Comments for Democracy and Society

Comment on Somalia is not a failed state by Barak

Barak — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 19:09:06 +0000

I agree totally, Mariel. I don’t see how peacekeeping troops can help here. (Remember Black Hawk Down?) Also, what he fails to acknowledge is the cost that poor governance in Somalia imposes on the rest of the world. Navies around the world are spending millions of dollars per year to combat piracy off the coast of Somalia because the “Government” of Somalia can’t control it (or benefits from it?).

Comment on Rule of Law in China by Barak

Barak — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 17:41:50 +0000

Why? Maybe China will attempt to use its power to weaken international institutions or change them in ways that are beneficial to Chinese interests. Besides, I don’t see China taking a leading role in global affairs anytime soon. Look at the Copenhagen summit, for example. Instead of leading, China ensured that there would be no binding agreements on action to combat climate change.

Comment on My government doesn’t understand Tanzania by Barak

Barak — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 17:13:05 +0000

Ha! I would love to put that in our assessment.

Comment on My government doesn’t understand Tanzania by Josh

Josh — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 15:52:42 +0000

Quite possibly they were referring to Tanzania’s infamous lion insurgency.

http://www.nationalgeographic.com/adventure/photography/africa/tanzania/lions-maneating.html

Comment on The Internet, Accountability, but not Democracy by Bruce Robinson

Bruce Robinson — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 05:11:40 +0000

Barak, you need to make some distinctions. Zimbabwe is not a notably mediatized country with a rising middle class of well educated citizens.

Comment on The Power of the Internet by Adriel Hampton

Adriel Hampton — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 02:15:59 +0000

Thanks for your support! I think the incredible thing is that in addition to Natalie, many more lives will potentially be saved.

Comment on The Internet, Accountability, but not Democracy by Barak

Barak — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 16:32:39 +0000

In the end, the government controls the internet and politicians often wreck the countries they govern if they feel it is what they need to do to stay in power. Robert Mugabe didn’t come to power with the intention of making Zimbabwe a basket case.

Comment on The Internet, Accountability, but not Democracy by Mariel

Mariel — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 15:51:54 +0000

John, did you see this post by Evgeny Morozov? (http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703983004575073911147404540.html)

Comment on Lawless Places, Yemen Edition by Links I Liked « The Everyday Idealist

Links I Liked « The Everyday Idealist — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 20:29:23 +0000

[...] Spaces’ – the article this post was ultimately based [...]

Comment on Rumors of America’s death are exaggerated by Barak

Barak — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 03:00:30 +0000

These are good points. I also think that the economic competition would be good for the US. The worst reaction would be to turn inwards and protect ourselves from outside economic challenges.