Category: Political Economy

The UK’s Cameron Attacks Bureaucracy, and Irony Ensues


Five years ago, a fresh-faced leader of the opposition stood on the stage at a TED conference in London speaking to a gathering of technologists and entrepreneurs. His promise was to deliver the next age of government. David Cameron’s talk did not feature the words “austerity”, “immigration”, or “long-term economic plan”, but instead an optimistic vision of family, community, and smarter digital governance built on a technological revolution.

Bureaucratic and Inefficient Public Land Management by the Federal Government


Late last month the Senate passed a non-binding budget resolution that encourages the selling or transfer of federal lands to state and local governments. With a Republican Congress, the longstanding question over federal management of public lands is resurfacing once again with renewed urgency.

Voters Seem to be Voting with More than Their Wallets


As ever in the run-up to a general election, Britain is seeing an increased interest in how the economy has been performing. The electoral fate of a government is often expected to relate directly to the state of the nation’s wallets. But as new evidence suggests, there may be more to it than simple financial indicators.

Why are Dynastic Politicians so Commonplace in East Asia?


Political positions are no longer hereditary in modern democracies, but political dynasties nevertheless exist around the globe and dominate political office in East Asia and Japan in particular. But research shows that dynastic politicians in Japan can be socially inefficient and lead to less optimal and inefficient outcomes for their electorates.

Economy Takes Center Stage in Scottish Election


Representing a stark contrast between the parties, the Scottish National Party (SNP) stressed the importance private sector reforms, while the Scottish Labour Party promises an end to austerity. The general election will be held on May 7.

U.K. Election Primer: Businesses Role


For seasoned observers of general election campaigns, it is not surprising to see the Conservative Party styling themselves as the business-friendly party. Traditionally depicted as “the party of the rich”, the Conservatives have never struggled to win the support of the country’s boardrooms and executive classes. Flaunting the support of FTSE 350 business leaders does not have the same weight as it did in years gone by.

When Status and Access Help Set Agendas and Sway Policy


Much has been made of the 100-plus business figures that came out in support of the Conservative Party.

A letter published on the front page of The Daily Telegraph and the huge amount of debate it has provoked, has implicitly suggested that the views of these “business leaders” are of disproportionate importance and are worth listening to above others. But what are the sources of this elevation and are they justified?

Australia’s View of the Potential Closure of the U.S. Export-Import Bank


Both sides of US politics are mooting the closure of the US Export-Import Bank.

Commonly known as the Ex-Im bank, it helps support US exporters and the buyers of US goods. But it will cease its financing operations in June unless the US Congress extends its charter.  This is amid opposition from some Republicans who believe it helps foreign firms at the expense of local ones, and who want to lift the current restrictions on its funding of coal-fired power stations.

Bangladesh’s Dysfunctional Two-Party System and Democratic Paralysis


Democracy in Bangladesh is broken.

The country recently witnessed political deadlock causing violence and crippling unrest. Bangladesh’s dysfunctional two-party system, dominated by the Awami League and Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), has seen party leaders wage personal vendettas to grab power. The trigger for the political unrest and violence was a banned protest to mark the anniversary on 5 January of the controversial national election held in 2014.

Thailand’s Military Rule is Unlikely to Leave Much Room for Democracy in the Next Election


Thailand’s General Prayuth Chan-ocha announced in February that Thailand would hold elections to restore democracy in early 2016. Despite their many efforts to make the case for the military takeover, Prayuth has realised that the military and its supporters will not get off easy with long-time ally the US.