Chandran Nair

Asian Angle | Liz Truss’ exit as UK PM highlights failure of Western democracies to govern fairly

Truss’ brief tenure has shattered illusion of democracy as be-all and end-all of approaches to governing societies and serving citizens’ needs

West’s extrapolation of history of failed 20th-century dictators into 21st century is damaging to forging bilateral relations with countries like China

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Britain’s former prime minister Liz Truss. Photo: AFP/Getty Images/TNS

Chandran Nair

Published: 9:30am, 5 Nov 2022

Liz Truss’ catastrophically brief tenure as Britain’s prime minister – the fourth leader in six years of the world’s sixth-largest economy – has shattered the illusion that democracy is the be-all and end-all of approaches to governing societies and serving the needs of a citizenry.

Of the last four to assume the position, three – Theresa May, Truss and now Rishi Sunak – were not elected by the people, but instead by a minority cabal of elites, driven by vested interests.

The ideological and misguided decisions Truss made to serve the elite rather than the public triggered a domestic financial crisis affecting ordinary citizens who had no say in her appointment. It provoked a damning international reaction which further plunged the British economy into a meltdown.

Sunak, like Truss, was chosen by a narrow clique of Conservative Party members – representing just 0.26 per cent of the population. All eyes are on how he performs.

The reminder here is that democracy does not ensure meritocracy. Individuals who are inept, opportunistic and driven by a thirst for power can be put in charge and take a nation down a reckless path. During Truss’ six-week term, she ramped up anti-China rhetoric, coming close to officially designating the state a threat to Britain – a puzzling action since the UK economy is in desperate need of partners after Brexit.

The results of Israel’s elections – fifth in four years – show how extremists have more power than ever. Israel claims to be the only democracy in the Middle East, but millions of Palestinians in occupied territory cannot vote, allowing Israelis to pick leaders who continue to perpetuate the oppression of a minority.