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Roger Scruton: Of the People, By the People 1/4

Roger Scruton argues that democracy alone is not enough for political freedom. Democracy, freedom and human rights do not necessarily coincide.

Roger Scruton argues that democracy alone is not enough for political freedom. Democracy, freedom and human rights do not necessarily coincide.

"In the underground universities of communist Europe ... my friends and colleagues prepared themselves for the hoped for day when the Communist Party, having starved itself of all rational input, would finally give up the ghost," he says. "And the lessons that they learned need to be learned again today, as our politicians lead us forth under the banner of democracy, without pausing to examine what democracy actually requires.".

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10 minutes

A Point of View: Is democracy overrated?

A Point of View: Is democracy overrated?

Democracy is championed as a universal good by the West, but we over-estimate its power to guarantee personal and political freedom, argues Roger Scruton.

Read Roger Scruton’s article on the BBC News website

Credits

RoleContributor
PresenterRoger Scruton
ProducerArlene Gregorius

Broadcasts

  • Fri 9 Aug 201320:50
  • Sun 11 Aug 201308:48

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