2011 definitely has been an interesting year so far. We are almost 3 quarters down this year & already we have witnessed a bloody Arab spring & an ongoing non-violent (hope it remains that way too!) Indian summer. With things going downhill rapidly as they are in Europe & US, we maybe on the verge of witnessing an eventful European Winter as well. Talk about hijacking the normally placid seasons!
From Egypt to Israel to India to Greece, Spain & London, young people are coming out & protesting on the streets against unemployment, political corruption, economic scandals & widening income gaps. It is definitely a sign of growing mistrust of the governing authorities & their increasing fear of a bleak future. Many riots have been seen in the last couple of decades,but for once it is great to see people dropping inconsequential issues like religion & fight against issues that actually matter!
However in the midst of the various uprisings, India's fight against corruption carves a different path. More than anything it implies the strength of the Indian democracy as it criticizes the Govt in a non-violent manner as well provides a constructive alternative to the existing issues. Personally, however, I am becoming increasing wary of the proposed Lokpal structure & the hype centred around one man- Anna Hazare. If too much power is given to the Lokpal (like including the entire legislative, judiciary as well investigative agencies under its purview) without proper checks & balances, we may be just be substituting one type of corruption with another. Nonetheless, it is a good thing that the resilient Indian man has finally woken up from his slumber & is fighting for his rights.
It is quite interesting to be living in US these days (though not as fun!) The almost-from-nowhere emergence of the extreme-right Tea-party has turned US politics & economics on its head. Its emergence & growth is nothing short of another type of revolution happening in this western part of the world. As we head into an election year here in US, one can see a pitched battle coming forth between two vastly differing sections: one, a unabashed capitalist, the other a deep-grounded socialist. The Ayn-Rand-fan in me will be quite excited to see the outcome.
After years of unabashedly following 'figure-cooking & borrowing' policies, the Greek & Italian govts are not only seeing mutiny by their own people but have also seen consequences of their actions engulfing entire Europe. With Germany & France too reporting a economic slow-down, things are looking to get worser from here. Now the question remains- are we seeing a double-dip or considering Japan's woes as well, a far darker depression?
However, one good thing has definitely emerged from all these mutinies.The fight against existing realities has brought the world together in many ways. How else could we have seen an Israeli protestor holding a placard (during a demonstration against unemployment) saying-" Walk like an Egyptian"
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