*{Strengthening Democracy: Two Sides of the Same Coin? [http://www.weforum.org/site/knowledgenavigator.nsf/Content/Strengthening%20Democracy%3A%20Two%20Sides%20of%20the%20Same%20Coin%3F?open&topic_id=300250000&theme_id=300]

            03.02.2002

            Annual Meeting 2002}

            More than capitalism, argued Fareed Zakaria, Editor and Columnist, Newsweek International, USA and Global Leader for Tomorrow 2001, democracy is the defining concept and problem of our age. How should the developing world build and consolidate democratic states? How should "mature" democracies rectify the sharp decline in public trust and public participation that has recently plagued them? Is Islam compatible with democracy?

            Several participants called for reform of the West’s approach to democracy promotion in the developing world. David Dreier, Congressman from California (Republican) and Chairman of the Rules Committee, USA, said it was arrogant to tell nations exactly how to make democracy work. Kenneth Roth, Executive Director, Human Rights Watch, USA and Global Leader for Tomorrow 1997, added that elections are not enough. Building up the institutions of civil society is key: "You can’t cut and run." Noreena Hertz, Author, United Kingdom, extended this critique to the reforms imposed by international financial institutions, and Giampiero Alhadeff, Secretary-General, Solidar, Belgium, agreed that globalization needs an "ethical edge." 

            Among mature democracies, participants saw several factors as contributing to declining political involvement. A vibrant civic realm means greater political participation, suggested Benjamin R. Barber, Professor and Kekst Chair of Civil Society, University of Maryland, USA. However, the increasing disparity between locally-based participation and the exercise of power – which tends to take place on national, even transnational levels – can lead to a political apathy among citizens. A participant from California pointed to the initiative and referendum process in her state as a means to more direct democracy, but Dreier suggested these processes tend to undermine representative democracy.

            The group actively discussed the problems confronting Islamic states as they work to democratize. Shafeeq Ghabra, Professor of Political Science, Kuwait University, Kuwait, expressed confidence that this decade would see many Islamic countries turn into fully developed democracies. Another participant emphasized the challenge posed by the differing priorities of western democratic thought, which holds that freedom is indispensable; versus Islamic law which prescribes the centrality of justice. Michael Vatikiotis, Editor, Far Eastern Economic Review, Hong Kong SAR, said that the freedom vs justice debate is leading many in the Muslim world to reject western-style democratization programmes in favour of vigorous Islamist regimes.

            Desmond M. Tutu, Archbishop Emeritus, South Africa, remarked that the lack of quality leadership in some countries had caused crises of democracy. He called on his own experience in the struggle against apartheid to argue that leaders must be willing to take risks in order to bring about change. He ended by saying that he was filled with hope for the future, that his faith in "the resilience of the people" is unwavering.             *{Contributors:       Abiola Hafsat
                  Alalwani Taha Jabir
                  Alhadeff Giampiero
                  Baggio Rodrigo
                  Barber Benjamin R.
                  Castells Manuel
                  Davies Howard
                  Dreier David
                  Ghabra Shafeeq
                  Jones Anthony K. Van
                  Khalifa       Koh Tsu Koon       Naidu Rama
                  Robinson Mary
                  Roth Kenneth
                  Ryder Guy
                  Schauer Frederick
                  Thomas Bill
                  Touraine Alain
                  Tutu Desmond M.
                  Zakaria Fareed}