Could the white regime of old South Africa, by offering major reform earlier, have set up a prosperous democracy?
It is possible that had major reforms been offered earlier, a prosperous democracy would have been set up in South Africa. The apartheid regime only served to make the black community more antagonistic as the whites grew more dependant on them for the growth of the economy.
How did U.S. leadership influence the Mideast peace process?
The US leadership has consistently sided with Israel even as they seek peace in the Middle East. However, the US president Obama has tried to alter this perception by showing both sides that he is offering a peace deal from which both sides will benefit.
.3. Have Afghanistan and Iraq achieved stable democracy? No.
Why not?
Iraq and Afghanistan are basically Muslim countries with different perception of governance from the West. Governance is equated to political legitimacy which must go hand in hand with religion, local politics and nationalism. This is in contrast with the West definition of democracy.
Is democracy feasible in such countries?
Although it will take time to gain ground, democracy in such countries is feasible. The people at the grassroots level should be empowered through civic education and the civil society be strengthened.
Are there grounds for hope for Latin America? Can you point to progress so far?
Latin America has had relative success in the process of election since 2005. However, the state of democracy is still not assured because of various factors such as, rampant violence and corruptions.
All is not lost though, since there is political pluralism, relative press freedom and most importantly, the military control has been considerably reduced.
If nuclear deterrence worked during the Cold War, should it not become a policy for many nations in the post-Cold War era?
Iraq is just one of the nations that have shown interest in accumulating nuclear weapons. In view of political instabilities worldwide, nuclear deterrence might seem like a good idea but the potential for misuse by terrorists is too real to ignore.
How can leaning too hard on a Muslim government harm our struggle with terrorism?
6. When leaning too hard on a Muslim government, the Muslims view this as an attack against their religion. This creates an opportunity for terrorists to whip up support and carry out terrorist attacks in the name of Islam.
7. How have American images of Asia changed over the decades?
America’s view of Asia has changed over the decades. For a long time Asia has been viewed a communist stronghold where individual’s right to own property is denied. However, the last three decades has seen a reversal of this view as Asian countries especially China, Japan and Korea have experienced immense economic and technological growth.
Have we ever had a clear picture of Asia?
Due to cultural and ideological differences, America has long viewed Asia as having oppressive government but the recent turn around in fortunes might be a vindication for Asia.