Building an inclusive, responsive and capable state
The multiple crises of economy, environment and governance have brought the focus back on the state. And not a day too soon, says John Samuel
Climate change and food sovereignty
Climate change and economic policies are adversely impacting the food sovereignty of millions of people and both need to be combated. They both take away a basic human right – the right to adequate food
Ethics before economics: Towards ecological justice
We are seeing the emergence of a new wave of Climate Capitalism, driven by the new market for green technology, carbon-trading, technology transfers and adaptation funds, writes John Samuel. But surely the ethics and politics of climate change need to precede the economic calculus of climate change?
Towards a transformative politics
Politics is part of almost all human activity. It is expressed in poetry and painting, through coercion and collaboration, in public and private spaces. But its ultimate aim must be to democratise society at all levels of human action and institutions, to celebrate the dignity of every individual and uphold his or her right to dissent and development
Women in Kerala: Perceived empowerment, real disempowerment
Despite Kerala’s higher human development and gender development index, there is still an entrenched patriarchy and reduced space for women’s voices in public and private spaces. John Samuel examines this paradox
Just, democratic, accountable: What police reform should be all about
Draft bills to reform the police system are pending in many states. But while most of them include independence from political interference and more autonomy, they almost all leave out the crucial reform that must make the police accountable to the people
Making a difference in the Amazon
At the World Social Forum held in Belem, Brazil, this year, John Samuel meets an unusual activist-researcher from Palai in Kerala who has fought for the rights of the Amazon’s marginalised communities for 20 years
How will China weather the financial storm?
China is far ahead of India in terms of planning, risk analysis and preparedness, writes John Samuel
Casino capitalism and the exile of ethics
In this analysis of the current economic meltdown, John Samuel places the blame on unbridled capitalism and the lack of ethics in financial and economic policies and practices
Great Depression to deep recession: The political context of economic crises
John Samuel compares the Great Depression of the inter-war years and the current global economic crisis to show the connection between economic crises, political turmoil and possible shifts in governance
