Winston Churchill once quipped, "It has been said that democracy is the worst form of government except all others that have been tried."  Time and time again, history has proven Churchill to be correct in his assessment of democracy as a very messy human enterprise.  However, "government of the people, by the people, and for the people..." (Lincoln), offers human beings the best opportunity to achieve their dreams.  Democracy is spreading because it appeals to the best natural instincts of humanity.
 
Mature democracies such as Australia, Canada, Germany, and the USA, are successful due to protected civil liberties, respect for the rule of law, and vibrant free markets.  Developing democracies, such as Brazil, Mexico, Russia, and S. Africa, have taken positive steps forward with open elections and a wider range of candidates.  However, some individual liberties are still restricted, corruption is endemic, and government continues to stifle the private sectors.
 
Several developing democracies are torn between trusting individual autonomy, and submitting to the benevolent tyranny of the state.  For example, Hugo Chavez and Evo Morales ignore the fact that socialism has failed miserably ever since the Russian Revolution.  Ironically, many populist leaders seek to empower themselves on the backs of the people they claim to represent.

Fledgling democracies, such as Afghanistan, Iraq, Lebanon, and the Ukraine struggle with their new found freedom and often don't know how to cope with it.  Too many folks think that freedom means that one can behave as one pleases no matter how many people suffer.  They have yet to learn that freedom implies restraint and accountability for one's actions and words.  Free individuals can act freely as long as they don't abridge the liberties of others.

As we move ahead this year and beyond, let's take a panoramic view at the movement of democracy.  As usual, mature democracies must always guard against complacency, and always fight to streamline government.  Free people understand that most of life's problems are best solved by individuals and communities, rather than government programs.
 
Partially free democracies must resist the temptation of strongman rule.  George Santayana once wisely noted, "Those who can't remember the past are condemned to repeat it."  Far too many leaders in Latin America repeat history by reverting to an already discredited socialism.  They need to trust their own people, facilitate opportunity, and let people unleash their talents in every creative human endeavor.
In recent years, freedom has taken a hit in parts of Western Europe due to the growth of the nanny state, coercive multiculturalism, and eroded national identities.  Consequently, large regions of the EU suffer from double digit inflation and unemployment.  Politicians promise pie in the sky, people eat it up, and a cycle of unhealthy co-dependency continues.
 
Americans should be determined to strengthen the pioneering traits and rugged individualism that have made this nation so great.  An independent spirit helps Americans to succeed on their own merits at the same time as they generously share their talents.

When Fidel Castro passes from the scene, Cuba could take small steps toward economic freedom.  China and Vietnam already allow a degree of free enterprise for their citizens, but they need more transparency in their markets.  Japan, Singapore, S. Korea, and Taiwan, are prime examples of economic growth preceding cultural and political democracy.

Rogue states such as Iran, N. Korea, and Syria have a shot at democracy if their citizens rise up and demand an end to sham elections.  Eligible voters cast ballots in sham elections, but candidates are handpicked by the ruling elite.  Citizens that decide to run for office have no chance of winning unless they are well connected to the power structure.  If elections were more open, citizens would own more of a stake in charting their future.  However, it's unlikely that these civil rights will occur until the standard of living rises through economic development and trade.  Ironically, barriers might fall in N. Korea due to infusions of capital from Communist China.

Fortunately, the future of democracy looks very bright indeed.  Mature democracies ought to continue to promote universal freedom, and help those who struggle for liberty and peace.  Mid-level and fledgling democracies must continue to open their markets at the same time as they institutionalize the rule of law with checks and balances.  A little freedom is better than none, as shown by recent efforts to drive out the Islamists in Somalia.  Yes, there is even hope for basket case nations to one day experience freedom and democratic governance.
 
Remember, it took about fifteen years for the American Colonies to move from Independence to the ratification of the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights.  Moreover, the colonists had utilized some democratic principles many years before nationhood.  Mature democracies continue to evolve, so visualize how long it might take mid-level and fledgling democracies to become prosperous societies that promote peace and stability.

Christian P. Milord lives in Fullerton, California.  He is an educator, a veteran, and a writer.