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Analysis of new prospects for international cooperation

There are only four years to evaluate whether the eight Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) proposed by the United Nations have been met. The main objective of poverty eradication, it looks stalled due to the uncertainty on the growth of economies and the continuing explosion of conflict. Also, international cooperation remains strong conditionality policy and structure of business interests seeking special relations with countries supplying raw materials. That is, the principles of the Official Development Assistance (ODA) funding and efficiency is far forward.

should take a realistic view of ODA from perspective of political and economic restrictions being watched. Many donor countries of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) have made significant fiscal adjustments in an attempt to stabilize the negative effects of the economic crisis. Given the scarcity of financial funds for cooperation available should be treated as effectively as possible. The United Nations has organized in recent years a series of conferences to discuss the issue of how to handle the funds available to achieve the MDGs. First, in 2005 adopted the Declaration of Paris, which promoted a partnership between donor countries and receivers, for a results-oriented management and mutual accountability, that is, reciprocal periodic reviews and evaluations to ensure greater transparency.

To reinforce the objectives of the Paris Declaration was held in 2008 in Accra (Ghana) World Summit on Aid Effectiveness which resulted in the Accra Agenda for Action (AAA), which turns on two key elements: first, the implementation of the Paris Declaration on South-South cooperation, and second, that 50% of aid from donor countries through support of the national budget. While the resources available are scarce, it is precisely the financial crisis the more reason to justify a public policy with more active involvement of citizens. That is, through access to public documents, civil society can monitor ODA based on their real impact and thus, control deflection and tax fraud.

The civil society organizations play a key role in demanding transparency, participation and justification for the money spent by public institutions. However, as mentioned, requires a management information from the public because otherwise the public secrets are being managed by elites, providing forms of impunity, arbitrary and limiting public opinion and the rule of law. A positive example was given in the European Union, where it has increased public access to public documents to prevent a privileged position of certain groups on the rest of civil society. However, even with countries like Spain that have failed to ratify the Council of Europe Convention on Access to Public Documents, since its legislation does not meet the established minimum. Moreover, removal of congress Spain in 2011 the draft law on access to public information, citing difficulties to filter out certain sensitive information from different ministries. This lack of transparency also has a direct impact on the English cooperation system.

When you achieve open access to public information, you can make effective an efficient system of accountability that is based on the causal relationship between actions and outcomes and will be doing a more efficient use of funds for cooperation. Purge this structure of accountability, will help determine the errors that were committed in the process of cooperation and who committed them, without the desire to point the finger, but trying not to happen again.

other hand, remove the conditionality of International Cooperation is one of the greatest challenges. Deals that donors focus their aid in promoting development goals of recipient countries. Here plays a vital role the private sector through initiatives such as Public-Private Partnerships for Development (APPD), which seeks to promote corporate social responsibility. In the various Summits on Development, the APPD were presented as an excellent tool that leverages private sector experience and expertise to problems traditionally considered public problems. Thus, it seeks to strengthen cooperation with the government on the benefits, risks and investment, innovation and the search for yield cooperation projects.

With the globalization process that is experiencing the world, it is impossible to solve global problems without the cooperation of all stakeholders. APPD Twenty-six proposals were implemented by the Economic Commission for Latin America (ECLA) in 2008, seeking an effective process of transfer of know-how from the private sector. However, such initiatives can easily degenerate into abuses by the private sector but is set with precision the economic, financial and risk analysis before deploying.

needs facing the international cooperation system makes changing the vision of aid received from North to South, by a vision of a "partnership" where all share responsibility to achieve the growth and efficiency of aid and respect the national development strategies. Also, it introduces a new element of budget support as a form of cooperation that returns to their role as public sector primary agent promoting development. For these strategies to be effective it is necessary to increase technical assistance for institutional strengthening, and policy coherence donor in the commercial, immigration and development aid, among others.


Finally, we need to re-evaluate the theories of growth and development, and analyze the impact of tax havens less developed countries. Promoting trade is essential, but may also reduce the static effects between trade liberalization and the allocation of production, and promote the dynamic effects between trade openness and economic growth, or put another way, trade liberalization responsible. It should be noted that to achieve the MDGs and a system is essential for efficient cooperation partner country leadership processing, monitoring and evaluation of cooperation projects and, especially, the role of civil society in monitoring the funds and the promotion of accountability systems more effective.

