Struggling democracies can learn from autocracies like Singapore in terms of infrastructure development, human capital investment, and long-term planning.
Democracies should focus on effective governance and learn from autocratic exceptions to address challenges such as poor governance and declining public trust.
Deep dives
Lessons from autocracies on effective governance
Autocracies like Singapore offer lessons on effective governance for struggling democracies. The author argues that democracies can learn from successful autocracies in terms of infrastructure development, human capital investment, and long-term planning. While democracies have electoral accountability, they often lack long-term thinking and investment. The author suggests implementing five-year plans, similar to China, focusing on critical areas like healthcare or infrastructure. Additionally, younger politicians focused on long-term goals are seen as a positive trend. Overall, democracies should focus on effective governance, learn from autocratic exceptions, and maintain their liberal character.
The problem of poor governance in democracies
Many struggling democracies face challenges of poor governance and declining public trust. After the Cold War, there was an assumption that democracy would naturally succeed, neglecting the need for continual improvement. The rise of Trump in the United States was driven by frustrations with globalization and capitalism, leading to a loss of trust. Poor governance contributes to low levels of public trust and economic inequality. The book emphasizes the importance of good governance in addressing the challenges democracies face.
The role of autocracies in governance and accountability
Contrary to common perceptions, autocracies like Singapore, Vietnam, and the UAE exhibit high levels of public trust and accountability. Autocracies can gain public trust through performance legitimacy, showcasing their efforts to combat corruption and improve citizens' lives. The book highlights that democracies should not ignore the accountability and trust-building mechanisms observed in these autocratic systems. Striving for accountability and public trust is crucial for democracies to maintain the faith of their citizens.
Improving long-term thinking and accountability in democracies
While autocracies may have an advantage in long-term thinking, democracies can implement similar practices. The book suggests requiring democratic administrations to develop five or ten-year plans for critical areas like healthcare or infrastructure. Moreover, holding politicians accountable through regulatory mechanisms is essential beyond electoral accountability. The author emphasizes the need for additional forms of accountability and mechanisms to ensure long-term thinking and responsible governance in democracies.
This week we welcome a special guest who has direct experience at the sharp end of politics. Charles Dunst is a former foreign correspondent who has reported from many countries around the world, who is now deputy director of research & analytics at The Asia Group – a business advisory firm based in Washington, D.C. – and an adjunct fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, an independent and bipartisan DC-based think tank.
Charles has just published a new book, Defeating the Dictators: How Democracy Can Prevail in the Age of the Strongman, in which he argues that democracies that are struggling with low public trust and poor performance might have a thing or two to learn about effective governance from the world’s more successful autocracies – most notably Singapore, but also others.
UCL’s Department of Political Science and School of Public Policy offers a uniquely stimulating environment for the study of all fields of politics, including international relations, political theory, human rights, public policy-making and administration. The Department is recognised for its world-class research and policy impact, ranking among the top departments in the UK on both the 2021 Research Excellence Framework and the latest Guardian rankings.
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