The exact causal relationships between democracy and economic growth may be subject to debate. The empirical examination of causal links should not lead one to forget, however, that human empowerment and well-being, which should be the ultimate objective of political and economic institutions, requires both democratic institutions and economic prosperity. Embedding a vibrant market economy into strong democratic political institutions–institutions that promote fairness and equity–is the best way to ensure that political and economic empowerment play equal and complementary roles in improving the lives of citizens across the world.
About the Author
Kemal Derviş became head of the United Nations Human Development Programme in 2005. From 2001 to 2002 he was Turkey’s minister for economic affairs. He served in parliament until 2005. An economist by training, he has held various World Bank posts, including that of Vice-President for Poverty Reduction and Economic Management. The following essay is based on remarks that he gave to the New York Democracy Forum on 22 May 2006.
The alleged tradeoff between economic development and political democracy-building is more fiction than fact. Indeed, progress toward fuller democratic governance can in fact enhance development.
Natural-resource wealth has been at the root of Angola's corruption and authoritarianism. By giving leverage to those pushing for reform, however, it has also become a key factor in teh…