question_answer 37)

Which of the following positions can contribute to democracy at the global level? Give reasons for your answer in each case. (a) My country gives more money to international institutions. Therefore, I want to be treated with more respect and exercise more power.   (b) My country may be small or poor. But my voice must be heard with equal respect, because these decisions will affect my country.   (c) Wealthy nations will have a greater say in international affairs. They cannot let their interests suffer just because they are outnumbered by poor nations.   (d) Big countries like India must have a greater say in international organisations.  

Answer:

(a) It does not contribute to democracy at the global level, because money cannot be the criteria for promoting democracy. All countries both rich and poor should enjoy equal status. (b) If the voice of small and poor country is heard with equal respect then it will promote democracy at the global level. (c) If wealthy nations have a greater say in international affairs it will not contribute to the democracy at the global level. As a result the poor countries will be denied equal status and opportunity of development and voicing their views and ideas. (d) It will not contribute to democracy at the global level because a small country also has the right to have equal say at the international level, democracy cannot be different for the rich and the poor or the big and the small.