Is it Really Democracy?

Remarkably quietly, our guest speaker sat down with the rest of the students around the table, eschewing the use of the podium. Who was this man dressed casually in chinos and a deep blue jacket? This unassuming, modest man would prove to be perhaps the most insightful and inspirational guest speakers we have ever had in our AP Comparative Government elective. Alvaro Rodriguez, the Country Director for the United Nations Development Programme in Afghanistan, talked to us about everything from his personal background to different ways the UNDP helps direct developmental programmes across the world including helping support democratic governance and sustainable development. Particular attention was paid to the process in which one acquires a position at the UN; many members of our class want to work around the world for humanitarian organisations and who better to help lay out a game plan than a man with such a distinguished track record and a discernible desire to help others. He also touched upon topics like the implications of democratic governance in developing states (particularly states with a presence of insurgents that are working towards destabilising the current government) and the barriers that the UN often faces in social and religious reforms. He reminded us that what makes a government democratic is based mostly on what happens between elections, and how the government responds to the will of the people. His postings in Pakistan, Somalia, Thailand and now Afghanistan have cultivated a worldly and objective outlook that we were delighted to share in. Even as time ran out and students were late for other classes, we pushed on with questions and comments; we knew an opportunity like this is rare. We would like to thank the amiable and insightful Mr. Rodriguez for sharing his valuable R&R time with us and giving us invaluable insight into the UN, something we cannot glean from textbooks. Consensus in the class is that this is one man we would love to have over for dinner. And next time we will not be dressed in our Halloween costumes. Jeen S, Whittall ‘14