Democracy vs. Authoritarianism: Non-Western Nations at the Crossroads

In an irrational, unequal, and fundamentally fractured society democracy will always lead to political deadlock, corruption, and violence. Transition to industrial mode of production will demand authoritarian rule because of three reasons. First, authoritarian means will be needed to destroy the old system of society and clear the debris of history. Second, future course of action from a plethora of choices will be decided upon by somewhat persuasive but mostly coercive means. Finally, delay in economic, social, and political gratification can only be achieved by force until the attainment of a certain level of homogeneity and prosperity.

About the speaker

Academic Qualifications
Master in Public Administration – Harvard (1996-98)
Master in International Relations – Japan (1989-91)
BS Mech. Engineering – UT Austin (1983-86)

Work Experience
Financial and Private Sector – World Bank, Washington, DC
International Dept. – Industrial Bank of Japan, Tokyo
Middle East Business Dept. – Sony Corp., Tokyo
Engineering Dept. – ICI Pakistan, Ltd.

Syed Sardar Ali did his F.Sc. from Govt. College Lahore and Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin.  He earned his first master’s degree in International Relations from Japan and worked for Sony Corporation and the Industrial Bank of Japan in Tokyo. He later earned Master in Public Administration (MPA) from Harvard where he was a student of Prof. Samuel Huntington. Upon graduation he joined the World Bank in Washington, DC and worked in the Financial and Private Sector Unit in the Europe and Central Asia region until 2002. Sardar Ali, who runs a number of businesses in Islamabad and Lahore, is the Chairperson of Crescent Foundation. He has one daughter and three sons.