For that past 30 years, Bhutan has been ruled by a benevolent king. Suddenly, their country is about to change.
I admit, I’ve had a few daydreams about visiting the mythical Bhutan. After watching this excellent short film from Current on their recent move from monarchy to democracy, it remains just as tempting a destination.
In a country like Burma, under the grip of a tyrannical junta, it’s easy to see why democracy is desirable. But for Bhutan, they see their strife ridden neighbours Nepal and India, and are fearful their “gross national happiness” will be the first thing to go.
The older Bhutanese blame their new ills on television and westernization… unavoidable products of democracy.
What do you think about the tradeoff? For a country like Bhutan, is it better to accept democracy, and self-determination, even if it’s deeply flawed?
Feature photo: Marina & Enrique
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Such a well done and thought provoking film. The King of Bhutan has a point about the fact that successive kings may not be as benevolent as he, but the Bhutanese interviewed also have good points about the dangers to their society from democracy and westernization. The fact of the matter is that no where has solved the problem of the best political system; as long as we have people vying for ‘limited’ resources and the monetary system, I don’t think we ever will. It’s time, everywhere, for an overhaul of how we do things. Isn’t it clear that what we’re doing now isn’t working?
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Very Well done movie.
The real test for their democracy is to keep the people in their top priority as well as their culture…↵ -
Nice of you to post this, Ian. I have to admit I laughed when they showed us Bhutan’s “most notorious street gang.” When is this change going to take place?
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Bhutanese people embraced Democracy not because it was better or worse but because it was the sacred gift from the beloved King himself. It is in his wisdom that transition in governance should take place during peaceful times so that it will have strong foundation rather than during chaos. No matter what form of government come to Bhutan in future…in the hearts of hearts I shall remain to be guided by the principles of GNH and the beloved Kings.
Democracy in Bhutan is a sacred gift from the King and all Bhutanese must work together towards making Democracy a grand success in Bhutan.Very good film indeed. Yeah Turner, gangs in Bhutan are not notorious at all, they are but temporary things and usually these gangs disappear with proper guidance and support from family.
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