Etapas del desarrollo, crisis vitales y familias migrantes 1/4

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Etapas del desarrollo, crisis vitales y familias migrantes 1/4
With the release of the bestseller Traslados, Silvia Korenblum, psychologist and diplomatic spouse, describe and explore the transitory migration of diplomatic life and its impact on the family. Diplomat Magazine decided to publish this powerful companion book designed for diplomats and their families, in its original language. Por Silvia Korenblum. Las etapas del desarrollo con sus crisis vitales son esperables para todos los individuos. Surgen desde la naturaleza misma de la biología y de la sociedad y atraviesan la estructura familiar. La familia, entonces, combina el entrecruzamiento de las etapas de crecimiento de cada uno de sus miembros con las etapas y el movimiento propios de ella misma. Las etapas vitales Individuales comunes a todos son Infancia, adolescencia, adultez , vejez. Las Etapas comunes familiares son: Matrimonio sin hijos , Proyecto de procreación , Crianza, Emancipación de los hijos, Nido Vacío. Estas etapas producen cambios a los que deberá adaptarse la organización formal (o simbólica) de una familia. Son cambios de composición que exigen una reorganización de los roles y las reglas. El desarrollo familiar demanda una gran disposición simultánea para poder responder, plenamente, a los cambios en uno mismo y en los otros. Desde luego que, a menudo, resulta difícil responder a esta demanda. Así, cada uno de los miembros de la familia se ira deslizando de una etapa a otra atravesando las distintas crisis (cambios) que hacen posible el crecimiento. Para la mejor comprensión de las familias en tránsito es imprescindible situarse en la multiplicidad de variables que nos permite esta conceptualización. Uno de los rasgos distintivos en las familias migrantes es que estas crisis perfectamente normales y esperables, aunque no por eso fáciles , son vividas como si fueran causadas por las sucesivas mudanzas y no como crisis que todos deberíamos esperar. Claro que, en el caso de estas familias, también se suman las crisis propias de los traslados. Me ha tocado escuchar muchas veces a padres de adolescentes muy preocupados por conductas “inquietantes” de sus hijos, que, ellos suponían, se debían a los traslados. Sin embargo, en realidad no eran más que conductas típicamente adolescentes. Comprender como son estas crisis y como se entrecruzan con las crisis propias de los arraigos y desarraigos inherentes a las mudanzas ayuda a los padres y a los hijos a atravesarlas. Claro que los efectos de un traslado serán diferentes para cada grupo familiar y según la etapa que estén atravesando sus miembros: no será igual para los niños, si éstos son bebés o pre-púberes, y no será lo mismo para las parejas, si éstas están recién casadas o tienen veinte años de matrimonio. También los efectos diferirán si se trata de la primera mudanza o la quinta. De cualquier manera, siempre habrá algún integrante familiar más afectado que otro. Dependiendo de la etapa del ciclo vital en la que se encuentre, la mudanza los afectará de una manera especial. Infancia De alguna manera se podría pensar que los niños pequeños tienen más facilidad para las mudanzas ya que su mundo es su familia de origen. Entonces, lo más significativo, lo más referencial, se muda con él. Lo que habrá que tener en cuenta, sobre todo en los más peque-ños, es el estado de ánimo de los padres, sobre todo el que pase más tiempo con él, de cómo éste experimente la mudanza. Esta vivencia será trasmitida inevitablemente al niño. De esta manera, el pasaje del niño pequeño de un país a otro, estará estrechamente ligado a cómo los padres hagan frente al estrés que el traslado provoca. En los distintos relatos de adultos que en su infancia fueron niños de familias en tránsito, el recuerdo negativo de algún país siempre coincidía con el hecho de que a los padres nunca le gustó ese destino o tuvieron muchas dificultades para adaptarse a él. También es fundamental tener en consideración el grado de comunicación que existe hacia los niños. Como las mudanzas “no son cosas de niños” sucede muchas veces que los padres no creen conveniente, no saben o no pueden hablar abiertamente con sus hijos de los traslados. Hay ocasiones en que los padres les tienen mucho miedo a sus niños y sienten que con “esta vida” les están causando un mal terrible. Entonces, esta preocupación por ellos los lleva a ocultarles cosas, por lo que la incertidumbre de los niños será aún mayor que la que viven los padres. Estos, preocupados en no preocuparlos, les crean una inquietud más grande. Mariano de 3 años comenzó a ver que en su casa se vendían y regalaban cosas. Claro que a él nadie le había informado qué pasaba. Cuando regalaron al perro, se acercó muy preocupado a su madre y le preguntó si a él también lo iban a regalar. El crecimiento en la infancia entraña en todos los niños un júbilo por lo nuevo, por explorar y descubrir, también supone tristeza y ambivalencia por la pérdida de su omnipotencia: descubren que hay cosas que ya no logran hacer, ya sea porque no pueden (se lo impide su estatura o falta de fuerzas) o porque sus padres no los dejan. Supone, a la vez, la ganancia de lo nuevo y la pérdida de lo viejo. Esta dimensión importantísima del proceso evolutivo se halla, en los niños en tránsito, subrayada por las pérdidas y las ganancias geográficas y de contexto (colegio, vecinos, amiguitos). Los niños pequeños no tienen la misma capacidad de anticipar que los más grandes. Por ejemplo, el niño, en los primeros meses de vida, cuando la madre sale, llora desesperado, porque no sabe que va a volver, no puede anticipar el regreso. La madre se va y es el vacío. Por ello, la mudanza sin palabras ni explicaciones puede transformarse para el niño pequeño en solo pura pérdida. Una tropa de hombres con uniforme que vienen a embalar toda la casa puede ser una experiencia amenazante y violatoria para un niño, si se mira desde afuera sin ninguna palabra o gesto que medie, explique y contenga. —–

