disparity, the lower the trust. The perception that democracy has failed to improve peoples’ lives may seriously affect the long-term credibility and sustainability of democratic institutions.
The sustainability of democratic institutions may also be endangered when their design or the daily practice of governance systematically overlooks the country’s ethnic, religious, linguistic and other diversity. In Sri Lanka for instance, inadequate approaches to diversity have exacerbated conflict and destabilised an otherwise functional democracy with a promising development record.
Peace, development and democracy are not “natural states” that exist by default. Where they do exist, they are the merit of patient and committed, though often anonymous efforts.
But one thing is clear: democracy is the framework in which diversity can best be managed peacefully and bear fruit in terms of cultural cross-fertilization and human development. From Switzerland to India, from Canada to South Africa, we witness conscious, everyday efforts to build and maintain bridges between different groups and communities, to maintain and enhance the channels of communication, to pay attention to the perspective of the “other”, to identify common interests and negotiate solutions across the divides.
Factoring in diversity and ensuring democratic decision-making processes which encompass all those diverse populations in need of both democracy and development may bear greater dividends and more lasting benefits to all.
International IDEA looks at all factors influencing - positively or negatively - the sustainability of democracy. Research, empirical evidence and intense interaction with those immersed in political life on a daily basis (such as political party leaders, parliamentarians or electoral managers), convinces us that democracy building cannot be achieved by applying any universally valid blueprints or models. We have learned that taking a holistic approach is more important than being technically excellent in a single domain; that listening is a more important quality in democracies than lecturing.
At a recent Round Table meeting on Democracy and Diversity in Oslo, a debate among thinkers, authors and policy practitioners highlighted the different ways in which diversity can be respected, celebrated and managed, and helped to identify best practices and pitfalls. In this edition of International IDEA’s newsletter you can listen online to the speakers of the Round Table.
Vidar Helgesen
Secretary-General, International IDEA
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