Means and Ends
May 5, 2023 - What's in a constitutional referendum? Turns out, a lot.
Niccolò Machiavelli is credited with coining the phrase, “the ends justify the means,” though Eoin O’Carroll points out that it’s more a paraphrase than a direct quote. The Italian politico-philosopher used it in reference to conquest. In short, use questionable means to achieve positive outcomes. 🫤
What happens when the means are meant to justify the ends? That is, when democratic means are meant to justify autocratic ends?
Uzbekistan held a referendum last Sunday, in which Uzbek citizens greenlighted a new constitution. This new document has a number of positive developments, including the criminalization of domestic violence, the right to dignified working conditions, along with free healthcare and education. No longer can a landlord evict someone without a court ruling.
But before you think that signals a democratic embrace for the Central Asian state, consider that the updated constitution extends incumbent president, Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s rule to 2040. 🤔
It’s something we’ve seen Vladimir Putin do in Russia and Recep Tayyip Erdoğan do in Turkey – use democratic tools, namely the vote, to augment their own power. Democracy as smokescreen for autocracy.
In Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu is trying to bend his country’s democratic process to his favor, not through a referendum but through parliament. He is eager for the Knesset to pass reforms to the country’s judicial system. These reforms aim to limit Israel’s supreme court’s independence and power through judicial review. For several weeks in March, large scale protests gripped the country before Netanyahu said he would suspend the process. Expect them to continue when Netanyahu resurrects the effort.
The French have taken to the streets, to protest the raising of the retirement age from 62 to 64. It was not enough to stop President Emmanuel Macron from pushing through the bill through a special constitutional provision that allows him to circumvent French parliament — to avoid the legislative process.
The US certainly does it. Take the Executive Order. It is the power a sitting president has to avoid sending legislation to Congress. Every president but one, William Henry Harrison, used this provision. Franklin D. Roosevelt used it the most. (See, all the things you learn here. You’re welcome.)
Next week, Chileans will elect a constitutional council that will redraft, for a second time, the country’s current constitution, adopted during Augusto Pinochet’s rule. The first attempt, which had 388 articles, last September failed when a referendum failed to pass. This council will begin working on a revised draft in June.
Interestingly, as the news will all focus on King Charles’ coronation tomorrow, the UK does not have a single document for a constitution. The UK constitution is largely written in different documents – statutes, conventions, judicial decisions and treaties.
Democracy is imperfect and it is not always “democratic,” that is a reflection of the people’s will. It is, however, better than the alternative, an autocracy, that uses elections, referendums, and constitutions to perpetuate corruption and silence all.
— Elmira
Elsewhere in the World.....
On our radar...
Happy birthday Krista! 🥳
And happy Cinco de Mayo!
Press Freedom Day
2023 marks the 30th anniversary of World Press Freedom Day and the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Catherine Amirfar, Baroness Helena Kennedy, Lord David Neuberger, and Can Yeginsu on the continued need to fight on both fronts. (Just Security)
US
What is stagflation and what does it mean for the US? Veronika Dolar explains. (The Conversation)
Last week National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan gave an address — about trade. Specifically, trade with China. As Christina Lu notes, it’s an effort to redefine the relationship, economically. But don’t call it decoupling. (Foreign Policy)
Rana Foroohar, who Elmira had a chance to speak to last week at BGIA (it was a fascinating discussion with Shannon O’Neil) on Sullivan’s speech, in which he declares the “Washington consensus” over. (FT)
Reproductive and LGBTQ rights in the US are under threat. The GOP that is attacking them is using the playbook that extremists abroad have mastered. Pamela Shifman on the need to understand the connections between the GOP and right wingers around the world. (The Hill)
China's approach to global power, prioritizing economic and technological development, represents a departure from the military-focused approach of the US. The US should recognize China's strengths and adapt its approach to competition accordingly, by investing in infrastructure and technology, cultivating stronger alliances, and engaging in diplomatic efforts, says Razan Shawamreh. (Middle East Eye)
Africa
Big tech is failing the Sudanese. After two weeks of violence in Sudan, Twitter and Facebook are being used to promote military parties in Sudan. 🤨 (Coda Story)
Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has been at war since 1996. Rwanda, which borders the DRC, complains that the warring factions threaten to destabilize it. Fair enough, says Victoire Ingabire Umuhoza. But Rwanda must also recognize its role in the conflict and make amends to stop the violence. (African Arguments)
Are all apartheids alike? May Schkolne take a look at the case of South Africa and Israel and lays out the similarities and differences. (Africa is a Country)
