How each model solves the same problems
Instead of “democracy versus anarchism”, compare the concrete ways collective problems get solved.
| Question | ✕ | ✕ | ✕ | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| How are decisions made? | A constitutional monarchy with an elected parliament since 2008; GNH is a guiding principle (Art. 9) and a policy lens, not a separate decision body. | Each listed body sets its own well-being objectives and steps; the Welsh Ministers publish national indicators and a future trends report after each election. | A statutory authority (UIDAI) under the central government sets rules; ministries decide where Aadhaar is required; Parliament legislated in 2016 and 2019.Digital identity | |
| How are conflicts resolved? | GNH Commission screening of draft policies was advisory, not a veto (GNH Centre Bhutan); the Commission was dissolved in 2022. | The Commissioner may review a body and recommend; the body must take reasonable steps to follow or publish reasons (s 22). The Auditor General examines application of the principle. | Grievance channels at UIDAI and service agencies; constitutional challenges in the Supreme Court, which ruled in 2017 and 2018. | |
| How are public goods funded? | Surveys track nine domains: psychological well-being, health, education, time use, cultural diversity, governance, community vitality, ecology and living standards. | Covers the Welsh Ministers, local authorities, health boards, national park authorities and other listed bodies; public services boards plan locally. | A universal, low-cost proof of identity used for welfare transfers, financial inclusion and public services. | |
| How is AI used? | No documented AI role. | No documented AI role. | No AI in decision-making as such; automated biometric matching and deduplication decide authentication, and face authentication was added in 2018. | |
| What are the main risks? | Vague concept open to selective use; self-reported survey data; limited evidence that GNH changes decisions; critics cite minority exclusion.CLM-0292 | Soft 'follow or explain' enforcement; procedural compliance; difficulty measuring long-term and preventative benefits. | Exclusion through authentication failures, data leaks, surveillance and profiling, weak independent oversight and function creep.CLM-0544 |
This illustrates differences in design; it is not a universal claim about outcomes. Each cell links to mechanisms and the claims behind them.