Governance Assessments

      This post is a summary of three articles. The first with the title above was published at http://www.undp.org/content/undp/en/home/ourwork/democraticgovernance/oslo_governance_centre/governance_assessments/ . The second was published at http://cityindicators.org/Deliverables/Measuring%20Governance_1-2-2007-836890.pdf.The third was published http://siteresources.worldbank.org/EXTWBIGOVANTCOR/Resources/wpf36governan

            Through the Global Programme on Democratic Governance Assessments, UNDP seeks to assist developing countries in producing desaggregated and non-ranking governance indicators to enable national stakeholders to better monitor performance toward democratic governance reforms. The aim of the programme is to develop the capacities of governments, national statistical offices and civil society in the collection, maintenance and analysis of governance-related data and to assist development of an inclusive, consultative framework for systematic assessment and monitoring of democratic governance goals and targets expressed in national devlopment plans.

                  Since the 1990s, development researches have focused on "good governance" as both a means of achieving development and a development in itself. The World Bank has defined "good governance" as "epitomized by predictable, open and enlightened policy making; a bureaucracy imbued with a professional ethos; an executive arm of government accountable for its actions; and a strong civil society participating in public affairs. In response to the growing demand for maeasures of the quality of governance, a number of aggregate governance indicators have been produced, such as the World Bank`s Worldwide Governance Indicators (WGI). The WGI rank countries with respect to six aspects of good governance: Voice and Accountability,  Political Stability and Absence of Violence,  Government Effectiveness,  Regulatory Quality,   Rule of Law,  and Control of Corruption. Since the 1950s, public evidence of construct validity has been required for proposed measurements of abstract constructs. Developing a meaningful measurement of a construct is an iterative process that involves a theoretical specification of the construct and its relationship to observable variables, model testing as against predictions, and refinement. The process of accumulating evidence to support a hypothetical measure is one that involves the scientific community, and as such, an investigator must provide evidence of construct validity and make available the raw data, models and results that would allow the community to make independent judgments.

                  Good governance results when nation-states provide a decentralized method of delivering public goods to persons. When nation-states perform effectively and well on behalf of their inhabitants. The social contract between ruler and ruled embodies effectively delivery of these public goods. The hierarchy of political (public) goods begins with the supply of security, rule of law, political and civil freedoms, health care, educational instructions, roads, railways, communications networks, money system, fiscal and institutional context within which citizens can prosper, support for civil society, and regulating the sharing of the environmental commons. Together these goods constitutes governance, and the extent to which nation-states do not or do  so perform can, at least in theory, be measured. The most comprehensive set of global governance indicators has been compiled by the World Bank and combines subjective and objective attributes. Qualitative global governance assessments have neen compiled through the World Economic Forum`s Global Governance Initiative, and the United Nations`s World Governance Survey. Various regional governance assessment are listed as well as the subjective and qualitative democracy measures. Tackling the issue of measuring governance was the premise of a meeting of scholars, data experts, clients, donors, and policy makers at the Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University in May 2003. The conferees at the meeting stated that objectively measuring governance could lead prescriptively both to improving the welfare of the peoples of the developing world, and to increase in the rigor with which governance in Africa, Asia and Latin America is discussed by the policy making and research communities in the G8, and by civil society in the countries concerned with improving their governance. In this era, nation-states are responsible for the task of governing and providing public goods to those who reside within their borders. Many of these nation-states have corrupt leaders who drain the country`s treasures and provide little or no security, education, infrastructure, or any other public good to their constituents. Measurements of governance could set standards for improvements and achievements as well as indicate where funds could best be of use and where policy might prove most effective. Some policy makers propose that comparative aggregate rating index would act as a "shaming" nechanism or as an incentive for developing nations to improve the lot of their inhabitants, to reduce corruption, and to improve their economies. For instance, Transparency International`s Corruption Index has influenced elections outcomes in Nigeria and has "galvanized" other countries such as Pakistan to address corruption. Although Nigeria`s low rating on the Corruption Index has not necessarily altered corrupt practices, it has encouraged open debate about the harmful practices of corruption. And strengthens the best instincts of civil society.

