Introduction
In recent weeks, the public discourse in Mexico has been reignited regarding democracy, partly due to the 25th anniversary of presidential alternation on July 2, and also because of various events related to new institutional winds, particularly around freedom of expression and legal guarantees for the population.
The Debate on Democratic Outcomes
One of the most commented aspects is the economic results of a democratic regime, particularly in terms of poverty and inequality, though not exclusively. The discussion revolves around whether democracy has delivered good results and for whom.
Critics of the Democratic Transition in Mexico
Those who most criticize the democratic transition regime in Mexico attempt to dismantle what they claim was a “failed promise.” This promise, according to them, was that those who fought for opening Mexico to political pluralism promised a country with a clear path to prosperity, without significant friction. However, this did not happen or was not generalized and clear for everyone.
Economists’ Perspective on Democracy
The idea that democracy produces rapid economic growth has been less popular among specialized economists than it seems now. The new institutional economics, led by Douglass North in the 1990s and the Acemoglu-Robinson duo in the last decade, has generated a relative consensus that formal and informal rules and norms affect economic performance. However, the conditions and manner in which this happens are not as pristine, nor are the methods to identify them.
Amartya Sen’s Perspective on Democracy
Amartya Sen, one of the most prolific and relevant thinkers of the latter half of the 20th century and the early 21st, published an article in 1999 titled “Democracy as a Universal Value.” Among several topics he develops in his argument, he describes three ways democracy enriches citizens’ lives:
Intrinsic Value of Democracy
Sen reminds us that political freedom is part of freedom in general. Exercising civil and political rights is a crucial part of a good life for individuals as social beings. He calls this the intrinsic value of democracy.
Instrumental Value of Democracy
Sen argues that democracy also has instrumental value as it increases people’s capacity to have their interests, needs, and demands (including economic ones) heard and addressed. Voting is crucial, but so are freedom of expression and association, which must not only be enshrined in laws but also guaranteed through checks on the exercise of power that determine majority rule.
Constructive Value of Democracy
Sen suggests that democracy allows citizens to learn from each other. Political and civil rights, especially those ensuring open discussion, debate, criticism, and dissent, are central to generating informed and balanced decisions. These processes are crucial in shaping values and priorities, and citizens’ preferences cannot generally be considered independent of public discussion—that is, independent of whether open discussion and debate are permitted or not.
The Relationship Between Famines and Democracy
Sen dedicates some paragraphs to the relationship between famines and democracy, a topic that was central to his thinking. It is clear that technical responses and economic incentives are insufficient without associated political incentives.
The Undervaluation of Democracy
It doesn’t seem far-fetched that democracy is often undervalued in our times or used to say anything on a bad day of social media. It’s a polysemous word, unexciting, and alludes to issues that aren’t always tangible. However, there are situations where a frank social discussion and the possibility of expressing dissent and discontent would be greatly missed. Literature, especially 20th-century science fiction, has been particularly illustrative in this regard. Here, I close with a reflection from Amartya Sen:
“Many economic technocrats recommend using economic incentives (provided by the market system) while ignoring political incentives (which democratic systems could guarantee). This amounts to choosing a set of rules of the game profoundly imbalanced. The protective power of democracy may not be apparent when a country is lucky enough not to face any serious calamity, when things are going quite well. However, the danger of insecurity stemming from economic changes or other factors, or uncorrected policy errors, may lurk behind what appears to be a healthy state.”
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the main topic discussed? The article discusses the importance of defending democracy beyond just casting a vote, referencing Philip K. Dick’s perspective on controlling reality through language and perception.
- Who is Philip K. Dick, and why is he relevant? Philip K. Dick was a science fiction author known for his thought-provoking works exploring themes of reality, identity, and the human condition. His views on language and perception are used here to emphasize the significance of democracy.
- What are the criticisms against the democratic transition in Mexico? Critics argue that the democratic transition in Mexico failed to deliver on its promise of prosperity without significant friction, as many had expected.
- How do economists view democracy? While some economists once believed in rapid economic growth through democracy, the new institutional economics suggests that formal and informal rules and norms significantly impact economic performance.
- What are Amartya Sen’s perspectives on democracy? Sen identifies three values of democracy: its intrinsic value as part of freedom, its instrumental value in amplifying citizens’ voices, and its constructive value in fostering learning among citizens.
- Why does Sen emphasize the relationship between famines and democracy? Sen argues that technical responses and economic incentives are insufficient without associated political incentives, which democratic systems can provide.
