This is a brief note on elections - that bedrock of modern democracy. A key and indispensable pillar of modern democracy - heck modernity - is the notion of elections. Elections, many believe, are a fundamental way for people to express their voice, and some believe even for people to engage in self-determination as envisaged in the Charter of the United Nations. Without … [Read more...] about A Brief Note on Elections – that Bedrock of Modern Democracy…
Happy New Year – Year of the Horse!
One of the great things about being a Chinese in the "modern era" is that in this international age where we all seem to start celebrating the new years starting as early as Thanksgivings ... then "Christmas," then the (solar) "New Year," we always find ourselves crescendoing to celebrate the lunar New Year. It is no different this year. So - Happy New Year Everyone and … [Read more...] about Happy New Year – Year of the Horse!
My Humanitarian Intervention, A Morality Tale in US
Those who read my writings would probably get the impression that I'm very strictly non-interventionist and somewhat cold-hearted. But those who know me in person would see a more complex side of me. I actually do help people a lot, beyond my work. I tutor students of poor background. I donate blood. I even volunteer at a local food bank to prepare meals for the … [Read more...] about My Humanitarian Intervention, A Morality Tale in US
Perceptions of corruption in the US and PRC – not exactly what one would expect
I was casually browsing through Transparency International's website, and noticed something peculiar - even though citizens of the Republic of Georgia have a much higher opinion of their country's ability to deal with corruption in their country relative to their counterparts in the US, and a much more optimistic outlook on the future of public institutions, Georgia ranks 55th … [Read more...] about Perceptions of corruption in the US and PRC – not exactly what one would expect
A History of US Strategies in South China Sea
We often hear of the accusations of China's ambitions and designs in the South China Sea. Some of it is undoubtedly true and expected, China has claims in the area for a long time now. It's not new claims. So, certainly China would have ambitions to meet its claims. However, rarely discussed is the US ambitions in the SCS. When it has no claims in the area, it trumps … [Read more...] about A History of US Strategies in South China Sea