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Democracy requires disagreement. Here's how to do it better | Bret Stephens and Yordanos Eyoel

TED Talks Daily

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Democracy vs. Authoritarianism in the 21st Century

The debate between democracy and authoritarianism will shape the 21st century. While China's efficient authoritarianism is alluring to some due to its quick decisions and strong image, democracy is seen as preferable for its self-correcting mechanisms, adaptability, and resilience. Authoritarian systems like China excel at showcasing strengths while concealing weaknesses, unlike democracies that openly display weaknesses but surprise with hidden strengths. History proves that democracies bend and adapt, whereas authoritarian regimes are brittle and prone to shattering rapidly when under pressure. Although democracy faces a messaging challenge in promoting its values, it remains a more sustainable and adaptable system compared to authoritarianism in the long run.

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