Omnicracy: Beyond Democracy
“Democracy is beautiful in theory; in practice it is a fallacy”. – Benito Mussolini
Omnicracy represents a governance model that seeks to include all voices and interests, ensuring that no individual or group is left out of the equation. Unlike democracy, which can be dominated by majority rule and partisan politics, omnicracy emphasizes equitable representation, collaborative decision-making, and collective well-being. Epistemic knowledge and critical media literacy are essential for realizing this vision, as they enable citizens to engage in informed, rational, and empathetic dialogue. By fostering a culture of epistemic awareness and critical media literacy, omnicratic governance can address the root causes of discontent and disharmony, creating a society where individuals feel valued, empowered, and connected to a shared purpose.
The Role of Public Interest in Omnicracy
The public interest is the guiding principle of promoting a totally inclusive society which democracy is not able to do. Hence the omnicratic governance to ensure that policies and practices serve the collective good rather than narrow interests.
Critical journalism, media education, and critical media literacy are vital for upholding the public interest, as they provide citizens with the knowledge and tools needed to hold power to account and advocate for equitable solutions. In an omnicratic system, the public interest is not determined by elite decision-makers or corporate interests but is co-created through participatory processes that involve all members of society. This requires a commitment to epistemic knowledge and critical media literacy, as well as a recognition of the interconnectedness of individual and collective well-being.
Epistemic knowledge, complemented by critical media literacy, is the foundation of a healthy, ethical, successful, and happy life within a caring governance model that transcends traditional democracy and aspires toward omnicracy. By fostering critical journalism, media education, critical media literacy, and active citizenship, societies can empower individuals to navigate complex information landscapes, engage in meaningful civic participation, and contribute to the collective good. In doing so, they can address the discontent, disharmony, and dystopia that have emerged under conventional democratic systems, creating a society where all voices are heard, all interests are represented, and all individuals have the opportunity to pursue karma, dharma, arth, and moksha. This vision of omnicracy, rooted in epistemic knowledge, critical media literacy, and the public interest, offers a path toward a more equitable, inclusive, and fulfilling future.