Evolution and Resistance: Democracy in Azerbaijan
Shahla Ismayilova, Azerbaijan
There are many definitions of democracy, but none which reflects its full essence. The term ‘democracy’ is more ideological than scientific. Democracy is the most complex of all the forms of government. It is not designed for efficiency, but for accountability. A democratic government may not be able to act as quickly as a dictatorship, but once committed to a course of action it can draw upon deep wellsprings of popular support. Democracy in any of its forms is not a finite process, but is always evolving.
Generally when we speak of democracy we have in mind its western model, since western nations have been the most successful in implementing it. By contrast, newly developing countries, like those in the post-Soviet space, seem to have a long way to go. But how far are we from democracy and what prevents us from achieving it?
At the outset, we should identify two key components in a democracy – governmental democracy and civil democracy – that are closely interrelated and interdependent. Democracy is full of tensions and contradictions and requires considerable effort to make it work. Consequently, we should analyse democratic governance from the perspective of both government and society.
It is important to note that Azerbaijan, unlike other post-Soviet republics, experienced democratic governance in 1918-20 – the first such experience in Turkic and Muslim countries. This was followed, however, by 70 years of Soviet dictatorship. Although Azerbaijan became independent 15 years ago, the Soviet mentality is ingrained. Statements from officials that ‘democracy should be strangled at birth’ or that ‘people should not be fooled by democracy,’ testify to the unreconstructed mindset of the ruling bureaucratic hierarchy.
Why is the current government so afraid of democracy? Because it will mean the rule of law and government by the people; because it will put an end to anarchy and immorality; because endemic corruption at all levels of government will cease; because it would mean the end of a system in which only the people with contacts and money can flourish; because any criminal, who previously could bribe their way out of trouble, would be tried and punished. In sum, the government fears that the current state of affairs – whereby it enjoys considerable authority but takes little responsibility – could unravel.
In these conditions one can hardly talk of a highly developed civil society, but of one that faces numerous obstacles with inadequate resources. For example, non-governmental organizations – a significant element of any civil society – are treated as anti-government institutions. The problems they face range from difficulties with state registration to prohibited access to certain communities/audiences. The lack of financial support from the government makes them turn to fundraising abroad, which is then viewed as treasonous.
What about ordinary people? Unfortunately, it is quite easy to mislead the public through the powerful medium of TV, which is totally under state control. Targeted propaganda is very effective, encouraging a popular perception of democracy as an evil that threatens to undermine Azerbaijani values. Emphasis is placed instead on the differences between Eastern and Western ways of life, the latter portrayed as alien and inappropriate to our population, especially in regions where the old traditions still prevail.
Consider the contrasting attitudes to relations between generations. The western style of informal behaviour is interpreted as lack of respect towards one’s elders. Another stark difference is between the Azerbaijani tradition of students standing up when speaking to a teacher, and the informal communication between academic staff and students common in the West.
Gender issues are also the subject of polarized views. Although gender policy is increasingly discussed on TV, the emancipation of women is often presented in a distorted way. As a result, gender equality is seen as alien and unacceptable to many males, especially in rural areas. Introduced as an integral part of democracy, it causes deep frustration in traditional Muslim families and undermines trust in democracy itself. This prejudice could, however, be overcome if women’s rights were presented as reflecting the teachings of the holy Koran, which gave Muslim women important rights and freedoms many centuries ago. These rights, if properly implemented, would give a Muslim woman a much higher position in society than at present.
Another important point, specific to Azerbaijan, concerns its oil resources. On the one hand, these make our region more significant and strategic for a number of countries. On the other hand, the existence of large oil reserves has negative as well as positive consequences. Until now the oil interests of western countries in Azerbaijan have always prevailed over their concern for democratic principles. There are dozens of examples when, at crucial moments, the international community has become blind to human rights abuses, violence and injustice. This indifference not only undermines people’s faith in democracy, but in justice more generally.
One might conclude from all this that we have a long way to go before achieving democracy. In fact, this is not the case. We have passed this way once before and we will do so again. The Azerbaijani people’s level of political consciousness is very high, and the more oppressed we are, the more determined we become. For example, in assassinating the prominent journalist Elmar Huseynov his killers sought to suppress free speech, yet instead their actions radicalized hundreds of journalists.
So the position is not hopeless and we do not need centuries to achieve democracy. What we need, however, is to rid ourselves of prejudices and form our own model of democracy. This is likely to include elements common to western models, but it will also have indigenous features shaped by our mentality, traditions and values. Although we live in the era of globalization, there cannot be a single, universal version of democracy. Each nation must fashion a government out of its own culture and history. As an evolving phenomenon, democracy in Azerbaijan will require time, effort and will. Yet ultimately our prospects are good; as a sage once said: nothing promotes the development of democracy better than the absence of it.