Asia
Last week it was South Korea, this week it’s the Philippines at the White House. Joe Biden welcomed President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. At the heart of the visit was security, specifically the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty. As China gets more aggressive in the South China Sea, the Asian archipelago nation wants to strengthen ties with Washington. Elaine Pearson notes that should give Biden leverage to press Marcos on the Philippines' human rights record. (HRW)
As North Korea’s missile technology advances, South Korea and the US seem too ready to respond to provocations. Chill out, says Jessica Taylor. What’s more important is readiness — and deterrence. (Atlantic Council)
What is all the buzz about Taiwan? Bonnie Glick lays out why the island nation in Asia is the focus of so much Chinese and American attention. (Newsweek)
After the Taliban took over Afghan leadership in August 2021, few countries have recognized its rule. UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres is in Kabul this week, working on a “durable way forward” for both Afghanistan and the international community. Will it work? Tanya Goudsouzian has her doubts. (Responsible Statecraft)
The Americas
The Trump era Title 42, adopted during Covid-19, allowed US Customs and Border Protection to turn away migrants. That’s set to expire next week. What comes after? And what does it mean for migrants and US immigration policy? Ella Lee discusses. (USA Today)
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has been raising eyebrows in the West, with a visit to Beijing and comments that Russia and Ukraine share equal responsibility for the ongoing war. Don’t take that to be anti-Western, says Vanessa Barbara. “In line with (Brazil’s) history of multilateralism and sensitive to its needs, Mr. Lula is charting his own course.” (NYT)
The stats for women in diplomacy in Brazil are not good. “Brazil and Uruguay are the only South American countries that never had women as foreign relations ministers. Brazil has the lowest percentage of women in diplomacy among Mercosur countries. While 23% of Brazilian diplomats are female, they hold only 13% of all leadership foreign posts abroad. What would help improve this is a feminist foreign policy, say Camile Leal, Carolina Paranhos, and Christiane Quino Bonomo. (Americas Quarterly)
Europe
The upcoming coronation of Prince Charles as King of England is an important symbol of continuity and tradition in British culture. Helen Lewis on the challenges facing the monarchy in the modern era, particularly in terms of public opinion and criticism of the royal family's wealth and privileges. (The Atlantic)
Turns out there’s more to being king than wearing a crown. 👑 Astha Rajvanshi details the 160 laws in the United Kingdom that Charles is exempt from. (Time)
French President Emmanuel Macron bypassed the French National Assembly to push through his pension reform plan that raises the retirement age from 62 to 64. That, Brigitte Granville says, fueled this week’s May Day protests — and reveals fractures in the Fifth Republic. (Project Syndicate)
Middle East
Saudi Arabia helped to evacuate 65 Iranians, flying them to Jeddah, before assisting with their transport home. Nadeen Ebrahim says it’s part of KSA’s effort to be a regional player, through diplomacy. (CNN)
All eyes are on the Turkish elections on May 14. (We’ll have an extension look at it next week.) Incumbent president, Recep Tayyip Erdogan looks vulnerable. Polls suggest that the opposition, comprised of six parties, have an edge to upset him. It all comes down to the economy, says Seda Demiralp. (Nikkei Asia)
Mervat Al-Azzeh, a Palestinian journalist, spoke out about experiencing assault at a West Bank hospital and has been pressured to drop her complaints against the perpetrator. Abeer Ayyoub tells more about the Palestinian prosecution fail. (Middle East Eye)
Climate Change
Can sailing ships be a viable alternative to tremendously polluting cargo ships? Pagan Kennedy says it might. (New Yorker)
The UN held a water conference in mid-March. Ambika Vishwanath wonders if the conference will actually shift our global water agenda or if it will continue the business-as-usual attitude. (Inkstick Media)
Here’s some good climate news: China’s air pollution has been steadily improving over the past decade. The bad news is, unfortunately, there’s still a long way to go, says Dyani Lewis. (Nature)
The climate is changing your grocery bills, says Suzi Kerr. 👀 (The Guardian)
Technology
Do ‘chronically online’ Gen-Z employees jeopardize the security of sensitive government information? Andrea Hebel examines the potential threats posed by social media and online culture. She suggests that government agencies need to take steps to mitigate these risks while still harnessing the skills and talents of the next generation of workers. (International Policy Digest)
Links We Loved....
Looking for a good stretch, but short on time? Check out this 5-minute Yoga with Adriene full body stretch.
A cyclist rode across Africa, from coast-to-coast, totaling 1,756 miles in 28 days. 😰😳
What is Cinco de Mayo exactly? National Geographic explains.
Job Opportunities
Young Professionals in Foreign Policy Fellowship is taking applications through May 6 - tomorrow!
Editorial Team
Elmira Bayrasli - Editor-in-Chief
Editors:
Rasmiia Abasova
Samantha Felman
Anouk Jouffret
Pin-Shan Lai
Catherine Lovizio
Emily Smith