Is the democratic tide reversing? Little more than a decade ago, people spoke of the end of history, of the final, unchallengeable triumph of free markets and democracy. But public opinion in a number of countries now seems to be turning against democracy, argues Bronislaw Geremek, Poland's former foreign minister, and proposes ways in which this trend might be reversed.
Eight of the countries that will enter the European Union in May 2004 were until recently governed by totalitarian dictatorships and enslaved by another nation. The return of governments based on the will of the majority of their citizens seemed for decades an unattainable dream in these countries, much as it remains a dream for the citizens of Burma under the rule of its military junta.
Democracy has undoubtedly achieved success around the world. Yet, stunningly, support for democracy is eroding almost everywhere. The Pew Global Attitudes Project for 2003 highlights countries in which few people recognize the importance of elections: 28% in Jordan, 37% in Russia, 40% in Indonesia.
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It is hard to reconcile the jubilant mood of many business leaders with the uncertainty caused by the war in Ukraine. While there are some positive signs of economic recovery, a sudden escalation could severely destabilize the global economy, cause a stock market crash, and accelerate deglobalization.
warns that the Ukraine war and economic fragmentation are still jeopardizing world growth prospects.
The nation that went to the gates of Moscow in World War II has become as aggressive as a cuddly cat. But with its decision to send Leopard 2 battle tanks to Ukraine, Germany's "culture of reticence," particularly with respect to Russia, may soon be a thing of the past.
examines the origins and implications of the landmark decision to send battle tanks to Ukraine.
Is the democratic tide reversing? Little more than a decade ago, people spoke of the end of history, of the final, unchallengeable triumph of free markets and democracy. But public opinion in a number of countries now seems to be turning against democracy, argues Bronislaw Geremek, Poland's former foreign minister, and proposes ways in which this trend might be reversed.
Eight of the countries that will enter the European Union in May 2004 were until recently governed by totalitarian dictatorships and enslaved by another nation. The return of governments based on the will of the majority of their citizens seemed for decades an unattainable dream in these countries, much as it remains a dream for the citizens of Burma under the rule of its military junta.
Democracy has undoubtedly achieved success around the world. Yet, stunningly, support for democracy is eroding almost everywhere. The Pew Global Attitudes Project for 2003 highlights countries in which few people recognize the importance of elections: 28% in Jordan, 37% in Russia, 40% in Indonesia.
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