New Delhi: “The concept of ethics is in crisis globally, and I believe the world today is more insecure than ever before, perhaps even more so than during the World War-II. Democracies worldwide are facing serious challenges, something they’ve experienced since the idea of democracy first emerged in Athens,” said Najeeb Jung, former Lt. Governor of Delhi, while delivering the inaugural Sir Syed Lecture organized by India Islamic Cultural Centre (IICC) on Thursday. The lecture, titled “Ethics and Democracy: An Uncertain and Insecure World,” addressed the precarious state of democracy today.
Jung delved into the evolution of democracy and emphasized the critical role of ethics and morality in sustaining vibrant democracies. Citing figures like great emperors, kings, prophets, philosophers, Mahatma Gandhi, and the Dalai Lama, Jung highlighted that the champions of democracy once upheld pure ethics and morals. He also noted how, over time, some rulers were forced to reconsider their aggressive stances as they moved against democratic ideals.
“But as democracy took root globally, we witnessed its advantages: the right to vote, elect one’s leaders, enjoy liberty, and, above all, fraternity. Yet, dangers have always lurked. In 1938, just before his exile from Nazi Germany, Thomas Mann warned an American audience that democracy should not take itself for granted. Often, principles and ethics are sidelined when elected leaders feel insecure or emboldened by power. Over centuries, democracy evolved with a focus on equity, ethics, and fairness, where leaders are expected to abide by written laws, customs, and moral conventions,” Jung explained.
Addressing the state of democracy today, Jung referred to a report by V-Dem Institute at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden, which painted a grim picture of global democracy.
“It’s a sad reality that liberal democracy is under threat, particularly from right-wing demagoguery. In 2021, the V-Dem report showed that autocracies now govern 87 countries, home to 68 percent of the global population. Liberal democracies have declined over the past decade, from 41 to 32, representing just 14 percent of the world’s population. Currently, about one-third of the world’s population – 2.6 billion people – live in countries experiencing autocratization, while only 4 percent live in nations that are becoming more democratic. India, the world’s largest democracy, with 1.4 billion people, is now classified as an ‘electoral autocracy’ due to the shrinking space for media, civil society, and political opposition,” Jung said.
“Freedom of expression, the right to private assembly, and the independence of media, academia, and civil society are increasingly under attack worldwide. The assassins of democracy use the very institutions of democracy subtly and legally to stifle it. One area where ethics is particularly disregarded is the rise of resurgent nationalism in the name of democracy. This narrow, divisive form of ethno-nationalism often disregards diversity, is suspicious of dissent, and views minorities as potential ‘fifth columnists.’ This form of majoritarianism threatens the civil rights of minorities, yet appeals to the majority ethnic groups,” he added.
Citing examples of democratic backsliding, Jung pointed to events such as the attack on Capitol Hill by right-wing supporters in the U.S., the arrests in the Bhima Koregaon case, and the death of Father Stan Swamy in India. He also referred to the ongoing violence in Gaza and Lebanon, noting that it has become disturbingly common to witness genocidal violence in real time.
“It is a novel horror in human history to watch a genocidal war on our phones, with men, women, and children live-tweeting moments before their deaths – Israel, too, is a democracy.”
On the merits of democracy, Jung stressed, “When done correctly, democracy enhances individual autonomy, freedom, participation, and deliberation, all of which contribute to human development. While authoritarian regimes may boast high growth rates, the quality of development is poor, given the abuses that are routine. A functioning democracy also tempers the excesses of capitalism, fostering sustainable development and social movements that address economic deprivation. For autocrats, power is too precious to lose, and this leads to violence that can destabilize both the economy and the social fabric.”
Referring to issues like electoral bonds and the role of India’s Supreme Court, Jung expressed concern about its silence, calling it a troubling sign for democracy’s future.
The event was presided over by former Union Minister and IICC President Salman Khurshid.
