US Hegemony in World Politics | Class 12 Political Science Notes

DEMOCRACY IN SOUTH ASIA: POPULAR SUPPORT AND CHALLENGES

Democracy in South Asia is marked by both widespread popular support and significant challenges. Surveys conducted across Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka reveal that the majority of citizens prefer democracy over dictatorship. For example, 70% of Indians and 71% of Sri Lankans view democracy as preferable, while Pakistan shows a lower preference at 37%, with a notable proportion indifferent or favoring dictatorship occasionally.

Despite economic disparities and social challenges, citizens across these countries view democracy positively and consider it suitable for their nations. This counters the earlier belief that democracy is sustainable only in prosperous countries. The data also shows that even among poorer and less literate populations, democratic ideals have taken root.

The region faces challenges such as political instability, military interventions, ethnic conflicts, and governance issues that sometimes hinder democratic consolidation. However, the aspiration for democracy remains strong, and many countries have made significant strides toward democratic governance in recent decades.

The Human Development Indicators for South Asia show mixed progress: life expectancy averages around 69.3 years, adult literacy is about 68.7%, and GDP per capita is significantly lower than global averages. These socio-economic factors impact democratic quality and political participation but have not diminished popular support for democracy.

📊 Diagram: Table on page 3 (4×6) showing preferences for democracy versus dictatorship in South Asian countries; Both these graphs are based on interviews with more than 19,000 ordinary citizens in the five countries of South Asia. Source: SDSA Team, State of Democracy in South Asia, New Delhi: Oxford University (See figure_3, figure_4)

🔗 Connection: This section leads to an exploration of the democratic experiences and political systems in individual South Asian countries, highlighting their unique challenges and developments.

Table on page 3 (4×6)

Table on page 3 (9×9)