La autora Silvia Korenblum, nació en Buenos Aires y es Licenciada en Psicología, Universidad de Buenos Aires. Tiene un Post grado en terapias de familias y parejas, además de un Magister en psiconeuroendocrinologia. 

Es Especialista en problemas de desarraigo y adaptación, ha ejercido su práctica clínica en diversas instituciones clínicas y hospitalarias. Ha trabajado dictando seminarios y coordinando talleres de orientación a padres de niños y adolescentes atravesados por la problemática de la migración, en diferentes países. Es Autora de numerosas ponencias y artículos sobre su especialidad y del libro Familias en Transito, Lumen humanitas 2003. Casada desde hace 25 años con un diplomático. Actualmente vive en Bruselas, ejerciendo su practica clinica, terapia y coaching on line. ———– Fotografia Pablo Grinspun.

Who believes that NATO is not the world’s most powerful military organization?

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Who believes that NATO is not the world’s most powerful military organization?
By Corneliu Pivariu. The end of the Cold War marked also the beginning of a campaign in which there were voices, mostly coming from Moscow but also European ones (not very many or very important, yet there were) saying that NATO is an outdated organization and once the Warsaw treaty disappeared it should disappear, too. I wrote, indeed, ever since the beginning of the 1990s and argued about the necessity of NATO’s existence and of its importance for a peaceful and democratic evolution in Europe and in the world. I wrote as well about the organization’s special capacity to permanently adapt and improve starting even with the 12th NATO Summit in Rome (7-8 November, 1991) when the Alliance’s New Strategic Concept that mirrored the deep changes taking place on the European continent was adopted. Here’s how almost three decades passed since then and the alliance proved copiously not only its necessity but also its capacity of being permanently present. We consider that NATO’s essential pillars are the transatlantic component and Article 5. That’s why mainly on these two elements it’s being tried to induce publicly certain doubt and incertitude factors for undermining the confidence and creating suspicions about the alliance’s capacities and possibilities. Even Donald Trump’s election as the new American president, was used as an opportunity to this purpose without obtaining the anticipated result and we may say that, on the contrary, the result was the opposite as NATO and the USA proved again the capacity and the resolution of acting in accordance with NATO Charter. At the end of the first weeek of November, the yearly meeting of NATO Ministers of Defence took place and, on that occasion, new decisions concerning the continuous adaptation of the organizations to the challenges it is confronted with were made. One of the important components of this adaptation is that of a robust and agile command structure which, according to the statements of NATO’s Secretary General, Jens Stoltenberg, “lies at the foundation of strengthening the deterrence and defence as well as the ability of projecting stability beyond NATO’s frontiers”. It has been decided that two new NATO headquarters be established, one for the Atlantic – having as its main mission to ensure that the maritime communications lines between Europe and North America remain unobstructed and secure. The second new headquarters will have as its mission improving the movement of NATO troops on the European continent and strengthening the logistic within NATO’s command structure function. As NATO’s Secretary General said, it is about not only of mobility but also about the ability of rapidly moving troops and equipment with appropriate means of transportation and using the adequate infrastructure. Conclusions and steps to that purpose will be presented upon February 2018 meeting of ministers of defence. The importance of the cooperation in this field with the European Union was stressed and it has been appreciated that the military mobility may be a pilot element of NATO-EU cooperation. A NATO’s important member, both by its geopolitical position and by its military capabilities is represented by Turkey. The 2016 summer supposed military coup attempt and Ankara’s rapprochement to Moscow (including initiating the actions of acquiring the Russian missile system S-400), the reactions concerning the German military presence at Incirlik military base and Berlin’s decision of moving its military contingent there to Jordan were presented as a possible Turkey’s intention of quitting NATO and even proposals that Turkey be excluded from NATO were circulated. The fact that Turkey cooperates with the French-Italian consortium Eurosam for producing the surface-to-air missiles system based on SAMP-T missiles that was initiated in July, 2017, was less reported. Turkey’s quitting NATO is out of the question. Indeed and not the least, the last meeting of NATO defence ministers addressed the development and strengthening of cyber missions and operations considering that cyber will be part and parcel of any potential military conflict. So, the answer to the question of the title is very clear: really NOBODY, yet there are forces wishing to promote this idea. And that without taking into account that such an idea makes NATO more determined in accomplishing its missions of developing the collective defence of all its members. ———————————————————————————— About the author: Corneliu Pivariu, former first deputy for military intelligence (two stars general) in the Romanian MoD, retired 2003. Member of IISS – London, alumni of Harvard – Kennedy School Executive Education and others international organizations. Founder of INGEPO Consulting, and bimonthly Bulletin, Geostrategic Pulse”. Main areas of expertise – geopolitics, intelligence and security.  

