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Augustine Akwasi Appiah Ak

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In what ways do non-democratic systems help to achieve or undermine economic growth and economic development?

Some countries have used non-democratic systems to achieve economic development and growth. Other countries are contemplating on taking that path, should they adopt it or not.

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  • Jason Huffman

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    Nov 29 2012: http://www.american.com/archive/2012/november/the-1930s-all-over-again


    Just happened upon this today. I think it might add some historyical insight and parallel to the discussion.
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    Fritzie Reisner 100+

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    Host
    Nov 7 2012: Hi, Augustine. As you have another conversation already underway on pretty much this question but have not yet stated your point of view or ideas on this, could you share your thinking here?

    • Augustine Akwasi Appiah Ak

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      Nov 8 2012: Hi, Feitzie. I like your inquire. I have studied Mauritius's political economy and I think democracy is the best way no matter what. “Democracy is neither black nor red. Democracy is gray...It chooses banality over excellence, shrewdness over nobility, empty promise over true competence...It is eternal imperfection, a mixture of sinfulness, saintliness and monkey business. This is why the seekers of a moral state and of a perfectly just society do not like democracy. Yet only democracy—having the capacity to question itself -- also has the capacity to correct its own mistakes”
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        Fritzie Reisner 100+

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        Host
        Nov 8 2012: I appreciate your sharing your thinking.

        I would only say that authoritarian sorts of systems also have plenty of banality to them, often nobility only in titles but not in nature or behavior, and empty promises.

        Mistakes will surely come from either system, but better information for decision typically comes from the interaction of a multiplicity of viewpoints.
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    Feyisayo Anjorin 50+

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    Nov 7 2012: The disadvantages of even the most benevolent undemocratic systems of government outweigh the advantages.
    Freedom of speech, media freedom, freedom of association, freedom of religion, equality before the law, gender equality and the respect for fundamental human rights are the characteristics of democratic societies; and these allow for individual and societal progress.
    These rights are not guaranteed in non-democratic systems.
    Also, education is a key ingredient for national development; hence even if a nation starts out with non-democratic ways, educated citizens are more likely to push for reforms because the sustenance of progress is only possible in an atmosphere of freedom.
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