This six-part series looks at the complexities and vulnerabilities of a democratic system. The full article originally appeared in Tikkun Magazine in August 2016.
To those in the USA, anything sound familiar? To others, take note.
By Ashok Panikkar
“I am a firm believer in the people. If given the truth, they can be depended upon to meet any national crisis. The great point is to bring them the real facts, and beer.” Abraham Lincoln
Most folks, who voted for Brexit, worried about the costs of globalization, feared open borders bringing mass migration into Britain and agonized about ‘faceless’ bureaucrats in Brussels threatening their national sovereignty. Those who voted to remain in the EU, and others who were appalled at the eventual outcome, reacted predictably. Most blamed manipulative politicians, Britain’s infamous tabloid press, xenophobic Little Englanders or even the ill informed rubes who didn’t know any better. Pundits bemoaned the end of post WW2 internationalism; the downing of protectionist shutters; the resumption of nationalistic passions or even the return to the bad old days of European wars and collective bloodletting. Some political scientists questioned the use of a single referendum and said Cameron should have asked for three, spaced, so people would have time to consider the ramifications. Presumably having faith that after casting one (trial balloon of a) vote, we would reflect and make the second (slightly more deliberate one) after which, we would be in a better position to make the third (and finally intelligent) vote. Phew, third time lucky. Playing rock, paper, scissors for as long as it takes to get the right result. Does the democratic process have to look like a visit to one of Trump’s casinos to make it work for us? [Read more…]
NAIROBI, KENYA, July 24, 2017—Recently, Professor Kagwanja, Chief Executive of the Africa Policy Institute, called on the government to invest in training and equipping the police in non-violent methods to de-escalate crises and counter extremism without violating human rights. Based on our experiences in Kenya, Mediators Beyond Borders International (MBBI) offers our whole-hearted support to this recommendation.
Millicent Otieno is the CEO of Local Capacities for Peace International and comes with years of experience in the coordination of an extensive network of trainers, practitioners and interested humanitarian, peace and development organizations working in the East African region and beyond. Millie is a Trainer of Trainers on the Alternative to Violence Project (AVP) and Master Trainer on Reflecting on Peace Practice as well as the Do No Harm/ Conflict Sensitive Approaches and practices. She has practiced in Kenya, Uganda, Sudan, South Sudan, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Somalia, Somaliland, Puntland, Burundi, Liberia, Ghana and Nigeria.
Shadia Marhaban is an international mediator, capacity builder and activist from Aceh, Indonesia. She was a member of the Free Acheh Movement’s (GAM) peace negotiating team in Helsinki (2005) that ended the 30 years of conflict. Upon her return to Aceh, she co founded the Acheh Women’s League (LINA) to oversee the implementation of the reintegration programmes for women ex-combatants and to provide training for their political participation.
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