International Day of Democracy

                Last monday, September 15th all the world celebrated the day of democracy. Since the beginning of civilization, the good leaders and the people are trying to improve this system. The huge manifestation in Brazil last year proved that the Brazilians are disappointed with politics as usual and have a wish for more participation. Including a poll of the Senado showing that the more wished idea from the political reform, would be referendums and plebiscites used frequently. As you can see in this link THE PEOPLE'S TEACHER: LXVI - Political Reform:   An effective democracy is so important that through history so many have fought and died for it, so many have been suffering to reinforce its values and principles, and so many have dedicated their little spare time trying to educate the people about the importance of a functional democracy. The first step to a real democracy is respect for human rights and the constitution. All political system needs improvement, inclusion and renewal because if not it makes too many citizens apathetic or alienates them, losing legitimacy as a result. The internet offers a chance for new forms of participation, transparency, civic awareness and activism. The politics can be better than actually it is, and this is precisely what the almost of two millions of Brazilians that went to streets to protest last year want. This post is a summary of three articles. The first was  published  at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Day_of_Democracy. The second was  published  at http://www.un.org/en/events/democracyday/.      The third  was published at http://www.idea.int/about/international-day-of-democracy-15-september-2013-strengthening-voices-

      

                 In 2007 the U.N. resolved to observe 15 September as the International Day of Democracy, with the purpose of promoting and upholding the principles of democracy, and invited all member states and organizations to commemorate the day in an appropriate manner that contributes to raising public awareness. In September 1997 the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) adopted a Universal Declaration on Democracy. that Declaration affirms the principles of democracy, the elements and exercise of democratic government, and the international scope of democracy. At the suggestion of the IPU, 15 September date of the Universal Declaration on Democracy, was chosen as the day when the international community would celebrate the Day of Democracy. The IPU has urged parliaments to celebrate through some form of special activity. the day will be an opportunity for: Emphasize the importance of democracy, what it involves, the challenges it faces as well as the opportunities it offers, and the central responsibility that all parliaments have as the key institutions of democracy. Examine and discuss how well parliament performs its democratic functions, possibly on the basis of a self-assessment, and identify what steps it may take to strengthen its effectiveness. The 2013 year`s theme was "Strengthening voices for democracy." IPU launched an online contest to hear and gather stories from local democracy champions that managed to make their voices heard. These stories were to inspire people to take action in their own community. For the celebrations in 2014, IPU says youth participation has a special meaning for it and that a programme to promote young men and women`s involvement in the democratic process is getting underway. The IPU announced it will organize the first Global Conference of Young Parliamentarians on 10 and 11 October 2014.

                 Democracy is a universal value based on the freely expressed will of people to determine their own political, economic, social and cultural systems and their full participation in all aspects of their lives. While democracies share common features, there is no single model of democracy. The U.N. General Assembly in 2007 encourage goverments to strengthen national programmes devoted to the promotion and consolidation of democracy, and also decided that 15th September of each year should be observed as the International day of Democracy. This year`s theme, Engaging Young People on Democracy, highlights the challenges and opportunities of young people engaging in democratic processes. Study after study shows declining faith among young people in politics as we know it, with decreasing levels of participation in elections, political parties and traditional social organizations across the world. This applies to both established and emerging democracies. at the same time, informal, youth-led movements for democratic change are on the rise in a number of countries. Using new communication channels in social networks, young people are making their mark on democracy-building in untraditional ways. 

                  One of the strongest global trends today is the empowerment of citizens and their desire for dignity and freedom. It is quite appropriate then for the Democracy Day to celebrate the strengthening of citizens` voices for democracy. the role of the citizens in improving the quality of democracy and in political and institutional reform is fundamental. During the past year alone the world has witnessed many examples of citizen-led movements across all continents demanding more responsive government. When huge citizen movements spring up as a response to socio-economic crises, this is clear call that 'politics as usual' needs to be re-examined. Citizens are the driving force for democratic change and international actors should respect their leadership in building their democracies. It is through citizen-led and owned democracy assessments that citizens can periodically assess the quality of their own democracies and build consensus around an agenda for broadening and deepening their democracies.

215th Birthday of Honoré de Balzac

                        Almost four months ago, precisely on May twentieth, the French writer Balzac, one of the founders of the literary movement called realism would complete 215 years old, so this post is a tribute to him. This post is a summary of four articles. The first was published http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honor%C3%A9_de_Balzac.  The second was published at http://books.google.com.br/booksid=JcFC4oiDmpgC&pg=PA63&lpg=PA63&dq=impact+of+balzac%60s+realism+on+poli.Thirdmuse.jhu.edu/loginauth=0&type=summary&url=/journals/french_f. The fourth was published at http://www.artcasaverde.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/BAaronsonBalzacLecture.pdf

