How can societies best organize themselves to implement crucial adaptation strategies while preserving human rights and fostering the innovation needed for survival? This post outlines the challenges and potential solutions for governance in a climate-changed world.
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Contemporary autocrats: Recep Erdogan, Kim Un, Donald Trump (wannabe), Rodrigo Duterte, Abdel el-Sisi
The Autocratic Temptation
In times of crisis, there’s often a push towards autocratic rule. The argument is that centralized, authoritarian control can implement necessary changes more quickly and efficiently. However, history shows us the dangers of this approach:
- Suppression of creativity and innovation: Autocracies stifle the very ingenuity needed to solve complex problems (Acemoglu & Robinson 2012).
- Corruption and resource misallocation: Without checks and balances, leaders may prioritize their own interests over societal needs (Schedler et al. 1999).
- Resistance and instability: Harsh restrictions often breed resentment, potentially leading to social unrest or collapse (Gurr 2015).
While autocracies might seem equipped to handle immediate crises, they often lack the flexibility and distributed problem-solving capabilities crucial for long-term adaptation (Popper 2013).
The Case for Constitutional Democracy
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