The Westernization Of Democracy

It is important when comparing and contrasting countries to look at the varying factors that make each unique and why each function the way they do. We need this to understand development, possible economic opportunity and get a better understanding of other countries. In this paper specifically we look at Westernization. So why is it that democracy has a positive impact in certain countries, yet has disastrous affects in others? Democracy proves a positive practice in a society that already demonstrates a basis that consists of an already inherited democratic culture. Depending on whether the idea of democracy is maintained or can even be attempted in the first place also depends on a countries stage of development. I, along with many others believe that the more developed a country, the easier democratic rule can be achieved and vice versa. I explore areas such as civic/political culture, economic development, values, cultures and beliefs.

As indicated previously, the developmental stage of a country is a large determining factor as to whether or not democracy can truly survive in the country. A developed country that is able to practice democracy must have a strong fundamental basis, strong support, participation, minimum apathy and above all must maintain the trust of the citizens it holds in order to remain in close ties with the people they represent. On the topic of trust, a fair and democratic government must avoid corruption at all cost. It is its sovereignty that a democratic union holds on dearly to so that it is recognized and followed. The modern day developed countries that swear by the democratic system have displayed, in moments, cooperation with people allowing them to gain a knowledge of what is going on beh...

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... culture. Democracy is allowed to survive and flourish because of special traits that the Western World has attained like high economic development and a high level of education allowing citizens to make good, informed and civilized decisions. Depending on whether the idea of democracy is maintained or can even be attempted in the first place also depends on a countries stage of development. Democracy will be destructive to a society if they are not capable of sustaining an educated, fair a free state. This is why it has been so destructive to select African countries and Latin American countries. The idea of Westernization is something that cannot be universally applied simply because not all countries are the same. This has been identified throughout this paper. This fallacy is one that surely needs to be put to rest if genuine global development is to take place.