From Foreign Policy, William Easterly on how the failed ideologies of the last century have come to an end. But a new one has risen to take their place. It is the ideology of Development—and it promises a solution to all the world’s ills. But like Communism, Fascism, and the others before it, Developmentalism is a dangerous and deadly failure. Its Own Worst Enemy: Is colonialism to blame for the woes of former colonies? Not in Ghana. Niall Ferguson explains. Robert Zoellick could use the bank’s influence to help revive dead capital in developing countries. To that end, he could do no better than to follow the advice of Mark Davis and appoint Peruvian economist Hernando de Soto as chief economist for the World Bank.
From Foreign Affairs, Azar Gat (Tel Aviv): The Return of Authoritarian Great Powers. Where does the global human rights movement stand in the seventh year of the 21st century? Jackson Diehl investigates. The Hidden Pandemic: Moises Naim on how crime is quietly becoming a global killer. A tale of two towns: Two controlled, imagined communities symbolise the global disorder and social polarisation that marks the era of war on terror. American goodwill, in shackles: How Bush hardliners and even mainstream pundits have hogtied one of our greatest potential strengths in the war on terrorism. Robert Baer on why the CIA is airing its dirty laundry.
From TNR, Dick Cheney v. Aaron Burr. Who is the most dangerous vice president ever? Eric Rauchway investigates (and more). President Dick Cheney? He would probably think of the Oval Office as a demotion; and the big question right now among Republicans is how to remove Vice President Cheney from office.
Richard Cohen on how the GOP could win in 2008. No Wafer for Rudy: Giuliani campaigns as a Catholic, but he's on the outs with God. Presidential hopeful Fred Thompson is labelled by former flames as a charmer who could bring home the female vote. Larry Sabato on The Hillary Dilemma. Gatekeepers of Hillaryland: The candidate's coterie from her White House days is back together, all for one and one for all. There's never been less need for a third-party candidate for the US presidency. And Mike Bloomberg is a Democrat anyway.
From Mother Jones, a special section on Politics 2.0: Are we entering a new era of digital democracy—or just being conned by a bunch of smooth-talking geeks? Phil Donahue Strikes Back: Relegated to the outskirts of mainstream media, the talk-show veteran and former MSNBC anchor works the indie film circuit. Michael Savage vs. Brian Lamb. Sounds like the unlikeliest of media showdowns, right?