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The new dictatorship Energy: The Case of Libya and Japan.

The world spins so fast that even for the most experienced analyst what is currently happening is unpredictable. If you had asked me six months ago about the wars in North Africa, or the nuclear crisis in Japan, my answer would not begin to describe what is happening today. However, I think these events are intertwined through what some call: The new energy dictatorship.

First, the riots in Tunisia and Egypt succeeded with impressive speed and sent a message to the world that democracy was coming to North Africa. It is paradoxical that these insurrections soon after knocked on the doors of Libya and the results were not expected. General Muammar Gaddafi had no qualms about crushing the revolt in blood and fire. Gaddafi is a born survivor, is adapted to the circumstances and has a clear vision of its position in the world. Went from supporting terrorist groups, into alignment with the West when tagged to certain countries within the famous: Axis of Evil (the cartoon reminds me of "Super Friends"). It has also been involved with the pan-Arabism and Pan-Africanism, that is, always try to have the winning cards. From a standpoint of political realism, apart from the moral perspective, one can say that is a strategist with the feet on the ground.

Gaddafi knows he has an ace up his sleeve: oil, a valuable currency in a world addicted to it. Libyan oil is one of the highest quality worldwide, and in a world that moves mainly by the energy of hydrocarbons, Gaddafi has the upper hand. The dictator uses his privileged position and benefits from the petty feelings of European countries, and the shy, breathy voice of the United States. That is, nobody wants to anger the beast for it not to happen what happened in Kuwait when Saddam Hussein set fire to oil wells in retaliation by foreign intervention. No flaming bear to see such a valuable source of energy.

addition, the dictator has the luxury of threatening and say that in case of foreign intervention in Libya, will join Al-Qaeda war against the West. In those statements, the international community seems to try to look the other way and whistle, hoping that Gaddafi quick end the carnage. In my opinion, the foreign military presence ... is out of this conflict. Within the European Union, including Germany, considered to be of great caution in their actions because the no-fly zone proposal by French President Sarkozy, would be interpreted as military intervention. The politicization and ineffectiveness of the Security Council of the United Nations, once again shows that the veto is the seed of its ineffectiveness. Finally, the U.S. looks distracted when asked about the actions that will take NATO. I must admit there is nothing new in these attitudes, but does not mean they are good or much less than we have to get used to them.

Moreover, what happens in Libya has nothing to do with a movement for democracy, and is very different to what happened in Tunisia and Egypt. Insurgency fighters do not represent the Libyan people are Islamic militia groups and previously participated in the war in Afghanistan and later Iraq. The Libyan people are more concerned with getting the daily bread that support a national cause. That is, Libya has never been a nation is simply a territory where they live many tribes with very different objectives. Qaddafi is the same as Saddam Hussein represented in Iraq: a regime that can maintain order on the disorder. If Gadhafi is overthrown, there would be a territorial division that would affect the economic interests of the international community and generate widespread chaos, as is currently in Iraq. So, it is necessary to understand that western democracy does not work in Arab countries. In case of overthrowing the dictator, the only policy option that seems viable, and is still in gestation, is the example of Turkey.

While Gaddafi right and left riddled with the rebels in Libya, Japan suffered an earthquake which seriously affected its nuclear plants and is causing more environmental and humanitarian disaster. It is recalled that the Japan archipelago has no natural resources and was completely dependent on imported energy. Nuclear power was the answer they found the Japanese to produce their own electricity, but have had to pay a high price. Many countries have followed the example of Japan in a desperate attempt to stop relying on oil. Moreover, it is also a nuclear power source and a form of international deterrence, as the case of Iran and Israel. Many countries still follow the outdated Cold War pattern for a voice in world politics, even by force and with serious consequences.

That is, the world is not governed money, not politics or even religion ... it directs the energy, in any form. You can live without money, but never without power. The great fortunes of the world have invested in nuclear projects, oil and wind. However, after the events in Japan's nuclear energy investment falters and everyone ponders its convenience. Given this, one can say that Seven Sisters owners of the world (referring to the oil companies) continue to consolidate power through a dictatorship of oil, which is not ready to be overthrown by the hope of renewable energy. Do you? ...

