http://www.nytimes.com/2012/04/01/opinion/sunday/friedman-why-nations-fail.html?_r=2&hp
In this article, Thomas Friedman writes about a book titled "Why Nations Fail." This book discusses the importance of inclusive economic and political institutions. It argues that the growing income inequality in America is leading to a concentration of power in political institutions, which may lead to the failure of the nation as a democracy. Additionally, the book argues that the situation in China is not as rosy as many would paint it, because there is a lack of respect for institutions like property rights. Instead, the authors argue that the Chinese system leads to an unsustainable extraction of power and economic force by the few, from the many. The book also discusses ways in which foreign aid to middle eastern nations could work harder for good, if it went towards supporting political institutions like schools and hospitals. Supporting these institutions helps foment democratic leanings, eventually leading to improved economic and political situations. Although many of the concepts mentioned in this article are fairly basic, it is still a good message, that more people should heed.
2 comments:
This is the sad reality ... that although things may become better, the feeling of that improvement may be delayed
The basic concepts of this article are harsh truths for a large number of people. Without reform in the Chinese system, there will be serious struggle and pain ahead. The middle east is an area that is both benefiting and struggling from the current American involvement, but is it always the US government's responsibility to solve the world's problems?
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