Democracy is the worst form of government except all the others that have been tried. So said Winston Churchill and who would disagree One man, one vote, the rule of law, equality and a free press. These are the principles which tens of thousands have been imprisoned or lost their lives for in despotic regimes from South America to Burma. In recent months a violent struggle for democratic rights has been taking place on the EU’s doorstep in Ukraine. Scores of people have been killed in demonstrations against Viktor Yanukovych, now ousted as President. Elections are set for May but tensions are mounting between western governments and President Putin over the Crimea and the eastern parts of the country.But is the assumption that democracy always leads to a freer and more tolerant society correct Many would argue that it can lead to quite illiberal outcomes especially where there is profound ethnic division. What if democracy were installed in Syria It’s not hard to imagine what would happen to the minority groups who have enjoyed the protection of Assad’s regime. There have been successful transitions to democracy in post- war Germany and Japan, but free elections in countries such as Iraq and Egypt have not brought peace and prosperity.In this debate, which took place on 11 March 2014, Professor of Middle East Studies at City University Rosemary Hollis and academic and acclaimed author of 'When China Rules the World' Martin Jacques propose the motion. American political scientist Ian Bremmer and eminent Ukrainian MP Andriy Shevchenko oppose the motion.
