Democratic ‘empowerment’ and democratisation of politics: Radical popular movements and the May 1992 Philippine elections

Abstract

Why is it that struggles for freedom, civil rights and democracy become increasingly important in the third world and not least in the Far East? Recently, when Bangkok was paralysed by huge protests against military predominance, most analysts maintained that previous disturbances in the area were usually due to peasant-based attempts at real revolutions. But later on, they said, it was rather capitalism that gained strength. The societies were modernised. A new and increasingly broad middle-class soon emerged. And now these middle class people are instead the ones who protest – but mainly against the authoritarian state. And usually for freedom, the rule of law, and democracy. This sweeping generalisation can of course be questioned. To be sure, many people from the lower classes also protest. And it is not exactly crystal clear what the new middle class actually encompasses. But generally speaking, more and more people with some skill and education in urban areas obviously have a little bit more freedom of action than other dissatisfied groups and do play a vital role. So a more important problem is, therefore, if the new middle class can not only initiate democratisation but is also capable of carrying it through – and, in case it is not, if other democratic forces are emerging.