|
|
|
|
|
|
|
SPREAD
OF DEMOCRACY
|
|
|
|
India is the largest
and most vibrant democracy in the world today. The US, the oldest and most
powerful democracy, must work closely with India in spreading democracy throughout
the world. Although India has a long way to becoming the most efficient democracy,
it never had any debate on whether democracy is suited for its people. Its age old
tradition of pluralism, coupled with a majority Hindu population, helped India embrace
democracy after independence from Great Britain without any inhibitions. For more
than 60 years, various political parties have ruled India by gaining power through
the democratic process. Even Indian Muslims, the second largest Muslim population
after Indonesia, have fully participated in the democratic process throughout these
six decades. It is no surprise then that India has emerged as a symbol of democracy
around the world. However, democracy still eludes more than a third of humanity.
|
|
|
|
There is no doubt that if the
whole world is to embrace democracy, India and the United States must work in unison
to achieve that goal. Today, there is not a single functioning democracy geographically
between Israel and India. There is great enthusiasm among countries in the Middle
East to embrace democracy, which is a welcome change brought about by the efforts
of the United States. However, the US must now work closely with India towards the
total democratization of the Middle East. We also support the strengthening of democracy
in the rest of South Asia.
|
|
|
|
Because Pakistan’s experiment
with democracy has been a total failure, it can only succeed in the future with
the active support of the United States. There had been no war when Pakistan was
democratic. All the wars with India were under military dictatorships. A democratic
Pakistan will live in peace with its neighbors, promote pluralism, and enjoy prosperity.
Pakistan will remain a credible threat to the US and its neighbors as long as it
craves for radical Islam and Jihadi Terrorism. Democracy can play a vital role in
containing the rise of radical Islam and fighting Jihadi Terrorism.
|
|
|
|
The US has an important role
to play in promoting democracy in the “Red Corridor” (i.e. the
communist countries within the direct influence of China and countries with a sizable
population supporting communism. Today, the US enjoys strong bilateral ties with
China, the backbone of communism. An economically powerful China, absent democracy,
will remain a serious threat to the US and the free world.
|
|
|
|
Therefore, US policy must incorporate
attractive economic incentives for urgently needed political reforms within China.
Based on past experience, China will also require strong measures for its slow progress
in areas of concern to the US such as human rights, political reforms, nuclear proliferation
regimes, recognition of Taiwan, and freedom of Tibet.
|
|
|
|
|
|