An External Examination of Emerging Democratic Institutions and the Problem of Social and Economic Security

Abstract

This chapter is predicated on the notion that countries that have recently decided to practice democracy struggle to balance their principles with those of social and economic security. It identifies information and communication technology (ICT) as being the epicenter of progressive and socioeconomic change, while creating new communities and building barriers to community safety in general. The chapter attempts to show how the widespread use of ICT and cultural infiltration could be stifling the security of those countries that are just beginning to adapt to the democratic way of life. It cautions against the acculturation of politically weak institutions, then offers solutions for emerging democratic nations and their external partners to improve social and economic security on a global level.

Emmanuel K. Ngwainmbi has researched the socioeconomic impact of information technology on indigenous cultures. He is currently an independent high-level communication specialist and Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Mass Communication and Journalism. At the moment, his research focuses on the socioeconomic impact of information technology on indigenous cultures. In this chapter, he focuses on how the widespread use of ICT (information and communication technology) threatens the security of countries just beginning to adopt democracy, discusses the obstacles to the development of democracy, and offers suggestions for progressive democracy and socioeconomic development in African countries.