Independent Finland: The First 100 Years

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Independent Finland: The First 100 Years
By H.E. Mr  Timo Ranta, Ambassador of Finland to Belgium and Luxembourg. Almost all countries in the world have a national day. In some countries, like Finland and The United States, that day is called The Independence Day. Finland became independent in 1917, a hundred years ago. The sixth of December was the date when the Parliament approved the independence declaration issued by the Senate. Finnish independence was recognized by most of our closest countries in January 1918. The first steps of our independence were not easy. Finland soon slid into a civil war. However, in July 1919 the first Constitution of Finland was adopted and Finland became a republic. During the Second World War, Finland suddenly found absolute national unity and remained independent. In addition to London and Moscow, Helsinki was the only European capital that was never occupied during the war. Finnish democracy functioned throughout the war. During the decades after the war, Finland sought to remain neutral. This was a relatively successful policy since Finland could gradually expand its leeway during the cold war and strengthen its economy and international ties. Independence never meant isolation for us. Finland joined the World Bank and the IMF in 1948, the United Nations and the Nordic Council in 1955, the OECD in 1969, the Council of Europe in 1989, and the European Union in 1995. Finland has always sought to be an active member in all international organizations. We are no longer neutral: we support the guiding principles of the international community: human rights, equality, rule of law, and the desire to solve all conflicts peacefully. The European Union is clearly our strongest framework. It is even enshrined in our constitution. In these difficult times, Finland wishes to strengthen the Union. We want to be part of the solution. The first hundred years of Finnish independence have been a tremendous success story. We have transformed our country from a poor agricultural backwater into a modern, democratic, prosperous, civilized and more and more digitalized forerunner. This would not have been possible without a profound belief that we can make it if we stay true to ourselves. It was true one hundred years ago and it is true today.  

Diplomats Meet and Greet

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Diplomats Meet and Greet
On the picture Sheila Turabaz and H.E.  Mr. I Gusti Agung Wesaka Puja. Photography by Roy Strik . By Sheila Turabaz. On the 26th of October, the Carlton Ambassador Hotel once again served as the backdrop for the Diplomats Meet and Greet. This time, the much anticipated and well-attended networking event organized by Diplomat Magazine and the Diplomatic Card was organized in cooperation with the Embassy of Indonesia. An eclectic mix of representatives from the corps diplomatique, international organizations, the business sector and others mingled that evening whilst enjoying the finest Indonesian cuisine, such as the classics nasi goring, gado-gado and rendang as well as “Sayah Liquor”, an Indonesian liquor with the unique flavour of spekkoek (an Indonesian layer cake) containing hints of cardamom, cinnamon, anise and vanilla. H.E. Mr. I Gusti Agung Wesaka Puja, ambassador of Indonesia, welcomed guests, presenting himself as “the food and cultural curator” of the night . He considers it to be one of his favorite functions: “Food is like a chemistry. It is mixed with different elements. A single bite, will give a variety of taste and nurtures our palate. A single bite, gives us a pleasure to enter into another world. (…) Culture, like food, offers different story lines. (…) While quoting Mahatma Ghandi, the ambassador said that “A nation’s culture resides in the hearts and in the soul of its people. It provides us a clear understanding and appreciation of each other’s culture and traditions. In turn, we all become cultural enthusiasts and at peace with each other.” Guests were treated with artistic performances by InaDance, a traditional Indonesian dance group based in the Netherlands and pianist Stephanus Maximilian Harsono, who won the prestigious Prinses Christina Concours prize in 2014. Interesting conversations took place, business cards were exchanged, and fabulous food and drinks were enjoyed by all. It’s safe to say that this was yet another successful edition of Diplomats Meet and Greet.

