The Democratic Revolution
Struggles for Freedom and Pluralism in the Developing World
Description:... This remarkable volume focuses on one of the most exciting events of our time--the democratic revolution. In countries around the world, oppressive and dictatorial regimes have been overthrown and democracy is emerging as a possible, even likely, replacement. Democracy, however, is not a gift that one country can bestow upon another. It is a high political and cultural achievement that each country, each people, must win for itself against great odds. The distinguished contributors to this volume have been and still are engaged in that struggle--often at the expense of their careers, their health, their freedom and threats to their very lives. Their voices come from South Africa, the Philippines, Central America, Nigeria, Chile and other countries. For example, Maria Rosa S. de Martini, president of a non-partisan women's organization in Argentina, has worked for years to promote citizen participation in the democratic process. She has, thereby, taught people who felt they were excluded from the process how to be politically active, how to see that their opinions count. Her programs proved to be so effective that they have now been extended into at least fifteen other Latin American countries. Xavier Zavala Cuadra, a distinguished Nicaraguan intellectual, has made Libro Libre, a non-profit publishing program, into a vibrant center for the promotion of ideas, beliefs, values and institutions that make democracy possible. Clement Nwankwo, one of Nigeria's most influential human rights activists, has been jailed and his life has been threatened because of his dedicated action. He has, nevertheless, continued to promote the rule of law and respect for human rights through legal actions and assistance to human rights victims. Bona Malwal has been subject to the oppressive attention of both a military dictatorship and a civilian government of Sudan. A noted journalist and politician, he now carries out his continuing struggle for democratic rule from exile in England. These and the other courageous contributors offer personal testimony that is blended with a sturdy defense of democratic values. Where democracy has put down only shallow roots the outcome of their struggle is far from certain. What is beyond doubt is the courage, the commitment, the determination, and the sheer intelligence of these participants in that struggle. It is on the combined efforts of such people that the future of democracy in their respective countries will rest.
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