PrintThe Agenda the G8 should have
On Tuesday, July 6, the leaders of the eight most powerful nations will meet in Scotland to take stock of the world and debate about what is still to be done on issues such as the fight against mass poverty and terrorism.
Simultaneously, hundreds of anti—globalization protesters will march against what they see to be the cause of all evils: global trade and capitalism. These people seem to ignore how world politics works and what is being discussed at the G8 summits.
The leaders of the richest nations — who have been elected through free and fair elections — will renew their commitment to fight terror and discuss debt relief toward the poorest countries.
These are the noblest of goals. However wrong the strategies to pursue them may be.
A list of the countries to be relived of at least some debt was released two weeks ago. While most of those nations are ruled by more or less democratically—elected leaders, committed to political and economic liberalization, the list includes African nations that are ruled by corrupt autocrats.
What some G8 leaders, as well as anti—globalization protesters, overlook is that debt relief directed to those undemocratic nations will end up enriching the local autocrats — who will buy weapons and will declare war on their own people and neighbors.
The ultimate victims will be the poor people the G8 leaders wish to help. Neither food and economic aid, nor worldwide Live 8 concerts have done anything truly important to defeat poverty.
Debt relief should be directed only to those nations who are:
