Definitions

Currently, all of us are talking about democracy. However, while we comment and compare democracies around the world, we have to note that every democracy is different in their own ways. Usually, a state that is a democracy is usually termed a "republic", but many different countries on the freedom spectrum are republics.

For example, France, Singapore, and even countries like Zimbabwe are listed as Republics. Most of us know that France has been labelled a true democracy by many, given its long history since the French Revolution. On the other hand, "democratic" Singapore is dominated by a single party, with the PAP in power for more than 40 years. Furthermore, Zimbabwe, under Robert Mugabe, has seen election manipulation. Mugabe has also suppressed freedom of the press and freedom of speech, key tenets of democracy. With so many contrasting republics that proclaim themselves democracies, what and who is really a democracy?

In my opinion, as human nature is divergent, so will democracy continue to be divergent. There will never be a single system of democracy that every state adopts, due to differences in size, culture, amongst a multitude of other factors.

From the three republics above, it is possible to judge their successes, from France's liberalism, Singapore's economic stability and Zimbabwe's 10,500,000% (10.5 million percent) inflation. The similarities between successful democracies seems to be a good structure and system of governance, with capable leaders at the helm.

Ultimately, the success of a government depends on whether the state can prosper. With the right type of democracy and competent people, democracy and create stability for a country, no matter where or what type of democracy it is.