The Evolution of Democratic Culture: Why Latin Countries Like Italy and Spain Are Seen as Inferior to Anglo-Saxon Democracies

There is a widely held belief that the democratic culture in Latin countries such as Italy and Spain is somehow inferior to that of the Anglo-Saxon world. This perception can be attributed to a historical timeline that highlights significant differences in the development of industrial and political structures between these regions. Understanding the reasons behind this belief requires a look into the socio-economic changes that have shaped democratic cultures over centuries.

Industrial Revolution and Economic Disparities

By the late 18th century, Europe experienced a significant shift in economic productivity. Northern European countries such as Holland, Belgium, England, and Northern Germany showed signs of superior industrial and economic prowess compared to Southern Europe. This productivity hike continued into the 19th and early 20th centuries, marking a period of rapid industrialization and economic progress.

This industrial advancement involved not only the working class but also a burgeoning middle class, whose prosperity fueled the rise of trade unions, political parties, and intellectual classes. Key to this development was a shared belief in modernity: the idea that scientific and technological advancements would continually improve living conditions. This included access to education and a growing emphasis on meritocracy.

Economic Stagnation in Southern Europe

In contrast, Southern Europe, particularly Italy and Spain, remained economically stagnant, largely stuck in traditional agricultural models. Over time, the Catholic Church and landowners became increasingly resistant to cultural changes, depicting any such changes as a threat to societal norms. This resistance led to limited political participation and a rise in extremist ideologies, such as Anarchism, as a means of expressing dissatisfaction with the status quo.

Socio-Political Developments and the Road to Democracy

The path to democracy in Northern Europe involved painful compromises and the gradual increase in political participation. This process was driven by the push for a more balanced distribution of power and wealth through various forms of representation, including trade unions, political parties, and the intelligentsia.

In many ways, the older democracies of the Anglo-Saxon world (such as the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand) benefited from a head start in establishing democratic practices. However, this is not to say that these countries have always been more democratic or that their current democratic cultures are necessarily better. These countries have faced their own challenges and have had varying degrees of success in maintaining and evolving their democratic systems.

Current Democracies and Freedom

One way to measure the current state of democracy and freedom in various countries is through organizations like Freedom House. Their rankings provide a comprehensive view of how well democratic principles are upheld in different nations. Below is a snapshot of the rankings for selected countries, with the first figure representing the freedom score out of 100.

COUNTRYFREEDOM SCORE Norway100/100 Sweden100/100 Finland100/100 Denmark97/100 Portugal96/100 Spain94/100 United Kingdom93/100 France90/100 Italy89/100 USA86/100

As shown in the table, while Anglo-Saxon countries generally score higher in terms of freedom, the Latin countries are not far behind. Italy and Spain, for instance, have scores that are only slightly lower than the UK, France, and the USA. This suggests that despite historical differences, the current democratic practices and freedom levels in these regions are on par with those in the Anglo-Saxon world.

For an interactive world map listing all countries ranked by Freedom House, you can visit Freedom in the World 2019 Map.

While the historical trajectory has played a significant role in shaping contemporary democratic cultures, it is important to recognize that the current state of democracy is a dynamic and evolving process. The future of democratic practices in all countries, including Italy and Spain, remains to be seen, and ongoing efforts to improve and uphold democratic principles will continue to shape their political landscapes.