Reporters Without Borders’ annual study of press freedom shows that blogging is becoming a serious media channel as bloggers are now finding themselves prey to censorship from repressive governments as much as journalists in traditional media. The report says governments realise the internet is now a key tool in promoting democracy and are moving to …
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Category:2 Geopolitics
Chinese party congress seeks improvement
The five year Chinese Communist Party Congress, taking place over 5 days, was opened by President Hu Jintao. While the event is carefully orchestrated it is refreshing to note self criticism which one would hardly expect from US or European political leaders. Hu drew attention in particular to the problems of corruption and local governance, …
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We love China, but …
October saw China’s Communist Party Congress, a gathering held every five years to publicise the party’s objectives, endorse policy and make senior appointments. As China prospers and expands its presence on the world stage, this offered an opportunity to reflect on political and social developments at home. While the general commentary is positive, critics highlight …
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Lying to ourselves
The delusion of our own integrity has worn thin. Linked here is an NYT editorial, The Good Germans Among Us, detailing the quilt of lies and deception that we have sewn to keep ourselves in “the right” while portraying others (Iraqis, Burmese, Chinese, Afghan …) as brutal, terrorists and wrong. While the tale is focussed …
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Soften the China lobby (and others)
Beijing recently announced an anti-monopoly law which some observers say could work with rules on technology standards, procurement, taxes and patent transfer requirements to give Chinese firms an unfair boost over foreign competitors. It is part of the call by US and other lobbyists for China to open up but at the same time enforce …
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The only security of all is in a free press
As civil liberties have been constrained in the name of a “war on terror” even the free press has found itself gagged. (And not just traditional media but bloggers too.) The Economist concludes a four part review of civil liberties with a discussion of the rationalisation of controlling free speech even though for national security. …
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Conflict wipes out aid in Africa
The cost of conflict on African development was approximately $300 billion between 1990 and 2005, according to new research by Oxfam International, IANSA and Saferworld. This is equal to the amount of money received in international aid during the same period. The study Africa’s Missing Billions is the first time analysts have estimated the overall …
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The New Role of Corporate Leadership in Global Development
Doing Business with the World – The New Role of Corporate Leadership in Global Development (pdf 3.2 MB) by the WBCSD Development Focus Area shows how companies can contribute to global sustainable development through their core businesses in a way that is profitable for the companies and good for development. It offers a business perspective …
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Ahmadinejad speaks at Tehran U
Last month’s controversial gathering at Columbia University catalysed an equally divisive discussion by Ahmadinejad at Tehran University. It is a good sign that these discussions are taking place even though Iran may be castigated by western media (not without some reason).
King John and all that – fighting for habeas corpus
The Economist’s penultimate paper on civil liberties discusses detention without trial. When I heard the history of King John of England playing fast and loose with people and how his own barons and courtiers had to rein him in and force him to contract to behave ethically (Magna Carta 1215), it was one of those …
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