Session 7 - Popularization of Democracy

The word democracy comes together with connotations of liberty, equality and prosperity. Even though democracy can take many forms but the word democracy is usually meant to imply pluralist democracies of the liberal west. So powerful is the word democracy that even undemocratic regimes like North Korea are appellated 'Peoples Democratic Republic of Korea'. What is so inherently powerful in democracy that makes the word so appealing?

Even for countries like N.Korea that have no semblance to democracy, the mere usage of the word gives a certain perception of freedom and liberation. And since perception often matters more than reality, in this case this perception keeps the masses content.

Moreover, in times like these when monarchies are becoming antiquated and dictators increasingly unpopular, democracies of many hues and colors are starting to emerge. Democracies are, more often than not, connoted with meritocracy. People are enfranchised and given their own voice and thus feel a certain sense of egalitarianism.

Since a certain mechanism exists for people to vent their frustrations, there exists little chance of a violent explosion. This, perhaps, is the most important reason for the popularisation of democracy.