> The West has been going on about 'freedom' and 'democracy' for 70 years
And came up mostly on top regardless of the metric that is applied. Wealth, culture, influence, you name it...
Democracies can be very good at developing themselves. It is hubris to think that anything rises or falls by the form of governance, if a country doesn't perform to economic standards. Especially if said governance is externally imposed.
China is comparably successful with its investments in Africa because there is less contrast between economies, so real trade can flourish. But if that will be a success story is still in question.
Most of these countries are very poor and without any democratic experience.
Now China comes and provides an example of a country that managed breathtaking development without democracy.
> It is hubris to think that anything rises or falls by the form of governance
Good governance is crucial. Western democracy does not seem to.
> China is comparably successful with its investments in Africa
Well, Western countries do not invest in Africa. China is successful because they are willing to.
Strange though that it seems necessary to keep your people in the dark about some of the disadvantages.
Perhaps democracy is indeed not a prerequisite for economic growth, but that would be a pretty one sided perspective, no?
And yes, the growth was only possible because of strong democracies fiancing it. That should certainly not be left out of that equation, faulty as it may be.
It more about sensible governance and perhaps culture than democracy.
China can demonstrate that its system has led to rapid development, although of course the cultural aspect means that it cannot be copied verbatim (but Western systems cannot either).
The West has been going on about 'freedom' and 'democracy' for 70 years. It didn't really help develop any country.
Even if people believe that democracy is the 'best' form of government for individuals I think that they want to see development results even if it means an authoritarian government for the time being.