Iterate Democracy!

Over time, I and many others have become increasingly frustrated with the political landscape. This frustration is not limited to a particular place—it is widespread. Yes, I know that there are different types of democracy, and depending on their set-up, one works better, and the others don't.  

I have always struggled with people's ability to govern themselves effectively in a democratic system. However, I now realize that the issue lies not with the people themselves but with the system at large. I am referring to both the political system and our economic system, which is designed for perpetual growth.

The problem arises from the fact that nothing on Earth can continue growing indefinitely. It is simply unsustainable if there are elements on Earth that have no limits to their growth. Consider the example of a tree that grows incessantly without any constraints—it would not be viable. Similarly, our capitalistic economic system is not focused on sustainability. It is driven by the pursuit of expanding markets and generating surpluses. It embodies an economic form of Darwinism. However, this approach is not viable in the long run.

Exploring the complexities and challenges of democracy

Democracy gives rise to a new group of influential people who become politicians as their profession. Their main focus is gaining and holding onto power. However, this can lead to problems because those who attain power may not necessarily be good leaders or experts in the areas they are responsible for managing. As politicians have created very good skills in gaining power and holding power, the skills for managing their area and tasks are often seen as secondary and to be learned on the fly. As a consultant, I know that this can work very well, but even so, it is not easy to do it well, and not everybody has this capacity, even though they pretend. That is part of the fame of consultants.

One challenge democracy faces is the time set aside for evaluating the government’s effectiveness and giving people an opportunity to change the government if needed. During a change in power, the outgoing government often tries to maintain its political influence by appointing individuals to key positions, hindering the new government’s ability to implement its policies. At the same time, the new government may try to reverse the initiatives of its predecessors.

This constant back-and-forth impedes the creation of stability and sustainability, both socially and economically, especially in areas that require a long-term strategic vision and effective implementation.

To promote stability and sustainability, it is important to foster a culture of policy continuity and collaboration between different governments.

Encouraging dialogue, identifying common goals, and building upon successful policies and initiatives from previous administrations can help avoid abrupt changes and promote a more coherent and effective approach to governance.

A nation, like a human body, requires essential functions to operate independently. These functions can be compared to the human body’s vegetative nervous system, which is responsible for vital processes necessary for survival.

When policymakers continuously manipulate specific functions of a nation’s vegetative nervous system, the entire system is affected in the long run. Undesirable consequences can arise, such as social issues resulting from economic inequality, polarization, hatred, and resentment.

In the context of a nation, the vegetative nervous system refers to the economy, education, and healthcare systems. These crucial areas should be managed by politically independent organisations with longer-term perspectives, led by professionals who specialise in their respective fields.

To mitigate this issue, it is crucial to establish politically independent organisations responsible for crucial functions such as economic management, education, and healthcare.

These organisations should have longer-term mandates, ensuring continuity beyond changes in government.

Depoliticising administration and allowing professionals with relevant expertise to manage these areas can make policy implementation more consistent and effective.