Tuesday, September 30, 2008

A new course for democracy

This is a bit I wrote for my "Political Problems of Latin America" class last week. The events that have happened since, make it perhaps a bit more poignant:

The emergence of global capitalism is unlike anything we've seen in history. Fueled from above by corporations and governments, and through multiple social and political channels, it has effected broad, systemic change. And yet, its spread can be difficult to pinpoint to specific periods and localities. The effects of global capitalism have been widespread and intensely felt - from the breakdown of autonomous nation-states, to the establishment of dependency on remittances, to cultural tensions between sending and receiving countries of migrants. It has, however, also fueled a grassroots movement which may well prove to be the next form of democratic governance.
It is interesting to see that the shift to global capitalism has been driven by democratic nations; coated with the glossy image of the western "Good Samaritan" republics helping to lift third world countries from poverty and political distress. Yet, by-and-large, due to our economic and philanthropic practices, these countries are experiencing increases in foreign dependency, erosion of cultural values, exploitation of natural resources, and an inability to remain autonomous, self-sustaining nations.
It is also ironic that much of the support behind global capitalism has stemmed from a fear of big government and a heavy value of individual freedom and opportunity. Yet through our fear of socialism and our unwavering support of the free market, we've created a system where the power is in the hands of the privileged few who regiment global industry and commerce, dismiss any and all opposing viewpoints, and fiercely promote the superiority of western culture and policy. The result smells somewhat of global fascism.
It appears to me that globalisation has also triggered an unprecedented response: the new wave of grassroots activism. Community organising has always existed, but it is now at a level that transcends national boundaries. Organisations have formed that unite people of common identities and/or purposes across borders. These organisations encourage change withing existing political and economic systems, yet have formed a new kind of collective consciousness and a transnational community - sharing values, confronting regional and social issues, providing support. In its ability to represent people of all different nationalities, races, ethnicities, and creeds, this grassroots movement is, in fact, more democratic than any political institution that has preceded it.
And so, while globalisation has created a flood of tensions through the many tributaries of the human race, it may well have inadvertently carved out a new course for political change.