The Democratic Delusion
Much western commentary on the turmoil in the Arab world demonstrates historical ignorance, argues Tim Stanley.
Democracy is back in fashion. Oppressed people in the Muslim world are out in the streets demanding it and western observers are cheering them on. The only problem is that these two civilisations have totally different understandings of what democracy means. Democracy as the West comprehends it isn’t really democracy at all; and the Arab peoples are not historically inclined towards the kind of governments westerners presume democracy will bring about. Lacking a proper sense of history the West is in danger of encouraging a political revolution it does not understand and cannot control.
To continue reading this article you need to purchase a subscription, available from only £5.
Start my trial subscription now
If you have already purchased access, or are a print & archive subscriber, please ensure you are logged in.
Please email digital@historytoday.com if you have any problems.
