Thursday, May 31, 2012

Does One Size Fit all?


The US assumes a "one-size-fits-all" solution for all international governments, failing to take into account the desires of the people. Pretending that we are still in the Golden Age of America, we continue to export democracy around the world. It has been a successful system for us as a country; surely, it would be beneficial elsewhere. However, this is not the case. In Egypt, for instance, the Egyptians may choose a president that the US views as malignant to US interests. If they do choose such a president, is the US allowed to intervene and change their choice? Of course not. If the US did intervene to change their president, the US would be no better than all of European countries that once lorded over the colonies. It would go against the US's perception of itself.
In February, the Egyptian government brought criminal charges against the National Democratic Institute and the International Republican Institute. The US immediately objected and this dispute could cause problems in the Middle East, especially since Egypt is one of the US's best Middle Eastern allies. They could  not understand; what was wrong with supporting democracy? But if you picture the situation in reverse, it becomes clear what exactly Egypt was unhappy with. Imagine no explanation as to why your form of government is wrong. Imagine free Korans being handed out in the streets. Imagine the encouragement of jihad, a word not even fully understood by most Americans. Imagine a country with no shorts or tank tops or any "immodest" attire. Imagine what the uproar would be like if Egypt had asked that of us. Americans demand equality, youth empowerment, and secularization. None of this fits into the desires of Egypt. Admittedly, it is regrettable that some parts of democracy (particularly gender equality) are rejected because of cultural traditions but these are issues that Egypt must sort out by itself -- if it turns out to be an issue at all. After all, foreign policy is meant to create allies of the US, not clones of American society. Even so, American democracy isn't the only type of democracy; perhaps Egypt could develop its own working government where religion and government are appropriately balanced.
If we consider our cinema, is it any wonder why a country like Egypt wouldn't want to be like us?

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