Giving democracy a dose of clarity

Posted by , 28th October 2009

Michael Gerson
10/28/2009

Michael SandelHarvard professor Michael Sandel makes a practice of attempting to bring moral clarity to the choices inherent in a democratic society. His most recent efforts involve the definition of populist justice, which Sandel claims are utilitarianism (the greatest happiness for the greatest number of people) and individual freedom (whatever is decided between consenting adults is just). The professor critiques both of these definitions and has come to the conclusion that we are bound by more than individual choice in our decisions about right and wrong. A “communitarian” approach that recognizes moral convictions born of deep attachments may be the most just and moral way to govern society.

Gerson writes about politics, global health and development, religion, and foreign policy.

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Afghanistan Votes, the U.N. Dithers

Posted by , 28th October 2009

Peter W. Galbraith
10/28/2009

Afghanistan votesThe United Nations needs to appoint an envoy to oversee the runoff elections in Afghanistan because fraud could stain this vote as well, Galbraith says. The biggest obstacle to fair elections is the Independent Election Commission, which administers them. Afghan President Karzai appointed its members, and six of the seven commissioners voted in favor of procedures to benefit his campaign. The UN must stop pretending this is not a pro-Karzai institution and appoint an envoy to supervise the elections impartially. Even if Karzai wins the second round, the fraud from the first election will taint his victory. Dr. Abdullah, Karzai’s opponent, proposed constitutional changes for power-sharing, and the United Nations should encourage Afghans to consider them to emerge from the crisis of legitimacy.

Galbraith, a former United States ambassador to Croatia, was the deputy special representative of the secretary-general of the United Nations in Afghanistan from June 1 to Oct. 1.

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A Perfect Nobel Pick

The peace Nobel is a much misunderstood prize, writes Stephens. If you’re among those who think Obama’s Nobel was misjudged and premature, not to say absurd, then you really know nothing about the values and thinking that have informed a century of prize giving.

Posted by , 14th October 2009

Bret Stephens
10/13/2009

obamaFar from being an aberrant choice, Obama was the ideal one, “Scandinavianally” speaking. Most of the prize winners draw from the obscure ranks of those who believe all conflict stems from avoidable misunderstanding and that the world’s evils spring from everything but the hearts of men, where love abides. Stephens concludes that what Obama’s award portends for the kind of peace and security bequeathed to us by the exertions of such non-Nobelists as Truman, Eisenhower, Thatcher, and Reagan is another question.

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Deficits and the Chinese Challenge

Even though America’s increasing economic vulnerability to China is widely acknowledged, policymakers and experts continue to underestimate the full ramifications of this relationship, says Karabell.

Posted by , 14th October 2009

Zachary Karabell
10/13/2009

China-USAThe dollar’s sharp drop over the past few weeks has led to considerable anxiety about the status of the US as the dominant force in the global economy. Closely related to this fear is worry about the rise of China, which is the largest creditor to a heavily indebted US government. Noting that debt can become a real liability for a superpower, Karabell recalls what happened to postwar Britain. Having supported the British for decades and become its banker and manufacturer during two wars, the US fully supplanted the British Empire at the end of World War II. By 2030–if not sooner–China is likely to surpass the US in the size of its economy. Trajectories can change, but the recent implosion of the American financial system has only accelerated China’s rise. To assume we will always be the dominant nation on the world stage is a recipe for becoming Britain.

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