Democracy, as a system of governance, has been widely studied and practised around the world. However, the application of democracy in what is often referred to as the “Third World” has raised questions about its distinctiveness as a model for these nations. This essay aims to explore whether democracy in the “Third World” should be considered as a distinct model, drawing on scholarly perspectives and empirical evidence to support the argument. the word 3rd world was rightly used during the cold war period to identify the nations or states which followed independent foreign policy by not aligning with the with either the Western bloc (First World) or the Eastern bloc (Second World).While the term has evolved, it generally encompasses developing or less economically developed countries. Due to this factor, the socio-eco-political context in these countries are unique. Democracy in the “Third World” operates within unique socio-political contexts characterized by historical, cultural, and economic factors. These factors include colonial legacies, ethnic diversity, economic disparities, and weak institutions, which can significantly influence the functioning of democratic systems.
In an argument for considering it a distinct model we must take in to consideration the contextual adaptations, the methods of practice of democracy and Lastly the Factor of decolonization and self-determination. Scholars argue that the application of democracy in the “Third World” necessitates contextual adaptations to suit the specific challenges and dynamics present in these nations. This may involve incorporating traditional governance structures, addressing socioeconomic inequalities, and accommodating diverse cultural norms within the democratic framework. Many “Third World” countries exhibit hybrid democratic practices that blend democratic principles with elements of authoritarianism or traditional governance. These hybrids may include semi-democratic systems, power-sharing arrangements, or informal networks of influence, indicating a departure from the conventional Western democratic model. The historical process of decolonization and the subsequent establishment of democratic systems in “Third World” countries reflect a distinct trajectory influenced by struggles for self- determination, national identity, and post-colonial challenges. These experiences have shaped unique democratic narratives and institutions in these nations.
In an argument against considering it a distinct model we must look into the universal democratic principles, global democratic standards and progressive democratic convergence. Proponents of a universalist perspective argue that the fundamental principles of democracy, such as popular sovereignty, political pluralism, and civil liberties, are universally applicable and should not be categorized as distinct based on geographical location or economic development. Global institutions and agreements, like the United Nations and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights ( UDHR), advocate for global democratic standards that should be universally applied, regardless of a country’s level of development. This implies that democracy should not be compartmentalised based on the “Third World” label. Some scholars contend that global trends indicate a progressive convergence towards democratic norms and institutions, suggesting that distinctions between “Third World” democracies and those in the developed world are diminishing as democratic practices and values diffuse across borders.
In conclusion, the question of whether democracy in the “Third World” should be considered as a distinct model is complex and multifaceted. While contextual adaptations and unique historical experiences may suggest distinctiveness, the universalist perspective and trends towards convergence underscore the interconnectedness of democratic principles across the world. As nations continue to navigate their democratic trajectories, an approach that recognizes both commonalities and specificities is crucial for understanding and advancing democratic governance. It is imperative to acknowledge the nuances of democratic governance in the “Third World” while essentializing it as a completely separate model.
Bangladesh’s Democratic Evolution and Challenges
The narrative of Bangladesh’s slow and painful democratic transition after the end of military rule in 1991 underscores the complexities of democratic consolidation in Third World countries. The norm of changing governments through ballots rather than bullets reflects the progress in democratic governance, yet it also reveals the challenges associated with governance and political stability. Bangladesh’s political scene is characterized by internal turmoil, which includes evolving national identities, personalized politics, weak institution- building, and a lack of political accountability. These complexities highlight the nuanced nature of democratic governance in Third World nations, extending beyond Bangladesh’s context.
For example, Bangladesh has experienced impressive economic and social development, marked by significant poverty reduction, improvements in human development indicators, and progress towards achieving middle-income status. The country’s remarkable development has been driven by economic growth, bolstered by remittance inflows, resilient ready-made garment (RMG) exports, and stable macroeconomic conditions. The World Bank, through extensive financial and technical support, has played a pivotal role in Bangladesh’s development journey, committing over $39.5 billion to various projects and programs. Bangladesh has successfully reduced poverty and achieved lower-middle-income status, reflecting its robust economic growth and dedicated efforts towards sustainable development. According to the world bank poverty rate in Bangladesh declined from over half of the population to less than a third, with a significant reduction in poverty from 11.8 per cent in 2010 to 5.0 percent in 2022, based on the international poverty line of $2.15 a day. Moreover, Bangladesh has made substantial progress in areas such as education, health, and fertility, positioning itself to graduate from the UN’s Least Developed Countries (LDC) list by 2026.
“Simultaneously, the country faces challenges such as rising inflation, energy shortages, a balance-of-payments deficit, and revenue shortfalls. In the short term, the economy is expected to face constraints due to import suppression measures impacting economic activity. However, medium-term growth is anticipated to re-accelerate as inflationary pressures ease, external conditions improve, and reform implementation gains momentum. “One such incident would be the recent general election in 2018 saw the ruling Awami League (AL) coalition secure an overwhelming majority amid claims of election irregularities, raising concerns about the democratic process. The country has faced criticism for democratic backsliding, with the government consolidating power through violent repression and allegations of rigged elections.
The analysis of Bangladesh’s political evolution presents a nuanced understanding of the challenges and uncertainties within its democratic framework. The narrative of slow democratic transition, internal crises, and the role of caretaker governments underscores the distinctive nature of Bangladesh’s democratic model within the context of a Third World nation. Drawing from this analysis, it is evident that the experiences of Bangladesh in navigating its democratic evolution offer valuable insights into the broader discourse on democratic governance in Third World countries. The complexities and challenges highlighted in Bangladesh’s political landscape align with the argument that Third World countries do need to be studied as a distinctive model of democracy, as their experiences provide valuable lessons applicable to the broader understanding of democratic governance.