An Analysis of the Relationship between Democracy and Capitalism Based on the Global Capitalist System: A Rebuttal to Almond's Thesis

This article critically examines the complex and often contradictory relationship between democracy and capitalism in the context of modernization, with a particular focus on rebutting Almond's (1991) thesis. Almond suggests that capitalism and democracy, despite their inherent tensions, can mutually reinforce each other through appropriate policies and institutions. In contrast, this article argues that the relationship between democracy and capitalism is not determined by a nation's will but rather by its position within the global capitalist system. For nations benefiting from this system, democracy, and capitalism may indeed promote each other. However, for those suffering under the global capitalist order, the two often conflict, leading to significant societal struggles. The article further explores the definitions of democracy and capitalism, emphasizing the inherent contradiction between political public ownership and economic private ownership. Through a critical analysis of historical and contemporary examples, the article demonstrates that democratization often emerges not from capitalism itself but from political movements against capitalist exploitation. The article concludes that the relationship between democracy and capitalism varies significantly between developed and developing nations, shaped by their roles within the global economic system. Ultimately, it calls for a reexamination of economic globalization's impact on democracy and explores pathways toward a more equitable global order.