8.5B - Democratic Freedom
Some superpowers and emerging powers have transitioned to more democratic governments, but the degree of democratic freedom varies (comparison of authoritarian and democratic system); the protection of human rights and freedom of speech varies.
Freedom in the World Index
- Published by Freedom House
- Ranks countries as 'free', 'partly free' and 'not free'
- Free: North America, Europe, much of South America, Australia, southern Africa, Mongolia and india
- Partly Free: some Eastern European countries, South-east Asia, south-eastern Africa, western Africa, Central America, some of south Asia and South America
- Not Free: most of Africa, most of Asia
Democracy
Democracy is a key aspect of human rights. A democratic political system allows people to vote out of office a government that is doing a bad job. According to the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), democracy is surprisingly rare. 163 countries into four groups:
In hybrid and authoritarian countries freedom of speech is usually not respected at all. Freedom of speech is the right to express opinions without fear of persecution, censorship or retaliation: in some democracies it is fiercely protected, but there are often some restrictions to prevent incitement of violence or hate speech.
There has been some movement by emerging countries towards democracy, for instance South Korea transitioned to democracy in 1987, Chile in 1989 and Brazil in 1985. Other emerging countries, such as China and Turkey, have not moved this way.
- full democracy -> civil liberties and political freedoms fully respected and protected (19 countries: Norway, Canada, UK)
- flawed democracy -> elections are fair and civil liberties are protected, but there are problems, e.g. the media may not be free (57 countries: South Korea, South Africa, USA, India)
- hybrid regimes -> elections are not free and fair, the legal system is not independent of the government and corruption is widespread (38 countries: Turkey, Bangladesh)
- authoritarian regimes -> dictatorship, or systems where elections are meaningless; civil liberty abuses are common and the legal system is not independent. Media censored (52 countries: Russia, China, Saudi Arabia)
In hybrid and authoritarian countries freedom of speech is usually not respected at all. Freedom of speech is the right to express opinions without fear of persecution, censorship or retaliation: in some democracies it is fiercely protected, but there are often some restrictions to prevent incitement of violence or hate speech.
There has been some movement by emerging countries towards democracy, for instance South Korea transitioned to democracy in 1987, Chile in 1989 and Brazil in 1985. Other emerging countries, such as China and Turkey, have not moved this way.
China (authoritarian) vs India (flawed democracy)
India
Religious freedom: Despite religious freedom, religious violence and intolerance is common between Hindu, Muslim and Sikh groups.
Freedom of speech: Generally upheld: anti-government and single-issue protests are common, but so is police violence.
Political freedom: There are about 2,000 political parties in India, and its hotly contested elections are the largest democratic ones in the world.
Freedom of the press: There are numerous, privately owned media organisations that have reduced the influence of the government.
However, there are human rights problems in India related to a lack of LGBT rights, a lack of rights amongst Muslim women, and the caste system. This is a hereditary form of social hierarchy, which limits lower caste groups in terms of types of jobs they can have, and therefore their income. It has weakened, but lower caste groups are still subject to abuse, particularly the Dalit (untouchables).
China
Religious freedom: Christianity is barely tolerated, and Communist party members must be atheist. Buddhism and Islam are suppressed - hundred of thousands of native Uighur Muslims are locked up in camps.
Freedom of speech: 'Subversion of state power' is used to crack down on dissenting voices; the internet is censored.
Political freedom: The Chinese Communist Party is, in practice, the only political party that exists.
Freedom of the press: Not free. Media are monitored by the Communist Party and subject to government direction.
Religious freedom: Despite religious freedom, religious violence and intolerance is common between Hindu, Muslim and Sikh groups.
Freedom of speech: Generally upheld: anti-government and single-issue protests are common, but so is police violence.
Political freedom: There are about 2,000 political parties in India, and its hotly contested elections are the largest democratic ones in the world.
Freedom of the press: There are numerous, privately owned media organisations that have reduced the influence of the government.
However, there are human rights problems in India related to a lack of LGBT rights, a lack of rights amongst Muslim women, and the caste system. This is a hereditary form of social hierarchy, which limits lower caste groups in terms of types of jobs they can have, and therefore their income. It has weakened, but lower caste groups are still subject to abuse, particularly the Dalit (untouchables).
China
Religious freedom: Christianity is barely tolerated, and Communist party members must be atheist. Buddhism and Islam are suppressed - hundred of thousands of native Uighur Muslims are locked up in camps.
Freedom of speech: 'Subversion of state power' is used to crack down on dissenting voices; the internet is censored.
Political freedom: The Chinese Communist Party is, in practice, the only political party that exists.
Freedom of the press: Not free. Media are monitored by the Communist Party and subject to government direction.
