The Future of Democratic Governments

The continuing financial crises and worldwide recession appears to be changing the face of democratic governments throughout the world. Both Venezuela and Ukraine are countries facing similar problems. Yet, their respective populaces are reacting very differently to their governments in these troubled times.

In Venezuela, President Hugo Chavez recently won a measure allowing him to be re-elected indefinitely. Chavez is enormously popular following five years of rapid economic growth. That growth was supported by oil export revenue, which accounts for 1/3 of Venezuela’s annual GDP. Despite increasing poverty and low oil prices amidst the crisis, Chavez seems to be on a path of becoming president for life.

The government in Ukraine, on the other hand, is floundering amidst calls for it to be replaced. Like Venezuela, Ukraine is facing rising unemployment and a decrease in exports. Steel and chemical products, the backbone of Ukraine’s export industries, are no longer in record demand. As a result of the problems facing the country over 57% of people want President Viktor A. Yushenko to resign.

The only clear pattern emerging is that the citizens of both countries seem to be embracing different forms of extremism in the wake of the financial crises. Facing similar challenges, the citizens of one country are supporting the creation of a "monarchy" while those of another are telling the government to step down. It appears that financial institutions are not the only establishments being challenged; governments are being re-analyzed as well.

Actually, let me retract the

Submitted by on Thu, 03/05/2009 - 7:06pm.

Actually, let me retract the comments about Ukraine. From what I'm reading there's a similar loss of confidence in the governance structure. That's a real problem.

I wouldn't worry too much

Submitted by on Thu, 03/05/2009 - 9:05am.

I wouldn't worry too much about Venezuela. I can't find it right now, but there was a good post op-ed listing many Latin American examples of leaders that got limits removed only to fail to win the next term.

Chavez's social programs are responsible for his popularity, but while they're providing a cushion now, the fall in oil prices makes them unsustainable. If he hadn't alienated many of his natural allies he might be able to weather the crisis, but that's now how Chavez rolls.

It's worth worrying more about Ukraine, but I don't think that being widely dissatisfied with government performance is particularly indicative of radicalism. It's a challenge to the governing party of course, but while there are challenges to the governing institutions I don't think unpopularity raises to that level. Yushenko's still more popular than, choosing an example at random, the later years of our previous President.