Under this scenario, and returning to Libya, Qaddafi has everything to gain. It is interesting to see the great evacuation of Chinese citizens there in Libya after the war exploded, reveals the huge china addiction on Libyan oil. The all-powerful club of OPEC (Organization of Petroleum Producing Countries), is directed by the relationship global energy, and because they say, the dictatorship energy. Moreover, after the ecological disaster in the United States produced by British Petroleum, merely extracting oil from beneath the seas. Mexico is a major hit, it could enter the club of OPEC if it can exploit the large reserves that have been discovered in deep waters. Remains to be seen whether this would have the quality Libyan oil or dirt from Venezuela or Iraq.

countries that have oil extraction "Tierra Adentro" still have the control the world. Venezuela is a major oil producer, however, as mentioned, is a very heavy with large amounts of sulfur, and requires a particular refinement. Only two refining plants for this type of oil and are in the United States. Ironic. Nobody wants Hugo Chavez to finance the construction of its own refining plant, even China. Again, ironic. Under this scenario, the West has its eyes on Africa and many experts even believe that there is a secret to great voices in Western Sahara. Theories arise that there are large oil deposits in this area, and around the Sahara and AS is the sleeve of the European countries, in an emergency. Anyone interested in the situation of the Saharawi people? As Europe goes Generation IV promoting agreements with "democratic clauses" because question but the case.

Under this scenario also asked whether in Latin America, with our historical experience, you still believe in the global powers really support democracy? Or is it simply the vehicle that best suits your needs in the energy dictatorship? Is the world concerned about the tsunami victims in Japan or from nuclear reactors in danger of melting? For Latin America is necessary to observe with open eyes what is happening in the world, because we live in it, and are part of this power game. Can not control power without power or outside it, we must take a proactive stance to avoid being pawns in the chess world.

Finally, I just want to add that which occurs in Libya can stall the process that began in Egypt and Tunisia. Gaddafi to stay in power, which is most likely, be an example to the other dictators of the world in future mercilessly crush revolutionary movements. What happens in Libya is to reflect on the double standard of world powers, and what really matters in the world today: Energy. If Libya had no oil, there would be civil war and NATO would have taken to Gaddafi on the second day of fighting. We are witnessing a world dictatorship at all levels, is nothing new, and is most evident in the eyes of more and more citizens. I do not say with resignation but with the hope that the information societies can help stop this circus that has become humanity. New technologies give you the opportunity to the citizen be an active part of what happens, and is a tool for change if used correctly. The Internet is more powerful than any dictatorship energy, and is now in the hands of citizens .

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Democracy of empty stomachs

In the developed world speaks of democracy as the magic panacea that fixes everything. Such a political system that enables human development, respect for human rights, free markets and transparency in governance, among other wonders. However, there is less discussion about the possibilities of successfully implementing democracy in countries where not even know the term and its people have other more pressing needs to meet. I want to tell the story about a woman who has experienced firsthand the reality before Democracy. His name is Surina, a young girl living in the southern suburbs of the capital with her two older brothers and his mother died and his father killed by the military several years ago. Surina Although living in extreme poverty, he managed to finish school before his father died and enjoys a privileged analytical skills. Get excited when you read photocopies of the poems of Mario Benedetti and sometimes a tear slipping down her cheek venturing toward the precipice remembering who the gift.

TV in an old "knob" in the only room in the modest housing, Surina spends much of his time watching the local news, trying to understand the situation their country and waiting for some change. Know of large amounts of economic cooperation provided by developed countries to their homeland, trying to reach the Millennium Development Goals proposed by the United Nations. Where's the money? is the question asked the anxious young. Surina is informed, understands that his country has been a dictatorship even before she was born, and what they call democracy is far from exist due to structural causes that impede its development.

Surina, not understand why rich countries insist on imposing democracy. Our young intellectual recalls that there was no free elections, the leaders of the dictatorship do what they please and never have been concerned to give people a better life. He also wondered how can one speak of democracy when people are starving? Considers that countries money sent rich, has no meaning or practical utility, "Who is going to manage? Who will monitor that is used correctly? It's like giving money to a drug addict to recover alone.

