RADICAL DEMOCRACY

Periods of crisis often highlight the necessity for a fundamental reorganization of society. This was evident in the 19th century when liberal democracy, plagued by exploitation under capitalism, forced revolutionaries to seek better alternatives.

2. The Rise of Collectivist Doctrines

• A significant number of these radicals were influenced by new collectivist doctrines, which proposed transitional dictatorships and centralized economic planning as solutions to the defects of liberal democracy and capitalist exploitation.
• The initial enthusiasm of the revolutionary age waned when the "spectre of communism," which had once posed a threat to capitalist hegemony, itself degenerated into dictatorship. The simultaneous rise of 20th-century fascism created a political landscape characterized by outright dictatorships on one end and what some deemed the mere panacea of democratic formalities on the other.
• At the end of the Second World War, with millions dead and the world in chaos, many former champions of humanity's problems saw dictatorship as no solution. Yet, the challenge of reconciling the aspirations for freedom with the desire for justice remained as perplexing as ever.
• During this period of social crisis, Indian freedom fighter and humanist philosopher Manabendra Nath Roy, along with his Marxist colleagues, developed a theory they believed offered a solution. They called it radical democracy.

Scientific Philosophy and New Humanism

Before outlining a radical democratic political economy, it is essential to establish a scientifically consistent philosophical outlook. Manabendra Nath Roy and his colleagues developed the philosophy of new humanism to this end. They argued that humanism, as ancient as human beings, could be enriched by discoveries in scientific thought. This enriched humanism, best described as ‘scientific’ or ‘new’ humanism, integrates contemporary understandings of the natural world.

Rationality and Secular Morality

Roy and his fellow radicals emphasized the capacity for rational thought inherent in human behaviour. They posited that “morality results from man’s intelligent response to his surroundings,” and thus can be deduced from innate rationality. In his work "Reason, Romanticism and Revolution," Roy asserts that reminding individuals of their biological heritage can help them regain faith in themselves and rectify past harms. The realization of secular rational morality provides a new perspective for the modern world. Concepts such as human dignity, sovereignty, and creativity gain significance when they stem from the individual's rational faculty rather than divine decree.

The Possibility of Revolution

In his "New Orientation," Roy contends, “Revolution is not inevitable.... Fundamental changes in the structure of society occur only when a group of individuals feel the necessity, see the possibility of fulfilling it, and develop the will to bring about these necessary and possible changes.” Thus, individuals, aware of their capacity for reason and motivated to reshape their conditions, can cooperate to develop a just and free society.

The Illusion of Traditional Democracy

Democracy, if reduced to merely counting votes, becomes deceptive, especially when voters lack the opportunity to elevate themselves in dignity. In parliamentary democratic systems, demagogues often rise to power by promising utopia to a vulnerable electorate. Once in power, these demagogues fail to deliver on their promises and resort to strongarm tactics to maintain control.

The Rise of Collectivist Doctrines

The decay of liberal democracies has encouraged the emergence of various collectivist doctrines that deny the possibility of individual freedom, ridiculing it as an empty abstraction. These doctrines advocate for individuals to merge into the collective mass, a notion that benefits political demagogues who prefer to appeal to emotions rather than reason. The more backward a populace is, the more easily they are swayed by emotional prejudices. Roy argues that the true measure of a political party is not its ability to catch votes, but the merit of its principles and programs. Voters should judge governments by their records, not by their professions and promises.

Preconditions for Successful Democracy

A successful democracy requires a conscious will to freedom, a sense of responsibility, and the ability to critically examine the promises and programs presented by parties and politicians. For elections to reflect intelligent public opinion, there must first be an intelligent public opinion. Roy emphasizes that the electorate must be capable of independent judgment to ensure meaningful democratic participation.

Grassroots Democratic Participation

The radical democratic approach to elections begins with local or regional conferences where people discuss political and economic issues. By understanding these issues, people realize they need not rely on parties to solve their problems. This cultivates independent judgment and allows people to elect candidates from among themselves.

Independent Candidates and Local Committees

Candidates elected through this process enjoy greater independence as they are not beholden to any political party. They rely on their conscience and are directly accountable to the electorate. This approach eliminates the mechanical nature of party politics and reduces demagoguery and corruption.

Local “people’s committees” would have the ability to choose independent candidates and eventually become the foundation of a pyramidal democracy. Empowered with the right of recall and the ability to hold referendums, these organized local democracies would exert direct and effective control over the State.

Towards an Organic Democracy

A progressive democratic movement requires the intelligent and conscious participation of individuals. The more individuals engage in and think critically about the democratic process, the more organically democratic the society becomes.

The Scope of Economic Planning

Manabendra Nath Roy recognized the immense challenge of planning the economic life of a fifth of humanity in his "People’s Plan for Economic Development." He noted that the centralization of politics often goes hand in hand with the centralization of economics. In so-called 'free-market' economies, this centralization occurs through the concentration of wealth by capitalists, while in nationalized economies, it manifests as State capitalism.

Capitalism's Profit Motive and Challenges in Production

Capitalism prioritizes profit over meeting people's needs. When goods cannot be sold profitably, production is curtailed. In countries like India with large and continually expanding populations, rapid industrialization is often proposed as a solution. However, successful industries rely on a robust domestic market, which precedes a healthy export trade.

Modernizing Agriculture

Roy emphasized the importance of modernizing agriculture in India. He stressed that this requires organizing the rural economy rather than just mechanization. Addressing issues such as irrigation, soil fertility improvement, and infrastructure development is crucial. Additionally, organizing rural consumers and local industries on a cooperative basis can provide employment and income for rural communities.

Social Welfare Provisions

A radical democratic economic program includes provisions for unemployment insurance, old age pensions, and other measures for citizen upliftment. However, these measures should prioritize economic productivity aligned with human needs. This includes developing health infrastructure, housing, and education.

The Current State of Affairs

In the contemporary world, the outlook for those advocating for freedom alongside justice appears bleak. Despite humanity's advanced understanding of the cosmos and its laws, the world is on the brink of disintegration.

Embracing Scientific Thought and Humanist Philosophy

To navigate this crisis, a solution rooted in scientific thought and humanist philosophy is imperative. Roy highlights in "New Humanism" that the brain serves as the means of production, generating revolutionary ideas. Revolutions require iconoclastic ideas, and an increasing number of individuals, aware of their creative potential, driven by an unyielding determination to reshape the world, and inspired by the notion of a free society, can pave the way for democracy.

Creating Conditions for Democracy

Roy emphasizes that individuals, motivated by the adventure of ideas and the ideal of a free society, possess the ability to create the conditions necessary for democracy. By harnessing their creative power and collective will, they can usher in an era where democracy thrives.

7. Way Forward

Radical democracy lies in building a society where informed citizens actively participate in shaping their communities and the nation as a whole. By prioritizing human well-being, critical thinking, and decentralized power structures, this approach offers a potential path towards a more just and sustainable future.