Democratic fundamentalism in Hong Kong

Examining democratic fundamentalism

Democracy has been widely recognized as a value. But as a political system, it faces tremendous challenges. A kind of democratic fundamentalism has been emerging since the beginning of this century, and it has exerted a huge influence on the social and economic aspects of world governance.

Democratic fundamentalism worships democracy in an almost religious way, neglecting other ideas and opinions in the process of pursuing democracy. This fundamentalism often denies the concrete political and social realities that are needed in democratic practice, and also denies the fact that democratic practice may put society in harm's way in some circumstances.

Democratic fundamentalism holds that democracy is the only correct political system, and that any means can be used to promote and strive for democracy. For example, military aggression to promote democracy in certain countries and bombing some groups to protect other groups are all symptoms of democratic fundamentalism.

Democratic fundamentalism also refuses to recognize the multiple ways and various phases of realizing democracy. Simply put, it contends that multi-party competition and the concept of "one person one vote" is the only way of realizing democracy. It simplifies democracy into populism, and even gang-controlled election or mob politics.

Democratic fundamentalism often goes along with street politics. With the advanced information technology available in the present age, street politics can easily find its supporters. This may lead to the fall of governments and political chaos in countries where state power is weak due to social turmoil, for example in the Middle East, North Africa, and Thailand. In these countries, democratic fundamentalism brings political disorder and enduring national and social trouble.

In recent years, many countries and regions have confronted various challenges. Due to differences in their abilities to tackle these challenges, conflicts have arisen between different countries, regions, races and communities, giving ground to democratic fundamentalism.

Had it not been for the plummeting U.K. economy and the neo-liberal policy adopted by London, identity conflicts within the U.K. would not have grown so aggravated. Similarly, if not for waning competitiveness and the ever-widening income gap in Taiwan, the Sunflower Movement would not be have been tainted by democratic fundamentalism.