Why America's Strategic Democratization an Oxymoron?

Essay by segref September 2006

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The political situation in many parts of the world witnessed a renewed struggle between tyranny and democracy. But for some, democracy may just seem less attractive. Added to it is the tremendous challenge to judge specific governance based on cultural biases and independent convictions, mostly influenced by religious beliefs.

Most of the aspirations of the people belonging to nations that consider American dominance in the geopolitical arena as intrusive are now reduced to a frustrated determination to at least get even. American soldiers die each day in a battle of fortitude and holy sacrifice by local insurgents in Iraq to Afghanistan.

One of the greatest tests of America's assertion to be the world's most valiant defender of democracy would be what is actually beneath the surface. But the trouble is that democratization is an act of war. It engages the people to hostility in order to prevail over what appears to be a myriad of individual values and personal principles.

In a matter of wide attempt to preach the notion that democracy has its price to pay, how much does it really take? Then next to it is the million dollar question - "is it worth it?"

Democratization per se is not appalling. But the downside would be when it becomes a paradox that emphasizes contrasts, incongruities, hypocrisy, or simply the complex nature of reality. Then America's democratization becomes an oxymoron, it becomes a paradox of goodness and tyranny, when it subdue the people to embrace democracy - a democratic tyranny.

Democracy, as it implies, should promote greater good through a free exercise of individual volition. If you will look at democracy at its purest form, it remains to be the most ideal form of government. But when democracy is tailored after a totally different paradigm and shove it to...