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Topic : Radical Democracy

GS-2 Mains : Polity

Revision Notes

Background:

• Societal crises often lead to calls for change and new ideologies.
• 19th century: Shortcomings of liberal democracy led to revolutions against capitalism.
• Initial solutions: Collectivism & centralized planning, but these devolved into dictatorships.
• Post-WWII disillusionment with dictatorships led to the search for an alternative.

Manabendra Nath Roy’s Radical Democracy:

• Developed by Indian philosopher Roy and colleagues after WWII.
• Seeks to combine individual freedom and social justice.

New Humanism (Philosophical Foundation):

• Builds on traditional humanism with modern science.
• Morality arises from reason, not divine authority.
• Human dignity, sovereignty, and creativity are key.
• Roy’s work “Reason, Romanticism, and Revolution” emphasizes collective action for societal change.

Revolution and Rationality:

• Revolutions occur when people recognize the need for change.
• Individuals can cooperate rationally to create a just and free society.

A Radical Approach to Democracy and Elections:

• Roy critiques superficial voting in traditional democracies.
• True democracy requires informed voters capable of independent judgment.
• Local conferences would discuss issues and select independent candidates.
• These candidates are accountable directly to the people, not parties.
• This system aims to reduce demagogy and corruption.
• Local democracies with recall and referendums empower citizens.

Humanist Economics:

• Focuses on human needs rather than profit.
• Criticizes capitalism and state-controlled economies for neglecting well-being.
• Advocates for:
  • Modernizing agriculture
  • Improving rural infrastructure
  • Cooperatives for rural consumers and industries
• Aims to increase production, provide jobs, and meet rural needs.

Comprehensive Social Programs:

• Unemployment insurance, old-age pensions, and other social welfare measures.
• Aligns economic production with human needs (health, housing, education).

The Necessity of Radical Democracy:

• Need for freedom and justice remains crucial in the modern world.
• Scientific thought and humanist philosophy are key to progress.
• A society driven by reason and creativity can create true democracy.

Conclusion:

• Radical democracy offers a framework for balancing freedom and justice.
• By emphasizing reason, local participation, and human needs, it aims for a more equitable and participatory society.

 

Additional Information

Critique of Existing Systems:

• Rejects traditional democracies for failing to address:
  • Economic inequality
  • Social justice under capitalism
• Opposes all forms of authoritarianism despite promises of positive outcomes due to suppression of individual freedom.

Core Principles:

• Scientific Humanism: Reason and critical thinking are the foundation for:
  • Morality
  • Social progress
• Individual Agency: Individuals are responsible for shaping their own destiny and society’s.
• Community Empowerment: Local “people’s committees” make decisions and choose representatives.

Structure and Participation:

• Independent Candidates: Local committees choose representatives, reducing special interest influence.
• Direct Citizen Participation: Practices like referendums increase accountability and empower citizens.
• Education and Awareness: Public education cultivates critical thinking and informed citizens.

Economic Justice:

• Opposes both capitalism and centralized economic models.
• Advocates for a system prioritizing:
  • Human needs
  • Social justice
• Emphasizes:
  • Modernizing agriculture
  • Developing local cooperatives
  • Empowering rural populations
  • Equitable wealth distribution
• Acknowledges the need for social security measures:
  • Unemployment insurance
  • Pensions

Relevance:

• Addresses the crisis of modern governance and lack of citizen engagement.
• Offers a path forward through reason, critical thinking, and active citizen participation to shape a better future.

 

Source : The Hindu