❖ Democracy and Capitalism
Among the most alluring constructs of modern civilization, democracy holds a central place. It deceives the masses into believing:
“Everything around you is a reflection of your own desires and will.”
But the reality is entirely different. Democracy functions under the dominance of capitalism, which itself is a complete system of life. In a genuine system of life, decisions are not based on public opinion, but on a specific epistemological framework.
❖ Capitalist Epistemology and System of Life
To become a true system of life, an ideology must possess a distinct knowledge structure (علمیت) that guides personal and collective life.
Capitalism maintains its authority through social sciences, which dictate state behavior and policy-making.
❖ The Role of the State in Capitalism
In a capitalist framework, the role of the state is not determined by public will, but by the principles of disciplines such as economics and political science. Examples include:
◈ Transforming non-capitalist societies into markets: Policies are created to gradually reshape existing societies into market-oriented systems.
◈ Establishing capitalist law and order: Laws are imposed in the name of human rights supremacy.
◈ Promoting capitalist knowledge: Educational and social platforms propagate capitalist ideologies.
◈ Suppressing anti-system forces: Any resistance against capitalism is systematically crushed.
◈ Correcting market failures: Where markets fail, the state steps in actively.
◈ Temporary aid to marginalized classes: Exploited groups are offered surface-level relief without addressing root causes.
◈ Regulating capital concentration: State regulation is used to curb exploitation arising from market concentration.
◈ Privatization and liberalization: Local states are subjugated to global capitalism through globalization.
◈ Operating under global institutions: States function under the oversight of institutions that uphold the global capitalist order.
❖ The Democratic System in Europe and America
It is widely believed that developed nations like Europe and America make decisions based on public will. However, even their states operate under the same capitalist principles as outlined above.
If such capitalist policies are enforced there as well, then what role does public opinion actually play?
The reality is that economic sciences drive the decisions—not the will of the people.
❖ The True Face of Democracy
Democracy does not rest on the will of all, but rather on the general will, which is formulated based on freedom and capital accumulation.
This general will is interpreted within the framework of human rights and social sciences, which in this system function similarly to Islamic jurisprudence and its principles.
❖ The Role of Public Opinion
◈ If the majority expresses a desire that contradicts the general will (e.g., opposition to privatization or liberalization), it is declared as “wrong”.
◈ Such public sentiment is viewed as rebellion against the system, and is therefore deemed unacceptable.
❖ The Illusion of Democracy and the Role of Media
The average person is made to believe—through media influence—that the system operates according to public opinion and that their vote can bring change.
Every few years, the masses are drawn to polling booths with the hope that “this time, it will be different.”
❖ The Impact of Western Democracy on Local Societies
Our local intellectuals made intense efforts to adopt Western democracy, even attempting to give it an Islamic guise.
However, this foreign “Gori Mem” (Western model) adapted every society it entered to its own image—it never became indigenous.
Instead, it continued to serve capitalist objectives.
History bears witness that such democracy has brought no fundamental change in native societies. On the contrary, it has weakened their traditions and values.