Linda Zin, Promoting Malaysia, More than a Spousal Duty

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Linda Zin, Promoting Malaysia, More than a Spousal Duty
 By Diplomat Magazine. Recently we had the pleasure of interviewing Linda Zin, the wife of the Malaysian Ambassador to the Kingdom of the Netherlands. We strolled through The Hague, talking about responsibility, work and love. We stopped at the historical Hotel Des Indes in the picturesque Lange Voorhout neighborhood. When sitting down for a cup of tea, we decided to ask her some questions. Q1: As the spouse of the Malaysian Ambassador, how do you see your role and duties in representing you country? The role as a spouse to an ambassador is quite similar to my career back home in corporate marketing. It is simply hospitality at its best. Perhaps, the difference is that now instead of representing a corporation, I represent a country. Further, instead of translating the hospitality to dollars and cents, I translate my conduct and mannerism to the good, dignified name and positive image of Malaysia. That is my primary role and duties here, although I certainly believe that the best way to do it is just simply “to be myself” and “to have lots of fun” doing it. Q2: In the two years that you are here, how do you perceive the Netherlands? Tell us about a time before coming to your first posting as spouse, what expectations did you have at the time and how you performed together with more “experienced spouses”? The Netherlands is a liberal country with warm people and well developed economy. Recently, I had an opportunity to join my husband to Brainport in Eindhoven and learned about the city’s massive success in bringing back economic life to the city after the economic crisis in the 1990s. I think that the city of Eindhoven is the precise reflection of what the whole country is, in terms of its coordination, synergy and knowledge sharing among the Government, the universities and the industries players. All with one common goal, which is in finding what works best for their people and for the country. The Dutch are fun and united too. I joined the crowd during the King’s Day when I first arrived in 2015 and I was amazed that it takes only one color, Orange to unite the whole nation. I also feel very safe, mostly in my neighborhood in Wassenaar. For example, I feel completely safe to go for my run alone in the evening, a simple pleasure like that which I would not be able to enjoy in my neighborhood in Kuala Lumpur. Overall, I am impressed with the quality of life and the living condition here compared to other European cities that I have been to. After all, I do not have much to complain for a country which its Prime Minister cycled to see his King at the Palace to present to the His Majesty the list of the Cabinet Ministers! I consider myself as very lucky to be in The Netherlands for my first posting although my husband has been posted to the USA and Indonesia before. When we received the news that we will be assuming these roles, I did not put any expectation or benchmark to myself but I know it is going to be intricately delicate and demanding at the same time. It is well understood that being spouses to diplomats, we have certain responsibilities to fulfill and they are all back in supporting our spouses’ official duties in promoting the interest of our country. I have been blessed too, to become friends with many other spouses of the ambassadors here because of our involvement in the Ambassadors’ Spouses Association (ASA), The Hague. ASA has been an effective platform for me to connect and learn from other more experienced spouses. Q3: What have you done so far to increase Malaysia’s visibility in the Netherlands? What are your plans, how much more can be done as you perceive the future during your mandate?  I accompany my husband in many diplomatic and social functions and gatherings. I take pride in wearing Malaysian’s traditional costume, mostly “baju kurung” to these events. I would also do the same when receiving our dignitaries from home at Schiphol Airport or when I am hosting in our Residence. It is my way in expressing my patriotism and the confidence that comes with it and it is tremendously gratifying. Malaysia is also enthusiastic in gastro-diplomacy. I have organized numerous culinary events to promote Malaysian food here among the corps diplomatique, the locals, international school community and others. Recently in September we invited one of our celebrity Chefs from Malaysia for a cooking demonstration with the theme of “Street Food of Malaysia” and it was very well received by the guests. Going forward I would still keep on doing what we are doing best here but I would also like to take the opportunity in shifting the focus to learn and gain from the experiences of the Dutch in the areas that Malaysia and other ASEAN countries could improve on, for example in bridging the gender inequality and key sectors that have specific focus on women’s development. Q4: Tell us something about your involvement in ASA and the ASEAN Ladies Circle. I am the Secretary of Ambassadors’ Spouses Association (ASA), The Hague and the President of the ASEAN Ladies Circle (ALC), The Hague. ASA celebrates diversity and practices equality. Therefore, we do not have ranks in the association. My role as a Secretary is mainly administrative and to handle official correspondences and communications with the members. Together with other committee members, we would plan for activities that we deem could foster closer friendship among the members and local community. The challenge does lies in finding the right activity that suits the demographic, dynamic and interest of the members. I would really like to encourage more spouses to get more involved with ASA. Additionally, the association is reviving and all the 5 countries are responding, supporting and cooperating well with each other. At every quarter we will organize an activity which aims to encourage cordial interaction among the members. We do not look at only organizing activity within our circle but also collaborating with other organization, for example in May this year we have organized together with Diplomatic Magazine and Hague Bridge a cycling activity around The Hague which was also joined by all the ASEAN Ambassadors in The Hague. In the coming years, I hope to see that ALC, The Hague would also be thriving as ASEAN is advancing. Q5: What is your greatest strength and what you can say to the new spouses coming to The Hague to fulfill their role? You need to have a big heart full of kindness, a growth mindset and positive outlook as this role is almost philanthropic. It is also important to be involved with others beyond your community and official duties as there are many opportunities and platforms to be explored here. Q6: Is there something you would like to share with the Diplomatic community in The Hague and/or with population in general? The world today is full of endless possibilities with the advancement of humanity and technology. The world today too, is full of challenges, mistrust, confusion and uncertainties in many parts of the world. People are suffering from poverty, war and injustice. As a member of the world community we should all come together and do our part to promote peace, harmony and justice. And to me, it is not hard at all. In the simplest manner, we are all can be kind regardless of who we are. Kindness is empowering and the best place to start is in our own home. As a mother, I think that it is vital for the parents to model kindness to their children. It is the core of all the education that we could provide to our children. It is so powerful that it will further shape their character and eventually mold our societies, flourish our nations and evolve our world to become a better place for all. ———- Photography by Roy Strik.

