14 January–Random thought on political stability
I’ve often wondered why democracies in the developing world are so unstable compared to the developed world. I always assumed those countries simply lacked the appropriate institutions necessary for such a young and diverse political culture. But maybe the institutions are as good as they can be. Maybe it’s simply the poverty that creates a broad sense of despair and discontent which leads to a greater likelihood for unrest. The people are more desperate and so, more willing to take part in riots and protests whereas here in America or in Europe, we essentially have what we need. So while we may complain about government, we are less prone to activism because our marginal benefit is much less than for those in developing countries.
Abraham Contos 