Extended Essays 2021

comparatively analyse and evaluate different governments in differing contexts. Society

underestimates the power of a democratic leader and their capabilities and can be

blindsided/manipulated by a tyrant who is dangerous for society and chaos-provoking. Despite

some contexts in which democracy does not give rise to a tyranny and enhances dignity of the

citizen, I ultimately postulate th e superiority of Plato’s theorising as he cogently predicted the

emergence of demagoguery. Thus, America, indeed, was becoming a breeding ground for

tyranny, and Plato’s ancient predictions remain releva nt to modern political affairs.

Conclusively, through examining the notion of democracy respective of Plato and Mill, I have

concluded that Plato’s theory of democracy’s flaws predicted the emergence of tyranny in

America to a significant extent. Indeed, Plato uses contrapositive reasoning from the central

tenets of Mill’s own argument to make his predictions. However, this does not mean that we

should deem all democracies in history as lapsing into tyranny. Rather we should recognise

the fragility of the democracy system and be alert to the emergence and dangers of a

demagogue.

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