What is democracy?

Although the excitement of traveling to Mozambique is still prevalent, the reality of what we are going to do is starting to sink in. We as a group are looking at democracy in Mozambique. It seemed pretty straightforward, at least for at first. Professor Krause had to go and muddle things by asking us a simple question...what does democracy mean to us (as individuals). Even after reading excellent articles on the topic, as I write now, I'm trying to overcome my "deer in headlights" demeanor. I want to answer his question and sound scholarly, but more than that, I really want to be sincere about my own beliefs about democracy.


I almost regret reading the articles prior to answering this question. As a matter of fact, I will try with great difficulty not to be swayed by the definitions of others. Of course my own reference comes from what I was initially introduced to in grade school and beyond. The philosophical ideas that I have about democracy is in part referenced during Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg address in 1863, where he makes the statement (about the the civil war), "...that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom -- and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth". That is, in my interpretation means that democracy exist to represent (and abide by)the will of its people to accomplish the greater good for all.


Now of course, as I think about this statement, I am forced to digress to my readings (s0 much for not being influenced) However, Robert Dahl in his article entitled, "On Democracy" (1998) puts this philosophical notion in clear perspective. He states, "democracy" refers to both an ideal and an actuality". In this regard, I think about my philosophical idea verses "how" democracy translates into behavioriol examples. What does it look like in the day and life of individuals. It is very clear these days with the infamous health care debate in our own back yard, that democracy looks and feels very different to different people. The importance of democracy both in practice and in behavior for me, means that as an individual, my voice is can be represented by those with similar beliefs that is truly represents the "greater good". The importance for democracy in Mozambique is quite the same. It should mean that whether a person lives in a rural or urban area, there is a mechanism or structure in place that allows the individual to participate in policies and decisions that reflect the greater good for all as well.

What is democracy then? How can we study this "ideal and actuality" in Mozambique if it is not clear in our own country or amongst scholars. We as a team can refer to our founding fathers ideas, discuss and debate (as we are allowed in a democracy)consense on a common definition and move forward. The problem is as is mentioned the article, "Democracy and Africa -a View from the Village" by Maxwell Owusu (1992)that "the essential problem of African democracy is... the essential problem of democracy everywhere - and it is wise to remember that only a few countries in the world have really made a success of it. Democracy has succeeded in Northwestern Europe and in a few countries outside Europe because it has become entwined in the traditions of the people". It is not easy to overlay our own beliefs on a country that is so very different from our own in terms of culture, traditions, beliefs, religions, etc.

But alas...it is our mission! We were fortunate to have a guest speaker last week, Anne Pitcher, author of Transforming Mozambique : The Business of Privatization, 1975-2000 (2002) to help us understand about this country. She spoke of the history of independence and the struggles of post independence that this country as endured. What was somewhat surprising about her presentation was the omission of how the ideas and philosophies of democratization are passed on to the youth (which she stated accounted for a large percentage of the population due to the civil war). It surprised me that this population that is so key to the future of democracy was not more of focus in the book.

We have a lot to digest in the weeks prior to departure!