Democracy is not easy. History clearly shows that successful democracies take time.
Democracy in England can be traced back to 1650, in Thailand 1932, and Nepal 1990. Almost all nascent democracies went through early difficulties.
What should we demand from our government? I would argue accountability for making real efforts to improve our lives (recognizing that is a tough task that requires some patience) and fairness that provides opportunities for those willing to put in the effort to improve their own life. I see the frustration amongst Nepalis with their government, the economy, and most notably the lack of opportunity for our young.
The frustration may cause people to be tempted by autocrats promising quick fixes often utilizing fake populism for personal gain. We see this happening around the world including America.
I left the US and moved to Nepal with my wife Amrita in May 2023. There is so much to be grateful for here (people, culture, weather among others). I love Nepal. Just seeing friends holding hands walking through the streets brings a smile.
And I would not propose that Nepal copy America’s economic system, but learn from it. Benjamin Franklin was a key element of the foundation of the United States. His industry and irreverent attitude towards monarchy are the bedrock of what is the best of America.
When asked what sort of government the Founding Fathers had created after their independence from Britain’s King in 1776 he famously remarked: “A Republic if you can keep it.” Meaning the form of governance which gave us freedom from the yoke of autocracy and which turned out to create prosperity was dependent upon the active and informed involvement of the people.
Buddha and Ganesh represent the best of Nepal. Their sensibilities around mindfulness should be part of the system and eventual solution.
Another important character for America was George Washington. The first President, he willingly gave up power, which he could have retained, after his second term. (I am a believer in term limits as some in Nepal may agree). This occurred in 1796. Two hundred and twenty eight years ago.
When we look at failed economic systems we see common problems. See the seminal book Why Nations Fail by Daron Acemoglu and James A Robinson or Fareed Zakaria’s recent book Age of Revolutions. Firstly in failed economies proper institutions that guarantee accountability from leaders and fair economic opportunities are not allowed to develop. By fair economic opportunities I mean the elimination of advantages afforded to those who are ‘connected’ or in other words “cronyism.” In turn creative destruction (meaning new ideas, new businesses, technological advancement, etc) is thwarted. In England it was a developing merchant class that eventually put pressure on the power of the Crown. In the Netherlands, the first stock market inspired citizens to be involved in business. These open systems promoted personal initiative. This unleashed business energy that demanded a level playing field with vested, entrenched interests forced to compete fairly.
I do not propose that Nepal copy America’s economic system, but learn from it. Benjamin Franklin believed the form of governance which gave us freedom from the yoke of autocracy and which turned out to create prosperity was dependent upon the active and informed involvement of the people.
In the US I sold frozen Asian appetizers to major retailers. We were able to take on larger competitors in a fair system. We led with innovation which helped us win bids. The big companies were not able to gain an unfair advantage through political connections or the like. We grew the company. This generated private equity interest. Private equity is robust in the US and if Nepal were able to generate more foreign investment it could provide a similar boost to innovative companies. This, however, is a subject for another article.
We went on to grow from 85 employees to over 650. I will note the importance of a government mandated minimum wage. The owner fought it, but in the end was able to pay it and still walk away with millions. It actually helped us build with engaged employees.
This would be impossible in an autocracy. Dictators fear the freedom that makes such job creation possible. Given the opportunity they will use any means to snuff it out (fake populism and religion, control of the media, purposely dividing the populace along racial or religious lines, imprisonment or even worse saying god ordained them alone). With this in mind it should not be surprising that nine out of the top 10 economies in the world are democracies.
What Deependra Chaulagain of Samriddhi Foundation said recently should bring us hope and direction: “While the situation in Nepal appears to be chaotic … Nepal’s transition from an authoritarian regime to a multi-party democracy was merely 30 years ago. Decision-making is shifting from the discretion of bureaucrats to elected representatives and provincial and local governments are becoming institutionalized allowing people to contest ideas, exert pressure on local leaders to deliver their promises, and hold them accountable.”
I truly believe if we continue on this path a prosperous Nepal will develop. It is encouraging to see the election results in India. Their citizens got involved and made the effort to vote. The results appear to have made Prime Minister Narendra Modi more accountable to the people.
Albert Greenwood has an MBA in Entrepreneurship and a BA in Political Science. He was Head of Sales for a frozen food company in New York that grew from 85 employees to over 650. He and his wife, Amrita, moved to Nepal in May 2023.
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