Canada’s Debate

Can someone please explain to me how President Musharaf’s recent coup against a government led by President Musharaf is subverting democracy? I’ve seen that phrase all over the web and I don’t get it… Pakistan hasn’t had a democracy to subvert since 1999, when Musharaf launched a coup against Bhuto… you know, the woman who staged a massive public rally for herself despite knowing that it would be the target of attacks, and knowing that the government which was supposed to provide security might be involved. Low intensity democracy indeed…

I know I’m going to take some flak for this, but the time has come for me to say it: democracy cannot really prosper without a foundation of liberal institutions. Please note the small “L” in liberal.

Please note as well that this is not a statement for “western” superiority or a judgement of non-western values. It just seems to me that without a liberal tradition (transplanted or native) of social institutions and public discourse democracy functions about as well as a car running on kerosense; it sputters, makes a lot of smoke and noise, moves a couple of feet (enough to make you think it’s working)… and then ker-plodes in your face, leaving you with a useless frame and smoldering ruins. Perhaps (and this is what everyone accept the U.S. army has been saying about Iraq) you need to develop real non-political social institutions before you even tinker with a democratic system… Controversial stuff eh?