- #36
WhoWee
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noobilly said:
Then along comes foreign interference - it should be noted a strong Democracy is needed.
noobilly said:The way I see it is like this:
When a country is in a pretty undeveloped state economically, the steps to take towards prosperity are quite clear: raise the agricultural productivity by introducing modern agricultural techniques, attract foreign investment and use it to build factories and roads, then export cheap goods to advanced nations. A benevolent dictator will make sure that these steps are taken, while a non-benevolent dictator will (by definition) squeeze the masses for his own benefit. A democratically elected leader may ensure that these steps are taken, but he could also give empty promises while doing nothing beneficial for the nation.
However once a country is more developed, the road to improvement is much less clearly mapped out, so the ingenuity of the people is key in finding roads to increased prosperity. For that ingenuity to flourish, you need democracy.
This is a highly debated topic in the field of economics. Some studies suggest that benevolent autocrats, who have absolute power but use it for the betterment of their country, can make quick and efficient decisions that can drive economic growth. However, others argue that democratic leaders, with checks and balances in place, can foster a more stable and sustainable economy.
One potential drawback is that benevolent autocrats may become too powerful and make decisions that benefit themselves or their close associates rather than the overall economy. They may also lack accountability and transparency, which can lead to corruption and mismanagement of resources. Additionally, the lack of a democratic process may stifle innovation and creativity, hindering long-term economic growth.
Yes, benevolent autocrats have the power to implement policies that they believe are best for their country's economic development. However, it is crucial for them to have a thorough understanding of economics and consult with experts to make informed decisions. They should also consider the diverse needs and perspectives of their citizens to ensure that policies benefit the entire population.
One example is Lee Kuan Yew, the first Prime Minister of Singapore, who is often credited with transforming the country from a third-world nation to a global economic powerhouse. He used his authoritarian rule to implement policies that focused on education, infrastructure, and attracting foreign investments, leading to significant economic growth and development.
While benevolent autocrats may be able to achieve short-term economic growth, it is challenging to predict if their policies will lead to long-term stability. Without a democratic process in place, there is a risk of policies being reversed or mismanaged by future leaders. Additionally, the lack of checks and balances can lead to economic imbalances and inequalities, which can be detrimental to long-term stability.