Topic: Authoritarianism and Democracy
Country: Vietnam
Topic page: background guide and all position papers All Vietnam position papers GLIMUN 2017 committees
In the developing nations of the world, government instability, corruption, and lack of efficacy have prolonged the distress of citizens. As democracy has become the model of government used widely by developed countries, it is frequently encouraged for developing nations to promote the interests of the people. However, instability caused by weak or poorly organized democracies has caused many developing countries to turn towards authoritarian forms of government to allow for faster progress and development, which frequently create corruption and eventually stunt the growth of developing nations. Corrupt authoritarian regimes consistently promote corruption and stunt growth and development in young countries. Although early democratic attempts are often weak and unorganized, it is important to recognize that developing a country takes time and effort, and early attempts to create progress are likely to fail. If corruption is allowed to dominate, a developing nation’s growth will be effectively stunted until they can overcome such corruption. It is important to promote democracies and consistently weed out corruption, as was done during Vietnam’s development, to ensure the protection of the citizen’s interests and allow countries to grow to a greater potential. However, Vietnam also recognizes the danger of imposing a foreign presence during the development of early nations, as Vietnam’s history with colonialism and war left the country politically unstable for many years. It is important to the development of a young nation that foreign presences be limited, except for cases of severe corruption. In the event of an authoritarian government which shows no sign of corruption, no foreign action is necessary or beneficial. Vietnam urges the international community to control corruption at all levels of authoritarian and democratic government, especially in the case of developing nations. The stability and honesty of government is core to the development of liberty and quality of life among its citizens. Vietnam invites the UN to promote democracy in all nations, due to the increased growth potential and the greater risk of corruption in authoritarian systems, but warns that International involvement in a country’s politics often creates more instability than it prevents.