             Honoré de Balzac ( 1799-1850 ) was a French writer, which novels collectively entitled, "La Comédie Humaine."  Which presents a panorama of French life in the XIX Century. Due to his keen observation of detail and unfiltered representation of society, Balzac is regard as one of the founders of realism in literature. Balzac was born into a family which had struggled nobly to achieve respectability. His father Bernard François was one of eleven children from a poor family in the south of France. At age ten Balzac was sent to a school in Vendôme, where he studied for seven years. His father, sought to instill the same hardscrabble work ethic which him had been raised. He studied at Sorbonne and worked in a law office for three years. He always was an enthusiastic reader and independent thinker. "Eugenie Grandet," was his first best-selling novel. The writing was simple, yet the individuals are dynamic and complex. "Old Father Goriot,"  was his next success, in which Balzac transposes the story of King Lear to 1820s in Paris in order to rage at a society bereft of all love save the love of money. Balzac`s work habits are legendary, he toiled with an incredible focus and dedication. He would often work for fifteen hours at a stretch, fueled by innumerable cups of coffee. Some critics consider Balzac`s writing exemplary of naturalism, a more pessimistic and analytical form of realism. Balzac said, "the streets of Paris possess human qualities and we can not shake off the impressions they make upon our minds." This is key to Balzac`s legacy as a realist. His keen insight regarding working-class conditions earned him the esteem of many socialists. Engels said that him was his favorite writer. Marx`s work, "The Capital," also makes constant reference to the works of Balzac. Balzac influenced many writers of his time and beyond. Critic Richard Lehan says that, "Balzac was the bridge between the realism of Dickens and the naturalism of Zola." Gustave Flaubert was also influenced by Balzac, and Marcel Proust studied his works carefully. Perhaps the author most affected by Balzac was Henry James. Both authors used the realist novel to probe the machinations of society and the myriad motives of human behavior. Balzac`s vision of a society in which class, money and personal ambition are the major players has been endorsed by critics of all political tendencies. Marxist Engels wrote, " I have learned more from Balzac than from all historians and economists together."

                       Le Dernier Chouan (1829) was the first work Balzac signed with his own name. The novel follows Walter Scott in its treatment of history, and earned the praise of Georg Lukacs in, The Historical Novel, as did Balzac work as a whole, which for Lukacs epitomized the best realistic fiction in its ability to present society as an interconnected totality and individual characters as the products of larger historical forces. Balzac discovered his vocation as social historian, and created a method of description and analysis that later used in his works devoted to contemporary history. While honing his novelistic skills, Balzac was also active as a contributor to journals. In 1830 alone, he published more than a hundred articles. 

                    The question of Balzac`s scientific vision is not new. It is an issue which has been studied in its own right, and also in relation to more purely literary concerns. In a sense, it is no in fact possible to separate Balzac`s scientific vision from his literary style. He seems to combine a "romantic" vision with a "realist" style. Balzac conceived the outline of his novel-cycle at a time of fundamental epistemological re-organization. "Science" was undergoing a divorce from "Philosophy" the better to establish itself as an independent type of knowledge. The mark of the scientific approach was its objective empirical method; and conversely, the distinguishing mark of the philosophical approach was its association with the subjective consciousness. Of course, these two approaches did not absolutely have to be antagonist, or even separate: it was possible to study a phenomenon initially in a empirical way, before passing on to a more intuitive way. This is precisely what Balzac aimed to do with his chosen phenomenon: the social being.

                 In France the history of novel begins with medieval epics. But it is in the 19th century that the novel is going to blossom to meet its fullest expression during the 20th sentury. The French revolution in 1789 broke with the past in many ways. After the revolution there are two Frances. The novel is the new locus where conflicts and resolution between the old world and the new world take place. The novel becomes the instrument of modernity. As Balzac said in the prevace of his Lost Illusions. " The writer is the voice of his century." Another important facet of the French novel is its political dimension. Balzac wrote what he saw and heard. He wrote about the forgotten history, the one that historians prefer to avoid. He wanted to show society as it is and the reasons of societal changes, because society carries within itself the reasons of its movements.  Around six months after got married, Balzac died in Paris in 1850. He had three goals: First, to reproduce all the political and social events between 1789 and 1848. He wanted to write the history of his time, to be the witness of an era. Second, to give life to all professional "milieux" and social classes. His intellectual curiosity propelled him into studying all social classes. His books are a microcosm of French society. Third, to study all social and psychological phenomena. Balzac started what we call now as Human Sciences. However he does not establish theories because theories incarcerate people. Yet, Balzac is inspired by the scientific theories of Geoffroy Hilaire. Balzac once wrote, "man is neither good, nor bad. He is born with instincts and aptitudes. Society does not deprave him, society perfects him better at what he does. It is greed that develops his bad tendencies."

