Global Perspectives
Articles in the ‘Global Perspectives’ section of the November 2008 and August 2009 editions of The Sydney Globalist.
Into the Age of Barbarism
Rik Moors considers the future of nuclear proliferation.
In 1949, George Orwell wrote You and the Atom Bomb, an eloquent essay on the effects of the development of the atomic bomb on international relations. In the piece, he prophetically constructs a picture of the imminent Cold War, using the newly acquired atomic power as an important basis for his projection. His argument hinges on the notion that “the history of civilization is largely the history of weapons”. Few nations were capable of building an atomic bomb at that time, and even for those that could, it was a complex, expensive and time-consuming project. [...]
Crisis in Zimbabwe: The Long Road to Ruin
Louise Ferreira traces the development of the Zimbabwean crisis.
In the twenty-first century, ‘crisis’ has become an empty term, reflecting political discourses as opposed to actual problems. People have come to accept, and subsequently ignore, issues bearing this name. Considering the frequency of media-induced moral panic, it may (at times) even be justified for the public to ignore this buzzword. But what happens when a country really is in crisis and the government denies its existence? [...]
The Flipside of Turkish Politics
Christopher Beshara surveys Turkey’s cultural and socio-economic landscape.
The jarring and often unanticipated effects of globalisation extend far beyond Turkey’s strained relationship with secularism. Around every corner is an affirmation that Turkey is very much a country torn between the retention of local culture on the one hand, and the limitless economic potential of a vibrant tourist market on the other, along with all of the compromises essential to its appeasement. One observes curious phenomena at these crossroads. [...]
Popularity Contest ‘08
Pete Martin critiques the media coverage of the U.S. presidential elections.
During the Republican National Convention in early September, John McCain’s campaign manager told members of the press: “This election is not about issues. This election is about a composite view of what people take away from these candidates.” American voters interested in the future of their country might be disappointed that one of their presidential candidates attempted to avoid a substantive discussion of policy differences during the election season. [...]
Secularism No Longer Sacrosanct
Christine Ernst puzzles over the role of religion in modern-day Turkey.
Turkey has long been the poster-child of secularism in the Islamic world. Although over 99 per cent of the Turkish population is Muslim, religious observance is strictly a private matter. The Turkish Constitution expressly bans the use of religion for political purposes. This stipulation has enabled a determined, almost aggressive brand of secularism to hold sway throughout the history of the Republic. [...]
