Kathmandu— Across Western democracies, citizens increasingly feel unrepresented by elected officials who appear to prioritize corporate interests over the public good, leading to a rise in direct action campaigns that bypass government institutions altogether. From healthcare and financial regulation to foreign policy, popular demands are often ignored by those in power, prompting individuals to take matters into their own hands by directly disrupting systems they deem unjust.

Historical Roots of Direct Democracy

The current disconnect between citizens and governments is not a new phenomenon. Aristotle warned centuries ago that democratic elections could lead to oligarchy, as wealth and connections would inevitably favor elite candidates. In contrast, ancient Athens utilized sortition – selection by lottery – to choose representatives, ensuring broader participation and preventing the concentration of power in the hands of a few. This system fostered a vibrant intellectual environment that laid the foundations for Western culture.

Evidence of Elite Influence on Policy

Recent research confirms long-held suspicions about the influence of economic elites on public policy. A 2014 study by political scientists Martin Gilens and Benjamin Page analyzed nearly two thousand policy issues in the United States between 1981 and 2002, finding that average citizens have a ‘near-zero’ impact on government decisions. Policy outcomes are overwhelmingly determined by economic elites, with any alignment with public opinion being coincidental rather than intentional. This demonstrates a fundamental flaw in the current system of representative democracy.

Canadian Activists Target Arms Suppliers

Frustration with unresponsive governments is fueling direct action campaigns around the world. In Canada, activists are protesting the country’s continued support for Israel by targeting companies that supply weapons manufacturer Elbit Systems. The ‘people’s arms embargo,’ as it’s been called, involves picketing, leafleting, and email campaigns aimed at pressuring logistics partners to sever ties with Elbit. Activists argue these suppliers operate in the shadows and must be held accountable for their role in facilitating violence.

Early Successes Demonstrate Impact

The direct action campaign is already yielding results. Apollo Microwaves, an Elbit supplier based in Montreal, recently announced it was ending its contract with the company following pressure from organizers. Scotiabank, a major Canadian bank and former shareholder of Elbit, also divested its $500 million investment earlier this year. Even Elbit’s CEO acknowledged the impact of these campaigns, blaming ‘the damned Canadian people’ for the divestments. Haneen Ismail, an organizer with Arms Embargo Now, emphasized that “If you help Elbit function, you are complicit in its crimes, and we will continue to expose those relationships.”

A New Model of Citizen Engagement

These actions represent a shift towards what organizers call ‘rule by the demos’ – direct engagement with systems of power rather than relying on elected officials. When governments fail to respond to public demands, citizens are taking it upon themselves to disrupt supply chains and hold companies accountable for their actions. This approach suggests a growing disillusionment with traditional political processes and a desire for more immediate and impactful forms of civic participation.

The Arms Embargo Now campaign plans to continue targeting Elbit’s suppliers, aiming to further disrupt the company’s operations and raise awareness about its role in international conflicts.

(With inputs from CounterPunch)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.