n his captivating opus, The Shortest History of Democracy, the erudite John Keane delves into the historical tapestry of ancient Athens in 336 BCE, unveiling a term that resounds with ominous profundity: democide — the self-destruction of democracy.

At the heart of this vividly depicted epoch lay the enchanting figure of Demokratika, a goddess, who ensconced in her sacred sanctuary in the agora, inspired an ardent and devoted following.

Her revered priestess, chosen from the crème de la crème of Athenian lineage or selected through a mystic amalgamation of lot and oracle, held a mysterious authority, guarded fiercely against profanity.

Transgressions against her sanctity were met with dire consequences, ranging from icy ostracism to exile or death. In exchange for her divine protection, the priestess guarded democratic Athens from the specter of misfortune.

There was a sombre corollary. The capricious behaviour of the public assembly, driven by imprudent decisions of its eminent citizens, imperiled the very foundations of democracy. A quirk of fate could unleash a vengeful backlash — a withering failure of the olive crops, a lamentable vanishing of fish from the sea, or the harrowing specter of democide, the ultimate self-inflicted annihilation of democracy.

Keane’s masterful prose transports the reader to an epoch when the fate of a thriving democracy was intricately tied to mystical rituals, esoteric power dynamics, and the overwhelming presence of the deity, Demokratika.

This brilliantly recounted tale serves as a stark reminder of the enduring fragility of democracy, urging us to cherish, preserve and protect it with a vigilance befitting a wisdom that is often in short supply.

In the annals of political thought, a quote attributed to Winston Churchill resounds with profound insight: “democracy is the worst form of government, except for all those other forms that have been tried from time to time.” In this declaration, one finds a semblance of resonance with the ideological tenets championed by the eminent philosopher, Plato, whose contemplations on democracy have left an indelible mark on the political discourse.

The quote finds an eerie aptness in the contemporary democratic landscape of Pakistan. The nation confronts a myriad of challenges reminiscent of Plato’s cautionary musings about the inherent frailties of democracy.

An irresistible case against democracy emerges from a brief dialogue with the average voter. Too often such interactions expose the veils of ignorance, self-interest, and myopic thinking that affect many participating in the electoral process.

HL Mencken, the renowned American satirist with an acerbic wit, has articulated this sentiment with incisive brilliance, branding democracy as a “pathetic belief in the collective wisdom of individual ignorance.” This characterisation forces us to pause and consider the complex interplay between the collective wisdom sought in democratic governance and the undeniable prevalence of human limitations that colour the decisions of the electorate.

In this amalgamation of perspectives, the ethos of democracy confronts its own paradoxes. It’s a system heralded for its inclusivity, yet susceptible to the caprices of individual imperfections. The conundrum demands introspection and discernment. We are reminded that the survival and vitality of democracy hinge upon an unwavering commitment to address the shortcomings that beset it.

The wisdom of Churchill’s quote has endured. It is a poignant reminder that the imperfections inherent in democracy must be acknowledged and diligently addressed. Only through such introspection and a persistent pursuit of a more enlightened civic consciousness can the democratic ideal aspire to rise above the limitations of individual ignorance and embrace its noble potential for collective progress and empowerment.

Curiously, the words of Plato, who contemplated the intricacies of governance in ancient Athens, resonate eerily in the contemporary political landscape of Pakistan. In his magnum opus, Utopia, Plato imparts invaluable lessons in the delicate art of politics that we can apply to restore the dignity of our democracy.

In his scrutiny of the flaws of democracy, Plato astutely warns against its propensity to degrade into ochlocracy — a perilous state of mob rule. He discerned the fragility of a system susceptible to the whims of emotions, self-interest, prejudice, anger, ignorance, and thoughtlessness. Such unruly forces, when left unchecked, propel societies into rash, cruel and ultimately self-destructive actions.

As we survey the political terrain of Pakistan, Plato’s insights strike an uncomfortable chord, mirroring the perilous path our democracy is treading. The impending peril becomes more ominous when we consider the power of demagoguery, a tool masterfully wielded by those seeking to manipulate crowd sentiment.

Whether through rabble-rousing speeches or the modern election advertising, emotions and prejudice are strategically targeted to undermine the foundations of sound governance.

The danger we face transcends mere ochlocracy. It takes on a subtler form: the machinations of a hidden oligarchy, exploiting the pretense of democratic values to advance their clandestine agenda. Under this facade of democratic representation, the oligarchs enact their will upon the masses, further eroding the credibility of our cherished democratic institutions.

Drawing on the timeless wisdom of Plato, we must grasp the urgency of addressing these perilous tendencies in our democratic system. By heeding his critique, we can strive to cleanse our political landscape and foster a kind of governance that serves the people’s interests.

Let us not overlook the relevance of Plato’s insights, transcending time and geography to illuminate the pitfalls of democracy and the perils of manipulation. Through introspection and collective action, we can pave the path towards a more enlightened and just political future for Pakistan.

The writer is Professor in the faculty of Liberal Arts at the Beaconhouse National University, Lahore.  He can be reached at tahir.kamran@bnu.edu.pk