Tonight I went to the PAC's panel discussion on the revolts in the Arab world. For a while there it was more like I was sitting in AmCon again. One of the professors (I wish I knew what her name was) talked a lot about how democracy is playing a role in the protests and how its going to pan out in the next several years as the revolted countries try to implement a democratic system. One of her last points, and the one I think stands out the most, was her comment on how America has put it's self in a very awkward place. On one hand they want to encourage democracy in other countries, but at the same time they need to stay out in order to let the country develop democracy by it's own standards. De Tocqueville would describe it as allowing the people of the country to develop self interest in their government. America can't come in and set up the government because they would never be able to cater to the needs of the country as they see it. On the other hand, if America doesn't step in and help move the Arab world towards democracy, its almost like we're turning our back on democracy.
I wonder how de Tocqueville would comment on America's position. One of the goals for writing his book was to demonstrate to the French people why and how democracy worked in America but he also pleads the case for self interest in the government. Perhaps he intended his book to be more of a personal commentary than a guide.
Clara,
ReplyDeleteI'm delighted to have this report on the event. Great that you went.
I notice that AT came to the USA himself in order to learn; he did not, however, ask Americans to come to France to give instructions. Does that matter?
LDL