ty between classes (Singer, p. 53). Some of these structures were in place between 1974-1990 when the number of new democracies increased suddenly. However, since the early 1990s the increase has slowed considerably.Fourteen centuries ago Aristotle in The Politics asked, "What is the best constitution and what is the best life for the majority of states and majority of men?" (Aristotle, p.265) Aristotle believed that there wasinsecurity at the extremes and that the "middle citizens in a state are the most secure..." (Aristotle, p.267) Hence a state which operates through the middle people has the best chance of having a well-run constitution. (Aristotle, p.267) The middle class (hoi mesoi translates, "those in the middle of moderate wealth") are most likely to have a free government. (Mulgan, p.108). The middle class are unlikely to have another class opposed to them as the rich and the poor are to each other, and most importantly the middle class is more likely to achieve stability. They act as a buffer between the rich and poor, and provide the only hope for government consented by all citizens, rich middle class, and poor alike (Mulgan, p.110). The mediator is the one in the middle, hence the most likely to be trusted (Aristotle, p.274). Aristotle realized the role of political and economic divisions in political conflict and the need to reduce and blur these divisions in order to achieve political harmony and stability. Democratization almost always requires a strong and vibrant middle class. In a divided society with a limited middle class, the rich want a monarchy or oligarchy to protect their interests and the poor do not have the education, time, money, or political savvy to create a viable and long-lasting democracy (Mulgan, p.110). Therefore, political reform often must take place through the middle class-- a middle class that is nurtured by the authoritarian rule that predominates throughout Asia.South Korean president Kim Da...
