democracy

Can the Sharing Economy Make Politicians More Responsive?

We Need an App to Help Us Inform Our Elected Leaders of What We Want and Need

California-based companies like Uber and Airbnb claim to be remaking the world according to the values of sharing and the Silicon Valley magic of leveraging empowering networks. They even say they are transforming government and politics, by organizing their users and workers into a lobbying force.

Oh, please.

So far, this new force has confined itself to narrow lobbying for favorable regulation of Uber and Airbnb. The real story is just how cautious and cowardly these companies have been in their approach to politics. If their model really is the future, why …

By Joe Mathews |

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Is China the Next Mexico?

The Chinese Communist Party Is Looking to Russia for Lessons on How to Retain Power. It's the Wrong Example

By Jorge Guajardo |

When I served as Mexico’s ambassador to China, I was often asked the wrong question: Is Mexico the next China? The better question is whether China is becoming the next …

Hooray, Tunisia Won the Nobel Peace Prize!

For a Developing Country, This Recognition Is a Lot More than Mere Symbolism

By Lassaad El Asmi |

Here in Tunisia, we received the news of the Nobel Peace Prize with great joy and emotion.

The prize was specifically awarded to what was known as the Quartet for the …

Are the Olympics Anti-Democracy?

Both Were Born in Ancient Greece. The Essence of One Is Small, the Other Global

by Bruno Kaufmann |

Can the Olympics and democracy co-exist?

It’s a question being asked again this summer after Beijing won the bid to host the 2022 Winter Olympics. Beyond the fact that the International …

Can Denmark Still Drink to Democracy?

The Country Has Always Bridged Its Political Differences Over Beer, But a New Regime Is Widening the Gap

by Bruno Kaufmann |

No country celebrates its democracy like Denmark. But is that democracy still worth celebrating?

During Denmark’s election last week, voters threw out their center-left government in favor of the far-right people’s …

A California Columnist in Arab Spring’s Court

How The Golden State Can Strengthen Its Democratic Stride By Watching Tunisia Take Its First Step

by Joe Mathews |

Living in an exceptional place is hard work. Especially when your place needs big changes.

Californians know this well. We feel such an obligation to live up to our reputation as …


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