Еволюція концепту демократії в політичній думці: ретроспективний аналіз

Abstract

In the western political culture, the value of democracy is not a subject of doubts. Even re- gimes that are far from true democracy (authoritarian and totalitarian ones), recognize de- mocracy as a political value. While liberalism is considered as only one of the possible politi- cal ideologies, along with conservatism, social democracy, nationalism, green ideology etc., any alternative to democracy cannot be taken seriously. The purpose of the article is to substantiate the continuity and evolution of the development of views on democracy as a social phenomenon in political thought. The continuity and evolution of views on democracy as a political regime in political thought are considered. It is empha- sized that democracy is a complex phenomenon, which is defined as a political regime which provides the formation of power structures by the people. The article is built on a system approach which helps us to understand the political process in their system dimension. Structural and functional method allowed us to understand the role of democracy in the evolution of the political system. The comparative paradigm was used while comparing different models of transition to democracy. The statistical method is used to fix particular indicators of democracy development. Case study facilitated to understand particular cases. There were three stages in understanding of democracy: ancient, Enlightenment and modern. We have concluded that: 1) real democratization requires internal transformation without external pressure; 2) in most countries of Africa and Asia, a return to authoritarianism is possible (or already takes place); 3) democracy can not be imposed; 4) there will remain isolated states and territories that will keep aside from democratic transition (DPRK, Cuba, Syria, Turkmenistan, Iran) and their political elites will avoid any innovations.