Carlton Ambassador, more than a manager duty, Esther Boers

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Carlton Ambassador, more than a manager duty, Esther Boers
Esther Boers, General Manager of Carlton Ambassador Hotel, The Hague.Photography by Marian van Noort. By Diplomat Magazine. The Carlton Ambassador, located in one of the most beautiful street of The Hague, serves many functions. Foremost, the Mansion operates as Diplomat Magazine’s headquarters and is the venue of our traditional Diplomat Meet and Greets. Additionally, the venue hosts celebrations for national days, and is often the site where Ceremonies of Merit are presented for parting ambassadors. In order to cater to all of these events, effective and sharp management is necessary. We asked Esther Boers, current manager of the Carlton Ambassador, how she upholds the prestige associated with this establishment. Diplomat Magazine: How do you see your role and duties representing Carlton Ambassador vis-a-vis the international community in The Hague? Esther Boers: We are a Mansion in The Hague, where every guest is more than welcome. So everyone is welcomed with this idea of a “warm embrace”. We have great relationships with different types of international communities and we want to let them be part of our Mansion in any way, be that for events, drinking coffee, or high tea. Diplomat Magazine: In the two years that you have been managing the hotel, what have you done so far to increase the Carlton Ambassador visibility in the Netherlands? What are your plans, and how much more can be done in future while maintaining this position? Esther Boers: Firstly, we are branding the Carlton Ambassador hotel by hiring a Brand Ambassador. We also made a blueprint of the hotel. We answered questions like, “why are we doing this?,” “what is our main purpose?” We have gone through this trajectory with all the team members. Additionally, our Sales Department connects with local communities and people to share our words and to show them who we are. We work with local and Dutch entrepreneurs to be more connected to the city. We also work closely with the Hague Marketing. Finally, we changed our website completely and we invest a lot in marketing activities. We feel special that we meet so many different nationalities in the hotel. That is what makes our work so interesting and meaningful as well. The diplomatic community is part of The Hague and also part of our hotel. We are grateful to work together and to be a good place for them. We provide a place where they feel home, where they receive unlimited hospitality. I want to share with you that our Mansion is so much more than a hotel. We are a place to meet, greet, laugh, talk, eat, work, sleep and enjoy life! When you are in The Hague for business, I can promise you that you will feel like a leisure guest when you enter our Mansion, because of our special ambiance and because of all the Ambassadors who work in the hotel. Every individual team member has the passion and drive to make your stay as memorable as possible.

Swiss Innovation: To the Edge of Space

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Swiss Innovation: To the Edge of Space
By Mirko Zambelli, Minister, Embassy of Switzerland to  the Kingdom of the Netherlands After completing a round-the-world trip in his solar catamaran PlanetSolar in 2012, Swiss adventurer Raphaël Domjan was wondering what on earth to do next. The field of innovations in eco-transportation was becoming more competitive. Another Swiss project, the manned solar airplane Solar Impulse, was underway and managed to fly around the world in 2016. Since Domjan also wanted to take to the air, and his colleagues were making their mark with long-distance horizontal flights, he decided to go vertical – to the edge of space. At the invitation of the Swiss Embassy and with the support of Presence Switzerland, Domjan and CEO/chief engineer of SolarStratos, Roland Loos, visited TU Delft on October 19 to present their project. Addressing the knowledgeable audience gathered for his evening lecture at the aeronautical faculty, Domjan explained how his ultra-light, solar-powered airplane SolarStratos, only 8.5 metres in length, will be capable of flying to a height of 25,000 metres. “SolarStratos is a symbol of the pioneering spirit, of the dream, of innovation with the aim of demonstrating the potential of renewable energies and energy efficiency”, he explained. The team brought along a model of the delicate-looking airplane, whose shape is reminiscent of a dragonfly. The faculty’s students had already taken the opportunity to quiz Loos about the technical details during a preceding lunchtime lecture, and guests had the opportunity to meet the team during a reception following the presentation. Domjan’s flight to the stratosphere is scheduled for next year, and will take off from an as yet to be determined location near the equator, where the sun’s strength is at its maximum. Twenty-two square metres of solar panels on SolarStratos’ long wings are the only source of energy for the electric motor. Given the lack of oxygen and extreme cold at that height, Domjan will wear a space suit, which has been provided by Russian partners. The flight is expected to take about five and a half hours.
DELFT – TU Delft L&R – Presentatie Solar Stratos. – FOTO GUUS SCHOONEWILLE
It is this adventuresome spirit of innovation and international cooperation that keeps Switzerland at the top of international innovation rankings. As a small country with few natural resources, it has a long tradition of fostering new ideas to develop the economy. Its research landscape, too, is an open space – currently, two thirds of the scientists working in Swiss universities come from abroad, and hundreds of young Swiss researchers work and gain experience outside their own borders. In a true spirit of collegiality, and given that SolarStratos is technically a two-seater, the pilot of Solar Impulse and Domjan’s friend, Bertrand Piccard, will join Domjan for an initial flight to break the altitude record for a manned solar-powered flight, which Piccard hat set at 9,235 metres. After that, Domjan will make his riskier solo trip to the stratosphere. “Today, adventures and explorations are not done to discover unknown continents or to beat records,” he said. “Their aim is to protect the environment and its biodiversity. In this way we can restore real meaning to the terms progress and innovation.” ———— For more information, please visit https://www.solarstratos.com/en/    

Coercive Diplomacy – The Beast in Democracy

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Coercive Diplomacy – The Beast in Democracy
By Mara Lemanis.  In his Politics, Aristotle states: “He who trusts any man with supreme power gives it to a wild beast, for such his appetite sometimes makes him: passion influences those in power, even the best of men…” But as a descendant from the Baltic States, particularly Latvia, I have noted that power does not need to be vested in a single man for a country to fall under the sway of autocracy. And that autocracy can be captured not just by one “wild beast” but by a coalition of governing systems.
Riga, Latvia.
A case in point is Latvia: it does not legislate state subsidies nor does it regulate party finances more than nominally. Political parties enjoy rather cozy ties to major economic interests that are no different from the sway of vast corporate lobbies that contribute to and control the Republicans and Democrats in America. These unregulated ties between various factions and economic enterprises in Latvia have produced an undemocratic dependency, turning several parties into that wild beast that devours whatever tries to check its habits. Civil liberties, or human rights, are essential to democracies, but the World Bank has indexed countries that have been captured by companies and business interests that infiltrate legislation, regulation, the judiciary, and political decisions based mainly–often exclusively–on economic decisions advantageous to themselves. Consequently everything from the courts to the office of the president, including political parties, parliaments and ministries, become pawns in the play of economic dominion. Biased interest groups are then in a position to offer bribes or outright payment to politicians who ingratiate the group’s interests, receive campaign funds, and gain seats in parliament that will effect policies to profit their businesses. A consensus of belief among political scientists used to be that if the economy is solid, democracy is guaranteed. That idea has been upset by the growth of prosperity in many countries–China, Saudi Arabia—without any accompaniment of political freedoms. But the greater shock to that belief comes from countries where economic crises trigger political reforms. Brazil’s economic crisis swerved from military rule to a more civil society; Mexico went through some of the same pattern in the 1980s; and Indonesia’s 1997 financial crisis spiraled into political reforms. However, more often crises simply make way for authoritarian rule. Coalitions of integrated elites and despotic leaders become the last resort for a nation made vulnerable by economic chaos. Strongmen and autocratic parties step into the disruption, promising crackdowns on feuding groups within the polity to ensure a stable government, and win popular support and confidence not through violent overthrow but through straightforward elections. Poland, Hungary, and the Czech Republic have all elected leaderships that suppress the freedoms of their citizens. The president, prime minister, and the ruling factions in charge start shutting down independent media. Opponents’ revenues are often reduced or divested through co-opting their advertisers, while any dissenting news that trickles out is distorted by reports that disseminate false stories and misinterpret events in order to victimize foreigners, liberals, and other resistant groups. Since elections are the paradigm for democracy, autocratic leaders and coalitions espouse them to validate legitimacy for themselves. Having won an election, such leaders can then claim popular support in subverting institutions with democratic constituents, and strip power from various departments and ministries, dismantle term limits, or increase presidential power. In such cases, those who criticize the ascendant government are smeared as undemocratic, as willfully undermining the people’s franchise. Diplomacy is derailed, coercion becomes the negotiating beast. Even when nations seem economically stable, they are susceptible to cultural exclusion or segregation. The leader or controlling party is in a position to mold voters toward partisan affinities, influencing them to react with hostility against candidates from an opposition party. That is a typical response infecting voters who are ready to excuse autocratic behavior because they dislike the groups and politicians who detract from the policies their leaders support. Within national communities populism can become harnessed to ethnic dominance of one group over another, basically weakening, even neutralizing ethnic minorities. The effect does produce stability, but at the cost of civic liberties, at the demotion of human rights.
Tallinn-Estonia
Among the Baltic nations, it is Estonia that has been most able to maintain an inclusive civic democracy. Not as heavily Russified as Latvia during the Soviet occupation, it was less constrained to mount its aspirations. Thus it was able to assemble various informal networks of cultural ideals and intellectual coordinates that operated at the level of grass-roots incentives. The social networks fostered Citizen Committees and independent clubs that reclaimed Estonian history, reviving national identity. Within the EU community Estonia might serve as a model for democratic development that could succor civil liberties in several other countries.      

It’s a new dawn for Nigerians in Ghana

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It’s a new dawn for Nigerians in Ghana
By Sunday Oyinloye. Nigeria and Ghana have over the years enjoyed good economic and political relations. They also have mutual respect for each other. However, what has happened between July 2017 and now is phenomena, a plus to President Muhammadu Buhari administration which is anchored on positive change. When a professional who is committed and dedicated is placed in a position of authority, the people will surely feel the impact and the society will be better for it . The fragrance coming from Ghana today is very encouraging and a new dawn not only in Nigeria-Ghana relations at governmental level, but a new lease of life for Nigerians living in Ghana because of the transformation that has taken place at the Nigerian High Commission in Ghana. The man driving the change agenda of the Government of Nigeria in Ghana is a seasoned diplomat, Ambassador Olufemi Michael Abikoye, who arrived Ghana in the middle of July this year and presented his letter of Credence to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akuffo Addo on 18th August, 2017. Like a good administrator who he is, immediately after presenting his letter of Credence, Ambassador Abikoye hit the ground running by cementing relationship with key stakeholders that could make his assignment a smooth sail in Ghana. Few months after, the positive results are visible. As an experienced diplomat, few days after taking his instrument of office, Abikoye paid courtesy call on allies of Nigeria in the diplomatic community and also paid courtesy calls on key government officials that will be instrumental in accomplishing his goal in Ghana. They include Inspector General of Police, David Asante Apeatu, the DG, Ghana Immigration, Minister of Interior, Mr. Ambrose Dery, DG of Ghana Prisons, the Director State, Protocol, Chief of Protocol and other key Ghanaian government officials. The energetic High Commissioner within five months in office has visited five out of the ten regions of Ghana to have town hall meetings with Nigerians in Ashanti, Brong Ahafo, Central, Western and Greater Accra Regions. The strategy is to afford the High Commissioner the opportunity of meeting Nigerians at the grassroots level, garner information about various challenges confronting them and also serve as a platform of informing the communities of the developments back in Nigeria Not only did Abikoye met communities in these regions, the High Commissioner also had interface with officials as well as the Nigerian students in various tertiary institutions in the regions such as Kwame Nkrumah University of Science & Technology (KNUST), Garden City University, Kumasi, Catholic University College of Ghana, Sunyani, Brong Ahafo Region Cape Coast University (Central Regions) and University of Ghana, Legon (Greater Accra Region) Ambassador Abikoye used his diplomatic experience to negotiate the downward review of fees paid by Nigerian students as this was a major challenge raised by the students when he met with them. The good news from this is that the management of the various institutions have given assures that they would look into this request and give positive feedback. Interestingly, the visit of the High Commissioner to the Ministers, Mayors, Regional Police Commanders, the paramount traditional rulers in the various Regions have paved the way for greater collaboration between Nigeria and Ghana. Besides, the 7th Ghana- Nigeria Permanent Joint Commission held between 18th and 20th October, 2017 was historic because it had been pending for a long period, but Abikoye’s arrival made the meeting a reality. This is expected to cement and foster both bilateral and multilateral the unique relationship that exist between Ghana and Nigeria. The other leg will be held soon in Nigeria. The good thing is that the two countries are expected to sign nine MOUs and seven agreements, including, Economic, Finance, Trade and Investments, Diplomatic Consultations, Immigration Service, Food & Drugs control as well as Treaty on Prison Transfer, Youths and Sports, Education, Culture , Transportation and Air Service developments. Determined to make the Mission more accessible, Ambassador Abikoye revived its website .There is no doubt that this will go a long way in assisting Nigerians living Ghana to know the activities of the Mission and happenings in Nigeria. A proactive personality who understands that the future of Nigeria belongs to the youth, Ambassador Abikoye also took turn to visit all Nigerian owned institutions in Ghana to entreat them to absorbing, the Nigerian students and their Ghanaian counterparts during their holidays for internship in order for them to be engaged productively during the period and further canvassed for permanent placement on graduation. On consular matters, the High Commissioner has ensured issuance of Nigerian Passport/Visas within 48hrs and immediate production of passports for students and Nigerians from far away Regions. This step has been commended by the Nigerian community in Ghana. In addition, with discussion the High Commissioner had with the DG, Ghana Immigration, the visitor’s visas for Nigerians is expected to be reviewed from 60 days to 90 days. Ambassador Abikoye in his five months as the High Commissioner has visited all major companies with Nigerian interest in Ghana . The list is long, GTBank, UBA, Zenith, First Atlantic, Access, Energy. Insurance companies; RegencyNem, Equity, WAPIC. He also visited SIFAX Agency, Dangote Cement, Sahara Group among others. In all the places visited, Abikoye admonished them to be good ambassadors in their dealings and to continue diligently in flying Nigerian flag higher in their respective businesses. The job of an Ambassador is not just to represent the interests of his country, it is a complex position which requires a man or woman with the right frame of mind, administrative acumen and intellectual capability, attributes which Ambassador Abikoye possess. It is therefore not surprising that he has made a meaningful impact in just five months in office. However, my advice to Ambassador Abikoye is not to relent as he continues to fly Nigerian Green- White- Green flag to the next level in Ghana Oyinloye is the Publisher of Green Savannah Diplomatic Cable, a weekly international online magazine in Nigeria

