Even if it’s not a question of adding fear to anxiety, the global geopolitical situation is worrying, to say the least: what seemed to be taken for granted in our democracies seems to be called into question in other countries by the inconsistency, contempt, arrogance and a form of madness of certain leaders.
While most people aspire to tranquillity and a decent life, a few narcissistic perverts decide otherwise. Why, in the end, is it so easy for these “warmongers” to carry out their plans? Time is of the essence!
Whereas true democracies are, by definition, constantly adapting, changing, questioning, and holding open elections, dictatorships weave their web over years, even decades. So, in a nutshell, democracies are all about the short term, while dictatorships are all about the long term…
There’s no need to mention all the examples and methods, as they are all glaringly obvious and all implemented with the same logic: locking up power, drafting coercive laws, suppressing, or controlling education, locking up communication and the media, and setting up a mafia-like system in favour of a small circle of “chosen ones”.
Democracy is all about short timeframes, which are the very essence of its structure and functioning. Controversial debates, elections and, for the lucky Swiss, very regular votes on societal issues, are both opportunities and challenges for democracies. Most citizens take the rights and freedoms they enjoy for granted: this is naïve, if not unconscious.
The balance can quickly be upset by bullies and upstarts. Needless to say: dictatorship is suffered, democracy is cultivated.
The short timeframe of democracies is currently a disadvantage, but it can also be an asset that we must seize by rapidly amending laws and strengthening the institutions that can fight these “criminals”. It’s not a question of opting for a liberticidal regime, but of being consistent in the face of a threat that will affect us all personally in a few years’ time.
And what about the world of work?
It’s interesting to note that certain hierarchical or organizational models have adopted certain codes - fortunately, not all of them - from dictatorships. Should we be alarmed?
In most cases, the governing bodies and governance systems allow the whole system to regulate itself. Nevertheless, in some companies, doubts remain as managers arrogate to themselves rights, they do not have on paper…
The rapid pace of change that companies are currently undergoing in terms of technology, people and markets is certainly creating opportunities and a healthy dynamism.
The current climate of anxiety should not be a brake, but a strong signal to enable us to act at all levels - state, professional or private - to preserve our values, rights, and freedoms.
At every level of our society - and this is our greatest opportunity - we can ensure that our gains remain so.
Have a good summer, happy reading and see you soon.