Mass street protests are usually seen as a hallmark of democratic
aspirations. And elections are meant to be a culmination of such
aspirations, affording people the opportunity to choose their own
leaders and system of government. But in country after country these
days, the hallmarks of democracy are being dangerously subverted and
co-opted by powerful elites. The question is, are we recognizing what is
happening under our noses? Three examples unfolding right now are
indicators of this trend: Thailand, Ukraine and Egypt.
Thailand has just witnessed its 19th coup in 82 years. Although coup
leader Gen. Prayuth Chan-Ocha has promised “genuine democracy,” he has
given no timetable for an end to martial law. The U.S. State Department
initially refused to call the takeover a coup, insisting that martial law is consistent with Thailand’s constitution. It then changed its tune to issue a strongly worded condemnation.
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