Proto Democracies
Proto democracies are known as a type of non-democratic regimes which has been discovered recently by Paul Brooker.
This is a typical central Asian phenomenon. Example can be taken of Turkamanistan, Ozbakistan, Tajikistan, etc. These states are neither totalitarian, nor full fledge democracies; however, they are heading towards democracy. Brooker talks of peculiarities of these regimes. According to him, the incumbent president here is required to have the following:
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Those who have been the communist party’s boss have also a role i.e. after the collapse of Soviet Union communist leaders does play a vital role in politics.
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Head has to establish more repressive personal rule than the previous ones e.g. than Yelastin.
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Ruler is required to have established the former communist party in the nationalist or democratic guise as an official party.
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Most of the times, these leaders extent their presidency beyond the period stipulated by the ruler or constitution.
Paul Brooker some times labels them as ‘authoritarian democracies’ which are justified as: It is essential for establishing liberal economy, it is essential in transition period, and it is also essential to change the mind-set of the people.
Thus, these regimes are not authoritarian and not totalitarian in the traditional sense of the term, rather they are experiencing democracy. Brooker says that proto democracies particularly after 1990s can be regarded as non-democratic regimes.
The note taken from Prof. Yashwant Sumant class lecture in 2006. This text needs edition. All Rights Reserved by www.ahmadrezataheri.org
