> prove that democracy is optional for economic prosperity
But it's always been optional. China showed it. But Singapore showed it best. It's undoubtedly prosperous, but not considered too democratic (it is on paper of course).
The West usually sells the idea of liberalization with the promise that Democracy will eventually follow. It goes something like "let us come in overthrow the government, start a war, install some dictator, bring some big multinational corporations to run things, etc. But don't worry, eventually democracy will arrive". But it seems it doesn't always.
Slavoj Žižek, hate him or like him, likes to call this Capitalism with Asian Values
Singapore is often shown as proof that China's model will work. But look at it from the perspective of China.
To be like Singapore they would need to have a much more regular and neutral justice system and expose their politicians to much more democratic oversight (though still not to western levels). They would have to engage in a much more subtle and limited form of censorship.
If they do become like Singapore, then what do they get? They get to be about as rich as western democracies.
But it's always been optional. China showed it. But Singapore showed it best. It's undoubtedly prosperous, but not considered too democratic (it is on paper of course).
The West usually sells the idea of liberalization with the promise that Democracy will eventually follow. It goes something like "let us come in overthrow the government, start a war, install some dictator, bring some big multinational corporations to run things, etc. But don't worry, eventually democracy will arrive". But it seems it doesn't always.
Slavoj Žižek, hate him or like him, likes to call this Capitalism with Asian Values
He explains himself what that means here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ADfH9Rt6pc
(Be prepared for silly jokes, and endless diversions)