"Freedom from fear" is a fundamental pillar of democracy, but when will we truly attain it? In his 1941 State of the Union address, U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt outlined the "Four Freedoms"—freedom of speech, freedom of worship, freedom from want, and freedom from fear.
This freedom from fear was later included in the United Nations' Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948, underscoring that a climate of fear impedes societal progress.
Living in constant fear prevents people from thriving, yet in many developing nations, fear and anxiety have become deeply embedded, particularly through political intimidation.
During elections, political candidates often use language that subtly threatens voters, creating a polarized environment that intimidates citizens. This trend has even appeared in some developed countries recently.
In many developing nations, intimidation persists beyond election seasons, with threats being a mainstay in politics. It’s common to hear warnings of public unrest unless certain figures are arrested—a striking irony, as some issuing these threats were once victims of similar repression, raising concerns of hypocrisy.
Statements like "appropriate action will be taken" or "they have no place in politics" foster public anxiety, while opposition parties counter with challenges like "come to our area if you dare". Such rhetoric only escalates hostility, destabilizing society and obstructing peace and stability.
A culture of fear blocks progress in all spheres—politics, economics, and society. As poet Rabindranath Tagore wrote, "Fear is outside, fear is within, fear in the supernatural, fear in all that we see".
In developing countries, fear pervades daily life, compounded by geopolitical tensions. To overcome it, democratic behavior, respect, and tolerance must become societal norms.
We must build mental and emotional resilience and respect for others' rights, or true freedom from fear will remain out of reach. National leaders in developing countries must lead with wisdom and vision to end this culture of fear.