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Beyond economics: Interactions between politics and economic developoment
- Source: CEPAL Review, Volume 2004, Issue 83, Sep 2004, p. 7 - 12
- Spanish
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- 05 Sep 2004
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Abstract
Theories about a necessary link between authoritarianism and progress have been discredited by history. Now democracy and development are prominent (though not inseparable) values on nations’ agendas. The link between the two is not a given; it is established by recognizing that democracy is justified in itself as a universal value that can be accepted by all. Democracy legitimizes public policies because it is based on deliberation and a negotiated trade-off of interests, under transparent rules. Democratic procedures can be used to cope with unexpected difficulties and strengthen the confidence of outsiders. The way to deal with the asymmetrical effects of globalization is to participate in the international economy on more advantageous terms, affirming the ability of democracy to shape a form of development that is nonexclusive. unlike that which we experienced in the past. This is no easy task, and if people are not rewarded by a higher quality of life, then not only will democracy be in jeopardy, but the economy will not prosper.