As this year draws to close, I need put on my Political Science Hat and reflect on the long view.

In so many countries the electorate has spoken for change in recent years, have chosen to change things up with the ballot box; or with rifles.

Ukraine, Syria, United Kingdom, Germany, Mexico, United States, Afghanistan, South Korea…

So many examples in recent years, right up to present. Respecting the will and the voice and the vote of the people, the electorate. This must be the preferred path; change through a peaceful process, not through violence and bloodshed.

Considering the current situation on South Korea, Lee Jae-mook, a professor of Political Science from Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, said that he expected the governing party to contest the legal validity of Friday’s vote [to impeach their second president in a month]. 

Mr. Lee put it well.

“The essence of democracy is mutual respect for the other side,” he said. But with politics becoming “more polarized, South Korean democracy is being put to the test.”

The rule of law is the other cornerstone of a democracy.

Into the new year 2025 we go, hoping democracy near and far prevails.