Ashraf Ghani: How to fix broken states

TL;DR

The speaker discusses the challenges and necessary actions to mobilize different forms of capital to build effective states in the modern world.

Transcript

A public, Dewey long ago observed, is constituted through discussion and debate. If we are to call the tyranny of assumptions into question, and avoid doxa, the realm of the unquestioned, then we must be willing to subject our own assumptions to debate and discussion. It is in this spirit that I join into a discussion of one of the critical issues ... Read More

Key Insights

• 🌍 Capitalism and democracy have become widely accepted globally, but it's important to consider which forms of each are most effective for state building.
• 💼 Many parts of the world do not benefit from capitalism or democratic systems and experience repressive states and extractive industries.
• 🌐 The world is interconnected, and a truly global world cannot have pockets of exclusion and limited inclusion.
• 📚 The transfer of assumptions from one context to another can lead to disaster. Different countries require different approaches to economics and state structures.
• 🏛️ The state in the 21st century should perform ten key functions, including the provision of citizenship rights, management of public finances, and rule of law. ⏳ The education system needs to be rethought to address the needs of a rapidly growing and young population.
• 💡 Problem solvers need to engage in global responsibility, addressing issues such as corruption and designing for development.
• 💰 Financial capital is not the most important form of capital; physical capital, institutional capital, human capital, security, and information are also crucial.

Questions & Answers

Q: How does the speaker propose addressing the issue of corruption in state building?

The speaker argues that problem solvers, like the audience, need to engage with the problems of corruption rather than staying away. He suggests that without thinking through the problems of corruption, no one else will tackle the issue.

Q: What is the speaker's view on the role of aid in state building?

The speaker believes that the aid system is broken and that private investment is far more effective in generating economic growth. He argues that aid needs to have clear conditions and a defined end date, with a focus on mobilizing domestic revenue and developing the economy.

Q: How does the speaker propose to provide alternative income for those involved in the drugs trade in Afghanistan?

The speaker suggests that investing in the textile industry and providing zero tariffs on Afghan textile products would create jobs and provide an alternative to the drugs trade. He emphasizes the need for a global partnership with Italian design firms to access global markets.

Q: What are some of the challenges faced by Afghanistan in state building?

Afghanistan faces challenges in infrastructure development, breaking free from a history of violence, and creating jobs to combat the drugs trade. The speaker mentions that it takes six years to deliver infrastructure in Afghanistan and highlights the importance of global engagement and access.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The world has reached a rare consensus on capitalism and democracy, but most of the globe does not benefit from either system.

• The rest of the world experiences extractive industry and ineffective technical assistance from developed countries.

• The speaker proposes rethinking the structure and functions of the state, reexamining the education system, and engaging global responsibility to empower the world's poor.