Democracy is a way of thinking – a set of values and a culture that requires an independent judiciary, the rule of law, a vibrant, diverse and free media, a culture of debate and discussion, regulation, education and freedom. No democracy is perfect. It needs to develop from within a country, in its own good time and according to the circumstances – particularly the level of security and stability. We should stand for democratic values and support those around the world who share those values. However, we must respect each country’s right to determine their own pace of democratic development. You cannot bomb a country into being a democracy. Where society is tribal, religious or dictatorial, it is not realistic to create a Western-style democracy overnight. Where there is religious extremism, fundamentalist beliefs, ethnic tension and instability, the naïve imposition of democracy can unleash dangerous and uncontrollable forces. It may be good for Hong Kong if it was to become more democratic, for example, but it is entirely reasonable for China to be very cautious about the evolution of their democracy. China has undergone an amazing transformation, but they rightly do not wish to unleash revolutionary forces. They carry the scars of revolutions and civil war. People have the right to choose security, order and stability over freedom and democracy, because freedom and democracy mean nothing if they unleash chaos and allow extremists and violent forces to prevail. So let’s perfect our own democracy and let others choose their own path. We can help and support them but we must not manipulate them with the naive assumption that one size fits all. They have the right to make their own choices.