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4. Suggestions and options for problem solving

5. Does advanced technology have any effect on national security
and democratic stability, and how?

Group Discussion 2: Democracy and Geopolitics Rivalry

Since the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, the global community has
evolved toward democracy and a new world order. Geopolitics has been driven by
the U.S.-led world order. However, the dynamics of geopolitics have been
challenged by the rise of China. Also, 2001 saw a terrorist attack on the U.S. and
the start of America’s subsequent War on Terror. Many democratic countries have
enacted laws that restrict rights and freedom in the name of national security.
In this way, national security matters may open the door to far-right movements.
Moreover, the Great Recession of 2007-2009 and Covid-19 Crisis in 2020-2022
brought with them problems concerning people’s well-being, human security, and
democratic backsliding that some democratic countries are unable to solve. In some
countries like China, Russia, Turkey, Hungary, and Poland, governments have used
crises in order to justify their own authoritarianism. People have lost confidence and
faith in democracy and instead embraced authoritarian solutions. It has become a
competition between different ideologies. As a result, the global democratic situation
is insecure.

This group therefore suggests that the current global geopolitical
situation is at a critical point. We believe that an analytical debate on the
challenges of geopolitics and their impact on confidence, values, and effectiveness
of democracy at both domestic and international levels is required. Because these
new challenges have both pros and cons in regard to democracy, it is necessary to
find solutions or alternative administrative models in the context of the new
geopolitics and great power rivalry.

Topics

1. The forms of geopolitical rivalry

2. The effects of geopolitics on evolution of authoritarianism and
totalitarianism and democratic consolidation

3. Righteousness and effectiveness of democratic leaders vs
authoritarian leaders, and the effects of democratic and authoritarian leadership on
national security

4. How should democracy handle these challenges?