Seeking Democratic Outcomes --- Democracy is a vast topic, which Petru has introduced into our conversation; and his comments are assuredly an opportunity to learn from an experienced diplomat.

From December 9 to 10, US President Biden will host a virtual summit for "leaders from government, civil society and the private sector," and some key themes include "defending against authoritarianism" and "promoting respect for human rights," according to a statement released on the website of the US State Department.

Complex and diverse this is a topic that resists precise definition; but it is a discussion which most assuredly is one of the most compelling consideration for our time.

A starting point would be to consider the opinions of Plato, Socrates and Aristotle. Socrates defended the Athenian democratic system, even as it condemned him to death. Plato deeply distrusted democracy because, amongst other concerns, it condemned his teacher Socrates to death. Aristotle feared that democracy, as he defined it, could lead to mob rule, although he favored stable and just rule by the many in what he called a polity.

Socrates’ trial and condemnation to death offer a microcosm of the Athenian democratic process. It gives insights from the perspective of the condemned man who nevertheless supported the extant democratic system.

Fast-forward to the forthcoming Summit on Democracy which ought to, but may not, provide a productive forum for consideration of the merits of the democratic process.

Immediately after President Biden asked President Xi Jinping for cooperation in the stabilization of oil prices Biden invited Taiwan to the Summit. This is a 'red-line' concern for the Chinese.

The press has begun to circulate Biden’s definition of ‘authoritarianism’. This term simplistically contrasts with democracy and is used to describe the Chinese political system.

As the world is trying to work together in the post-pandemic era it needs to promote cooperation among, not some but, all, the major powers capable of influencing outcomes.

The outcomes remain to be seen but they are best which benefit the greatest good for the greatest number. That seems democratic, irrespective of how a society is organized and governed.

Source author: John D. Hipsley jhipsley@igc.org