Quote:
Originally posted by jas1552
Democracy used to be an alien concept to the entire world not that long ago historically. If imperial Japan could achieve democracy any country can.
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Are you suggesting we nuke people into democracy?
Human social evolution does lead in "our" direction. Cuture changes gradually as older generations die and younger generations embrace new information. You can't speed that up with soldiers; infact, any such attempt usually slows the process. Look at how our warring in the middle east has set back Irans social revolution; now that we are threatening their sovereignty, they are seeking security in religion and nationalism - when previously they were embracing a movement against that unpopular regime. The war in Iraq is the best thing that ever happened for the Iranian theocracy.
Trying to force our version of "liberty" on a culture that genuinely prefers theocracy is like trying to get evangelicals to support gay marriage. You have to influence the culture to change first. Right now it seems gay-rights have lost the battle in the USA, but in 40 years all the old men will be dead and the greater majority of the 'Will & Grace' generation will be more tolerant. To win the world, we just need to keep exporting our movies and music. Anyone with an internet connection can now see so many more options. They'll move in our direction, but can we be patient enough to wait out the older generations?