"How do people acquire a settled belief in their rights while at the same time recognizing that other people have rights, and often competing rights?" he asked, presenting the central question behind his idea of "mystery."

Applying his standards for democratic success, Wilson reserved little hope for the future of democracy in non-English speaking nations and in Russia and China. He said he doubts that democracy will survive in many newly democratic countries and does not believe Russia or China will ever acquire true democracies.

"There is nothing in the history of Russia and China to give anyone the slightest hope of democracy," he said.

After the speech, Marc Stad '01 said he agreed with Wilson's "textbook definitions of democracy," but disagreed with the speaker's pessimistic outlook for the future of Russian and Chinese democracy.

"I do think they will pull through and find a democracy," Stad remarked. "We should empower Russia and China."

Alexander F. Rubalcava '02, who also attended yesterday's address, sided with Wilson.

"I think [Wilson's] views on Russia and China are pessimistic but realistic," he said.