We live in an era where democracy is diminishing in many countries, including the United States, once considered a global leader in democratic governance. Whether that perception was entirely accurate remains uncertain, but the US served as a model in many fields. It is crucial to understand that democracy is not monolithic; it encompasses numerous areas and sub-sectors. However, there exists a broad democratic foundation of values, ways of thinking, and organizing daily life at all levels, from households and communities to national and international superstructures.
The World Expression Forum (WEXFO) Conference
Earlier this week, the World Expression Forum (WEXFO) held its large annual international conference in Lillehammer, Norway. The event gathered prominent figures, including Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, who delivered the opening speech, and Minister of Culture and Equality Lubna Jaffery. Several Nobel Peace Prize laureates attended, along with ordinary citizens, all concerned about democracy and people's participation in societies. Without the involvement of ordinary people, it cannot be called democracy; it would instead be meritocracy or technocracy with autocratic aspects, even if it yields good values and broad economic benefits. Unfortunately, many established Western democracies face challenges, as a clique of experts, civil servants, and highly educated individuals often lead political parties and governments. Few carpenters, farmers, plumbers, housewives, or assistant nurses reach the top.
Theme: Freedom to Disagree
The theme of this year's WEXFO conference was 'Freedom to Disagree,' emphasizing open and productive debate. The theme underscored that consensus is often unnecessary or undesirable. It is essential for those in power to allow diverging opinions, even when they challenge established ways and the thinking of the establishment. Experience alone does not guarantee the best methods; old systems often have built-in unfairness based on gender, ethnicity, religion, culture, geography, and inclusion of remote areas.
AI and Moral Questions
In contemporary political debate and communication, we focus on certain issues while overlooking others. To participate and have a say, one must belong to a party or group and hold acceptable views. Those with different opinions are often excluded from debate forums. In theory, social media has broadened participation, but in practice, it has become dominated by groups that hold the 'right' views, leading to criminalized dissent, AI-driven disinformation, cultural polarisation, and marginalization of moderate opinions. Right-wing and extremist topics and quick solutions often take center stage. We label each other rather than listening to the opinions and justifications of those we disagree with or think we disagree with.
Behavioral and Cognitive Biases
Those setting agendas and leading debates, including at conferences like WEXFO, must be reminded that they can inadvertently exclude individuals and groups who lack the caliber or sophisticated styles expected in leading debates, or may not be invited at all. Thus, we must be careful about how we conduct debates on peace, democracy, and development, ensuring multiple views are included. While it is important to propagate and encourage certain good views, we must not overpower the weaker and less organized, as this can lead to extremist counterattacks, which is already evident in how right-wingers often operate. Exaggeration increases disagreements and polarisation. However, the Lillehammer meeting stressed that consensus is not always a solution because it can disguise disagreements that should be discussed to deepen understanding of various perspectives. Therefore, disagreements are necessary if discussions are conducted openly and positively, seeking to understand complex issues.
Youth Disengagement
As we await the report from the Lillehammer meeting, we have time to learn more about democracy issues from various sources, including research data from the V-Dem (Varieties of Democracy) Institute at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden. Recent data from Reporters Without Borders (RSF) show that in 100 of the world's 180 surveyed countries, conditions for journalism and basic democratic freedoms have worsened. Debates are often highly polarised at a time when we should move toward broader, deeper positive debates at all levels—within and between countries, and in everyday settings like schools and workplaces. Learning to cooperate and be democratic can only happen through practice; like swimming or sawing, it must be learned by doing. Democracy is a process, not an end, and efforts that bring results require constant talks and dialogue, not assuming we have reached the final destination.
Some Wounds Never Heal
When we hear that democracy is challenged, and that people, countries, and the private sector often become less democratic, we have one task: work toward more democracy and better people's participation. I hope the Lillehammer meeting provides hints on how to work in the future and what to prioritize. Yet most of us know the main things to do and what we can do in our everyday lives. More than before, we want to tell others about our values and opinions, and we often criticize those who think differently. In the future, we should try to be more positive toward those with different opinions. We should encourage others to do what they believe is right and good, discuss issues, but more often look for positive things in other organizations and political parties, not just focus on what we think is wrong. If we are more positive toward others, they will be more willing to listen to us because they will begin to like us, even if opinions differ. We must always remember that peace, democracy, and development are about encouraging everyone to do their best and work for what they believe is good and right for themselves and their communities. Silent consensus is not the best; instead, we should debate and find new ways and solutions together, with respect for everyone, noting that minorities and those we disagree with also have the right to pursue their values and goals in a dynamic and engaging world where there is room for everyone. What we must not do is sit silent and withdraw from active participation. Democracy can only prosper if we all participate and keep discussing and acting.
Atle Hetland is a senior Norwegian social scientist with experience in university, diplomacy, and development aid. He can be reached at atlehetland@yahoo.com
