The Return of Great Power Rivalry: Democracy versus Autocracy from the Ancient World to the U.S. and China

by Matthew Kroenig

Indeed, contrary to the prevailing narrative, intense domestic political fights and polarization are not evidence that American democracy has failed; rather, they are proof that the system is working. Yes, democracy can be messy, but that is what makes the system great. These disagreements are not even permitted in autocratic states. Serious political conflicts of interest in autocracies often result in dead bodies. Our democratic political system gives us the ability to work out our differences through a mutually accepted and peaceful, institutionalized process. Legislative gridlock is not necessarily a problem. If half of the country strongly disagrees with a proposal, then it is not obviously a good idea, and probably should not become national law. The purpose of the U.S. government is not to enact legislation for its own sake but to ensure “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” By those measures the country is doing pretty well.