Fareed Zakaria on Democracy and Judiciary

By Sumit Paul, New Age Islam 27 March 2025 Nowadays, I'm reading Fareed Zakaria's views on Democracy, Judiciary and Political Systems. While he doesn't criticise Indian democracy and his views are generic, being India-born and a Muslim to boot, his apercus must be taken seriously when democracy in India stands on shaky ground. He provides fresh perspectives. Fareed says, "Democracy is not simply a political system, but a way of life, a culture." He contends that democracy is not confined to governance, but extends to encompass a way of life and a culture. Zakaria suggests that democratic principles go beyond the act of voting and involve a wider set of values, norms, and practices that shape the social fabric of a society. Democracy is not just about the pursuit of electoral power, but also about promoting and protecting individual freedoms, ensuring equality, fostering dialogue, and respecting diverse perspectives. It involves active participation, civic engagement, and an inherent belief in the power of collective decision-making. Therefore, democracy becomes an integral part of a nation's cultural identity and influences every aspect of its citizens' lives, shaing their choices, aspirations, and relationships. Elsewhere, he says, “Democracy requires solidarity and above all, tolerance of different views." This is of paramount importance. The success of democracy is not only dependent on solidarity among its citizens but also on the tolerance of divergent perspectives. Solidarity refers to a sense of unity and cohesion among individuals, where they recognize their shared goals and work towards them collectively. However, true solidarity can only be achieved when it is inclusive of different views and opinions. Tolerance plays a crucial role in fostering an environment conducive to democracy, as it promotes dialogue, respects diversity, and allows for the coexistence of conflicting ideas. Without tolerance, democracy risks becoming an echo chamber, stifling necessary debates and impeding progress. Zakaria's quote serves as a reminder of the vital importance of embracing diversity and preserving the fundamental principles that uphold democracy. The icing on the cake is his pithy observation that a strong judiciary is essential for a functioning democracy. In a democracy, the judiciary acts as a safeguard, protecting individual rights and providing a check on the powers of the executive and legislative branches. A strong judiciary upholds the rule of law, impartially interprets and applies the constitution, and serves as an unbiased arbiter in disputes. By maintaining its independence and integrity, the judiciary guarantees fairness, equality, and justice for all citizens, reinforcing the democratic principles of accountability, transparency, and the protection of individual liberties. Without an impartial and robust judiciary, a democracy risks falling into authoritarianism, corruption, and the erosion of citizens' rights and freedoms. Ultimately, a strong judiciary is fundamental and foundational to sustaining a democratic society and preserving the democratic values that underpin it. But is our judiciary strong enough under the BJP rule when it has become subservient to the current political dispensation? I'm afraid, we're witness to a feeble, servile and grovelling judiciary, ready to sleep when said to bend. ... A regular columnist for New Age Islam, Sumit Paul is a researcher in comparative religions, with special reference to Islam. He has contributed articles to the world's premier publications in several languages including Persian. URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islam-pluralism/democracy-judiciary-fareed-zakaria/d/134990 New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism