Is something going on in China?

[jcyclonee]

I've always semi-joked it works like this...

Imagine a scale from 1 to 100 with North Korea as the 1 and Switzerland as the 100.

The U.S. is like a 90 on that scale.

Now, as an American, I can find a lot to complain about in that remaining ten. Debating what measures we should take to address the remaining ten is the sound and fury of our politics.

But I am very aware that compared to most countries, the U.S. is well-governed.

Very well stated.

Also, I'll state that Switzerland is probably a 100 because they have become really good at covering up and/or legalizing their corruption.

 

[CascadeClone]

Policy and governance matters.

Culture matters too. Japan is very communal society and values selflessness and sacrifice. Very happy to work their butts off for future benefit.

I don't know much about Argentine society, but once corruption and inequality get ingrained, it's REALLY hard to get rid of. There's too much to gain and lose, so being corrupt becomes a rational choice. And there's your bad governance and policy.

 

[davegilbertson]

Call me crazy but I’m not wild about Russia and China teaming up against the current iteration of our military.

We're solid. We'll beat em with moving ad campaigns.

 

[CascadeClone]

Very well stated.

Also, I'll state that Switzerland is probably a 100 because they have become really good at covering up and/or legalizing their corruption.

Its also easier to have good governance with a small, homogenous, well-educated, and wealthy society.

 

[davegilbertson]

Very well stated.

Also, I'll state that Switzerland is probably a 100 because they have become really good at covering up and/or legalizing their corruption.

Homogenous culture, and being the size of NYC in total pop plays a bit of a role as well.

 

[Sigmapolis]

Culture matters too. Japan is very communal society and values selflessness and sacrifice. Very happy to work their butts off for future benefit.

I don't know much about Argentine society, but once corruption and inequality get ingrained, it's REALLY hard to get rid of. There's too much to gain and lose, so being corrupt becomes a rational choice. And there's your bad governance and policy.

A lot makes sense when you think of Argentina as “New Italy,” which it basically is ethnically.

 

[NWICY]

Having been to Brazil once, that place has absolutely untapped potential. It could be warm Canada. But they do keep getting garbage governments. I was there in 2004, and inflation was being tamed, Bolsa Familia was working to help people out of poverty... Then Lula & company overspent like crazy and were corrupt, and now Bolsanaro is a nut job and still corrupt.

And in spite of all this, the people are great, there are a lot of fantastically good businesses... I hope they get it right.

So overall are the women as hot as their reputation?

 

[SCNCY]

So overall are the women as hot as their reputation?

Yes.

Source: visited in 2013

 

[BigTurk]

Anyone listen to Peter Zeihan? He has an interesting video about China posted today.