By: Theofransus Litaay

This book was also translated into Indonesian language with the title "The Future of Freedom". The book that this is an international bestseller, examining how democracy has transformed political life, our economic and social relations. Zakaria challenges us to put human liberty in higher than the altar of democracy both in America and in other countries. Besides Zakaria also discusses the prospects for democracy in Iraq and how wrong the approach used by the Bush administration on this problem.

The appeal of this book for us in Indonesia is that there is Fareed Zakaria comment on the development of democracy in Indonesia. According to Zakaria, Indonesia is more tolerant of differences at the time led by Suharto rather than at the time was at the time of democracy now. It certainly is a paradoxical situation. Unlike Singapore which, though not democratic politics, but there is the freedom that is felt community.

According to Zakaria, there were at least three reasons why Indonesia is not an ideal candidate for democracy today, namely:

1. Too dependent on natural resources
2. Weak political institutions
3. Economic level is still low

Consequently the development of democracy in Indonesia, gave birth to the economic contraction and the rise of religious fundamentalism. In view of Zachariah, the increase in religious fundamentalism can destroy local cultures, undermining secularism and the increasing separatism. Obviously this is a view of people outside of Indonesia, the most important is whether people in Indonesia have also done this or just make use democracy to the development of more advanced human freedom in Indonesia.

Book Description

Book Title

The Future Of Freedom - Illiberal Democracy At Home And Abroad

Author

Fareed Zakaria

Publisher

WWNorton & Company, New York & London

Publication Year

2004