                   

Brazil Finds Its Voice in Protests

        This post is a summary of five articles.  The first with the incomplete title above. And published http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424127887324021104578553491848777544. The second was published at http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/jun/18/brazil-protests-erupt-huge-. The third was published at http://revolution-news.com/in-depth-analysis-of-protests-in-brazil/. The fourth was published at http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/06/28/us-brazil-protests-analysis-idUSBRE95R0Y120130628. The fifth was written by Arthur Ituassu professor at PUC-RJ and published  http://www.theglobaldispatches.com/articles/brazil-a-crisis-of-representation

              A day after the biggest demonstrations in decades gripped Brazil, protest leaders seeking to turn Monday`s venting of national frustation into a long-term movement, and a wary political class searching for footing in a country that has voice a powerful call for change. Brazilian President Dilma Roussef, said in Brasilia. "Those who went to the streets gave a message that they want more citizenship, better schools, better hospitals, more participation. It was a repudiation of corruption, and careless use of government money." The protests began last week among students in S.P. over a fare increase for buses that many here consider inadequate. Many mayors have already canceled the increased. But indignation has already expanded to a litany of long-standing Brazilian gripes. For some Brazil observers, the massive but diffuse protests represented a kind of  "awakening" of a new Brazilian middle class, that now is demanding greater accountability from its political class. "The fare bus increase was a small drop in a full bucket," said Rodrigo Vidaurre, 24, a student who was protesting in Rio. For some observers, the protest represents frustration with rising costs of living even as the economy slows at the end of a commodities boom. There is no single voice for the protest movement. But there are plenty of glaring examples of what is bothering middle class sensibilities. Brazilians live in congested cities where prices have soared so much that meals, movies and coffee often costs more here than in New York. 

             Brazil experienced one of its biggest nights of protest in decades on Monday as more than 100,000 people took to the streets to express their frustration at poor public services. The unrest escalated during the night as a large crowd set several fires outside the legislative assembly in Rio, at least one car was overturn. The causes pursued by the protesters varied widely. "I am an architect but I have been unemployed for six months. There must be something wrong with this country," said Nadia al Husin, holding up a banner calling on the government to do more for education. "My generation has never experienced this," said Thiago Firbida, a student. "Since the dictatorship Brazilians never bothered to take over the streets. But now Brazil is once again in crisis, with a constant rise in prices, so people are finally reacting." "Comparisons have been drawn with rallies in Turkey and elsewhere by a more networked society with a long catalogue of grievances. Another global link was the evident in the handful of demonstrators who wore Guy Fawkes masks associated with Anonymous group. "Our politicians need to see the strength we have as one people. Brazilians tend to be too nice sometimes, they enjoy partying rather than protesting, but something is changing," said Deli Borsari, 53.

               2013 will be remembered for the incredible size and scope of the social mobilization that gripped Brazil. There have been thousands of arrests and the practices of preventative detention are rife. To compound the crackdown on freedom of expression, several bills have been proposed in congress to criminalize demonstrations, including the criminalization of the use of masks in protests and the closure of public roads. The right to protest and freedom of expression is protected under international law, and yet Brazil shows that these rights are being stripped away in the country. 

                The massive protests that paralyzed Brazil last week appear to have peaked after sending the country`s shaken political establishment a loud message that it needs to change its ways. It´s now up to the politicians to deliver improvements to the country`s deficient public services and more transparent and accountable government demanded by frustrated Brazilians. The protests were fueled by widespread frustration with Brazil`s deplorable education, health and transportation services, rising crime and cost of living, as well as over-spending on soccer`s stadiums. Six people died in the protests, including a young man who fell from an overpass in Belo Horizonte. The protesters used the Confederations Cup to tell the world that Brazil is not just a land of soccer and that their priorities are improved education, healthcare and public transportation. "The political class fears the consequences of this popular revolt. Politicians are keenly aware that if we do not change the way we do things we are going to be trampled on in the next year`s elections," Alvaro Dias leader of opposition in the senate, told. Socialist lawmaker Chico Alencar says the survival instinct of Brazil`s politicians has made them react quickly to the loud criticism from the streets, but changes modernizing Brazil`s democratic system will come only if popular pressure continues.

                 A good starting-point is the ideas and arguments that have been expressed on the streets and in social media. These represent a fresh voice in Brazil, one unrepresented in the country`s media or its political parties, and counterposed to its old, centralised social-political structures. This voice is attempting to constitute new concepts of political community in a context where at present there is no institutional path available. It is a clash of the new Brazil with the old. Many protesters have focused their criticism on parties and the media, two importants agents of political representation in connecting society to the political sphere. This is reflected in slogans like "no party represents me" and "the people united do not need parties", which were sung together with "we do not need the World Cup, we need health and education." It is early to assess the consequences of June 2013, But three things are already clear. First, the fantasy that Brazil has transformed itself into a paradise is over. It is not possible to hide anymore that cities are now urban catastrophes, marked by traffic-jams, a lack of infrastructure and public services. Second, the top-down modernisation framework based on consumption is now contested. Brazilian people have shown the limits of their tolerance towards political institutions that have failed to solve problems in public healthcare, education and safety. Third, the protest put in question the ability of Brazil`s political institutions to accomodate the new conceptions of life articulated by the protests within Brazil`s political community.