Political Theory

Re: Which countries will collapse into chaos or turn totalitarian? Which ones will stay decent?

Wanderer — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 03:54:56 GMT

teuch:

The eastern europe gives me hope, so long they keep remembering the recent past.

I agree. Both the Czech republic and Slovakia seem hopeful.

Does anyone else think Switzerland will be enormously successful? They haven't been in an international war since 1815, and their last war was in the 1840s, it being their civil war. I consider this incredible, considering they are (and were) surrounded by Austria, Germany, France, and Italy, 4 of the most war-mongering states in history. They have one of the freest economies in the world, they show no signs of wanting to surrender their sovereignty to the EU, they only joined the UN in 2002 (via referendum). I might be naïve, but it seems like one of the few places that will weather the storm.

Re: Which countries will collapse into chaos or turn totalitarian? Which ones will stay decent?

Sieben — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 21:34:21 GMT

teuch:

Then they will have a very wealthy totalitarian government.

That is if Chavez allows PDVSA to invest in plant and production instead of making bad loans to fund his community development programs. And doesn't fire everyone in the company because they've grown aware of his disastrous economic policies.

Someone will produce the oil. One way or another. I'm afraid South America might become the new middle east...

In a way it has a similar history since we've overthrown democracies and sponsored totalitarian regimes there since at least the 50's.

Re: Which countries will collapse into chaos or turn totalitarian? Which ones will stay decent?

Marko — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 17:26:59 GMT

All eyes are on the USA.

Re: Which countries will collapse into chaos or turn totalitarian? Which ones will stay decent?

teuch — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 16:35:01 GMT

Snowflake:
teuch:
Venezuela has not long until it hits the deep end.
Venezuala has larger unconventional oil reserves than saudi arabia has conventional. As soon as they find out how to produce it, Venezuala will be the new OPEC.

Then they will have a very wealthy totalitarian government.

That is if Chavez allows PDVSA to invest in plant and production instead of making bad loans to fund his community development programs. And doesn't fire everyone in the company because they've grown aware of his disastrous economic policies.

Re: Which countries will collapse into chaos or turn totalitarian? Which ones will stay decent?

wilderness — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 14:47:25 GMT

teuch:

But China will turn out to be a mirage.

I agree here. The western countries have been heavily involved with what's going on in China. It is the wests pinnacle mirage project at the moment. Central banks and policy makers have been meeting and providing economic direction in that country for some time now. They are marketing that country to the fullest now.

Re: Which countries will collapse into chaos or turn totalitarian? Which ones will stay decent?

Sieben — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 14:27:59 GMT

teuch:
Venezuela has not long until it hits the deep end.

Venezuala has larger unconventional oil reserves than saudi arabia has conventional. As soon as they find out how to produce it, Venezuala will be the new OPEC.

Re: Which countries will collapse into chaos or turn totalitarian? Which ones will stay decent?

teuch — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 09:51:31 GMT

Venezuela has not long until it hits the deep end.
The eastern europe gives me hope, so long they keep remembering the recent past.
Even Russia I think is improving. But China will turn out to be a mirage..

Re: Which countries will collapse into chaos or turn totalitarian? Which ones will stay decent?

Merlin — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 08:28:39 GMT

The NAU, EU and perhaps Japan will try to unite, prolonging the life of their increasingly fascist regimes. Russia has some decades left, and so do China and other East Asian nations. Singapore and the “small timers” will, of course, stay decent for a long time.

Which countries will collapse into chaos or turn totalitarian? Which ones will stay decent?

Wanderer — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 08:03:57 GMT

Any ideas?