| Is there a connection between democracy and peace?
Many of the political systems that exist today are promising in their
ideals.
Communism offers an equal share to all of the country’s citizens. This
seems advantageous compared to capitalistic countries where the wealthy become
wealthier, and the poor continuously lead an underprivileged life. If you
look carefully at the Soviet Union of the past, North Korea, and Cuba, communism
did not prove to be as prosperous as it may have appeared. Even democracy
has its faults, for equality, freedom, and prosperity was not what every
citizen gained. Some laws restrict individuals selectively, while others conflict
citizens’ ideals. Peace can be established if equality, freedom, and prosperity
were equally distributed.
Then, the question that occurs is, “Is democracy the key to establishing
peace?” Each government has its faults, so even by altering the government,
new problems will occur. The reason for these problems is the fact that some
people do not fulfill their expected role as a citizen and politician of society.
By raising awareness and ‘preparing for global responsibility’ toward
education and experience, we can develop future citizens who will work hard
to establish peace.
What might have happened if democracy never existed?
Democracy was one of the political systems that established equality
in society. However, it is crucial to realize that this was not the only government
that promoted equality. Perhaps it is possible to attain peace through
communism—if it were not for some of its leaders that have different ideas
for communism. In these two political systems, however, equality is defined
differently. Democracy believes that all citizens should play a role or have
an influence upon the country. With this comes the freedom to express oneself.
Communism is a political system in which all citizens are distributed the
same amount of everything. Rather than having the wealthy and the poor separated,
the wealth is spread out evenly. Other political systems offer equality as
well. One of these is fascism (otherwise known as dictatorship or totalitarianism).
One leader would deal with civil disturbances, and would see to it that all
citizens were treated equally. A wise leader would rule with fairness throughout
his/her life, and would have the experience that no other person would have.
This person would know how to act under different circumstances due to the
experience gained during his/her childhood. Finally, in socialism,
equality is defined, similar to communism, by the absence of the wealthy and
the poor. The wealthier are taxed more than the poor, and wealth is distributed.
If the ideals of these governments were carried out, peace would exist
in all political systems. After all, each system intends for the country to
be successful and prosperous. However, the flaws of these ideas
may lead to violence and warfare.
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