Development is happening in the 3rd world. Where it succeeds it will bring a better life for those who live there. Three examples, three countries: Indonesia, India, and Mexico.
Indonesia: The new president, Joko Widodo, puts emphasis on development. He did not run on religion, nationalism or populism. Indonesia has more Muslims than all Gulf states put together. He tackled the country’s huge fuel subsidy, that has been crippling the country and distorting the market--very inefficient. This action is stabilizing democracy there.
India: The 2nd most populous country elected President Pranab Mukherjee who represents a single party. This is a step away from coalition government that has helped keep India weak, along with an active obstructionist opposition party. He ran on development, despite his party’s ties to fundamental Hinduism. He must avoid going to a Nationalist agenda to continue emphasis on development.
Mexico: President Enrique Pena Nieto got a bill passed ending 75 years of government control of energy. This will open Mexico to 1) investments, 2) new technology, and 3) new jobs in the hundreds of thousands. If he keeps on with such reforms, a middle class will develop and change the nature of its relationship with USA.
The above was reported by Fareed Zakaria, on GPS, CNN, Aug, 2014.