Ukraine: transformations for European future

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Ukraine: transformations for European future
On the picture  Donald Tusk, President of the European Council, President Petro Poroshenko and  Jean-Claude Juncker, President of the European Commission. By H.E. Mr Mykola Tochytskyi, Head of the Mission of Ukraine to the EU. 2017 will be marked as the year of major milestones in Ukraine-EU relations. Recent full entry into force of the Association Agreement and introduction of visa-free regime for Ukrainian citizens represent those symbolic achievements, which Ukrainians stood up for during the Revolution of Dignity (2013-2014) and continue to die from Russian aggression in the East of the country. For Ukraine AA/DCFTA became a comprehensive blueprint of political, social and economic reforms, allowing us to achieve much more in recent 4 years than it had been done since regaining independence in 1991 (the first independent Ukrainian state was proclaimed 100 years ago – back in 1917). Despite the ongoing Russian aggression and attempts of Moscow to destabilize the internal situation in Ukraine, we launched in 2017 new reforms in major sectors: education, judiciary, pension system, healthcare, public administration, cybersecurity and electoral law. In 2017, Ukraine has climbed to 76th place in the World Bank’s Doing Business ranking, while three years ago we were at 112th. International trade in goods has risen by 25 % in the first nine months of 2017 while with the EU it increased even more – by 31% as a result of DCFTA. Real GDP growth amounted to 2% in the third quarter of 2017 while the National Bank of Ukraine forecasts it at 3.2% and 3.5% for 2018 – 2019 respectively. Ukraine highly values the support of its sovereignty and territorial integrity by international partners, in particular the strong and united position of the European Union. Political and sanctions pressure on Moscow is crucial. But if we would like to see Minsk agreements implemented and Ukraine’s territorial integrity restored, the international engagement must be stepped up. Among key tools we see the deployment of the UN peacekeeping mission in the Donbas and launch of Crimea de-occupation mechanism. Fully committed to fulfill our reform agenda priorities based foremost on the implementation of the Association Agreement, it’s also of crucial importance to develop a strategic vision of the future of Ukraine-EU partnership and be ready to move beyond the current framework. In this regard, Ukraine presented a number of new initiatives concerning integration, in a long-term perspective, with the EU Customs Union, Energy Union, Digital Single Market as well as association with Schengen. The issues have been discussed at the highest level during the Ukraine-EU Summit in July 2017 as well as at the recent Eastern partnership Summit in Brussels. We are ready to start joint work with the EU on elaboration of the relevant roadmaps and undertaking necessary feasibility studies. Ukraine as major energy transit county plays an important role for European energy security and is ready to contribute to creation of the Energy Union. On the other hand, with its Europe’s largest software development industry, Ukraine is looking forward to expanding its cooperation with the EU in the area of digital economy and society. Thus, participation in the Digital Single market would be beneficial for both Ukrainian and EU citizens, in particular through reduced roaming charges, deployment of modernized broadband internet networks, data protection, advanced digital solutions for e-government and e-commerce. We have defended our European future back in 2014 and are ready to do all the hard work in order to make this future a reality. We set up a concrete strategic goal – full-fledged membership in the European Union – and the Association Agreement has become our roadmap to this end. To make this goal a success it is important that both sides share the strategic vision of the partnership transforming this one way road into a two-way street.    
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