I do a lot of work with policymakers, but how much effect am I having? Itโs like theyโre coming in and saying to you, โIโm going to drive my car off a cliff. Should I or should I not wear a seatbelt?โ And you say, โI donโt think you should drive your car off the cliff.โ And they say, โNo, no, that bitโs already been decidedโthe question is whether to wear a seatbelt.โ And you say, โWell, you might as well wear a seatbelt.โ And then they say, โWeโve consulted with policy expert Rory Stewart and he says . . . .โ
Rory StewartThe point about democracy is not that it delivers legitimate, effective, prosperous rule of law. It's not that it guarantees peace with itself or with its neighbors. ... Democracy matters because it reflects an idea of equality.
Rory Stewart