The role of youth in the fight for and defense of democracy
In the new democracies of the world, the role of youth is of
special importance, and in the world today there are more new
than established democracies. Older generations of a society
include leaders of the discredited undemocratic regime and
many who supported, or at least tolerated it as likely to last
their lifetime or because they saw no way of opposing it. By
contrast, young politicians are freer of association with
excesses of the past, and have often been prominent in
demonstrations calling for an end to an undemocratic regime.
The way in which a new democratic government develops is of
special concern to young people, for it promises to rule their
lives for forty years or more -- whether it becomes a
completely consolidated democracy or remains an imperfect,
incomplete democracy. If a new democracy demonstrates
continuing weaknesses, idealistic young people may become
indifferent or cynical in reaction. Insofar as idealism declines,
then this reduces popular pressure for better governance.
