The fight to preserve Latin America’s democratic revolution
Matt Kennard — June 28, 2010 0 Comments
For Prof Anderson the template of Spain after Franco’s destruction of civil society “has become the general formula of freedom: no longer making the world safe for democracy, but democracy safe for this world.” Through a confluence of historical factors, Latin America is the crucible where the last chance to make a world safe for democracy is being fought. The importance of this battle shouldn’t be underestimated: if it fails, we might not get another chance
Editor's Pick, Politics
The speculators attack
Richard Seymour — February 10, 2010 0 Comments
The current speculative attack on the Euro is a very powerful vote against EU states that investors (capitalists) do no believe have moved swiftly enough to cut their budget deficits. The rules of the Stability and Growth Pact agreed among EU member states say that budget deficits must not exceed 3% of GDP. Those rules [...]
Economics
Kurdish activists and politicians detained in Turkey
Gizem Yarbil — January 8, 2010 0 Comments
The detention of human rights workers and elected officials for being part of an alleged “urban network” of an armed, militant group without any real proof except for speaking in parliaments and participating in film festivals, is an outright abuse of democracy and will undoubtedly stall the peace process in the region
Politics
John Pilger on the Wall Street Journal on Bolivian democracy
John Pilger — December 14, 2009 1 Comment
John Pilger on the Wall Street Journal on Bolivia
What They Really Mean
The Evo-lution of Bolivia: How Morales changed everything and made the country truly democratic
Ana Caistor-Arendar — December 8, 2009 2 Comments
Throughout his mandate President Morales has determinedly pursued a controversial programme of social change. This has seen the part-nationalisation of the country’s energy resources and a surge in social spending which has focused on conditional cash transfers (whereby payments have been made to poor families on the condition that they send their children to school.) These measures have seen Bolivia record a fiscal surplus for the first time in 30 years, the country has been predicted a higher growth rate this coming year than anywhere else in the Americas, and poverty levels have dropped continually since MAS came to power
Editor's Pick, Politics
Turkey, Islam and democracy: A reckoning
Gizem Yarbil — October 26, 2009 0 Comments
I think rather than going towards the East or West, Turkey is becoming more like itself. It is rediscovering its Ottoman past and coming to terms with its history and multiple identities. As long as Turkey remains democratic it will be Janus-faced, looking both to the Islamic world and Europe, just like the Ottoman Empire did for centuries
Politics
The coup d’etat in Honduras
Richard Seymour — June 30, 2009 6 Comments
Well. I would say that if the behemoth just to the north has a military base in your country, and funds your military and major pro-US parties, then you probably do have to get their permission before overthrowing the government
Politics
Despite familiar attempts at election fraud, the Left finally wins in El Salvador
Johan Boyden — April 8, 2009 3 Comments
Johan Boyden talks to student activist Tanya Portillo, who was an election observer in the recent runoff in El Salvador, about right-wing attempts at election fraud and the elation of the El Salvadoran people that after 20 years of reactionary governments they now have hope
Editor's Pick, Politics
The West cares nothing for freedom and democracy
Matt Kennard — February 25, 2009 5 Comments
The West only supports democracy when it’s in their interest.
Editor's Pick, Politics
‘Enemy of the Prevailing Order.’ Democracy, and Saying ‘Enough!’
Allan Nairn — February 2, 2009 1 Comment
We need real democracy, not the Davos talking shop.
Politics
Despite the recent elections, Bangladesh is still ruled by the same corrupt elite
Muntasir — January 4, 2009 0 Comments
The Bangladeshi elections last month were greeted as a major step forward for the country, but many of the politicians with power now are still embroiled in corruption scandals and malfeasance.