Surina recalls the early nineties, when he heard a news program and were not going to give more aid to countries no substantial changes to Democracy, was something called "democratic clauses." But what is democracy? -DC do not understand the girl. The great defenders of free trade as the United States, the IMF and WB used the "Washington Consensus" to pressure their country to carry out privatization and trade liberalization as a condition for further assistance. Is that democracy is the right way? Surina understood as a silver bullet, but is yet to know how to apply. What it covers-and very well-are the consequences that he brought to his country. Many companies with strange names came and generated huge profits but the situation of the natives did not improve, indeed, worsened and was amplified further political instability. So, is that democracy?
insists the girl.

Surina Like, your family and friends are not sure what is democracy, do not know who eats or applied properly. They also have more important things to worry about how to get dinner and breakfast the next day. Maybe with a full stomach is easier than people think in anything but subsistence, and govern their own destinies and get the tools to do so. After all it is the people who maintain and defend the democratic approach towards their enemies every day. But an empty stomach, it is definitely best to focus energies on getting some food and shelter for the family.

Surina know it's unrealistic to think that under conditions of extreme poverty will take to the streets, hundreds of citizens to defend a system that has provided quality of life, just because developed countries recommend what is best . That is, first things first and "full belly happy heart." Once ensure decent living conditions, it would be important to ensure public order, security of persons, respect for fundamental rights of the individual and a social security system accessible to generate in the individual the feeling that he and his family have a future beyond survival minimum, among other things. Well, if not too much to ask! "Reflected the young woman.

Although Surina just finished high school knows that addressing the issue of human development is high on the agenda, because if people have to choose between meeting their subsistence needs and have a political voice, the decision is not politics. Our young friend knows that if human development in their community, this will help people be more involved in the maintenance of that system that ensures a quality of life. But the imposition of democracy through neo-liberal policies much more harm than good, it's as if they were to build a political system from the government to the population. NO! - Surina insists, "There must be a solid foundation in civil society for the government to stay! When I think of our young friend, I wonder if common sense is worth more than a lifetime in college if he?

When our friend watching TV, local news praise management government but the reality is different. There is only one political party dominates all media. Surina meditate on what they call "free elections" and believes that if they ever do is his country would require that citizens have the information necessary to discern between different policy options and programs, and determine who has the best plan of government.

Without transparency media people get carried away irresponsibly unrealistic and populist promises, not knowing what the real options to implement the best possible government. Continuing the young thinking, and suggests that people avoid blindly vote for the opposition parties hoping to change, because if they do not occur and promises not fulfilled born a feeling of frustration and deepen a crisis of de-legitimization of the public institution, concluding that both government and opposition are just as corrupt and losing any hope for change through democratic means.

Surina well aware of these issues and that is what has happened several times in his country, the frustration has led people to lose faith and interest in participating in political life, looking for other means for change. A few months ago his brothers have been talking about joining a revolutionary group trying to change the government by force. Surina, fears that his brothers die in the attempt, leaving her alone with her mother. The population has become polarized in recent months between those who support the corrupt government because they participate and benefit from the exploitation of natural resources of the country and those who want to kill the state inefficiency and indiscriminate exploitation by an elite.

Our friend remembers some time ago a politician was prepared and aware of the needs of the people that captivated people with their ideas and proposals, Surina as much of the population relied on him. However, once the government ran into an environment corruption and apparently fell to the temptation of power and access to resources of the country and the people forgot. When this policy came into office he found a country economically depressed foreign debt, announced it would take drastic measures to get credit and indiscriminately adopted the proposals of the Washington Consensus, even though he knew that the country was not prepared to deal with negative consequences.

There were protests, but were brutally repulsed by the army and killed many people, among those killed was the father of Surina. The country was taken by a very strong opposition refused to change, made by the military and national police seduced to get important jobs and political influence in exchange for their loyalty to the regime. Many of the soldiers are neighbors Surina, youth who once believed in change but were frustrated in the army and saw a way to gain power and food for their families.

Surina is part of a segregated society between rich and poor strata, so the strengthening of a middle class which is crucial for the long awaited transition to democracy (although still not quite understand) . Our analyzes friend obviously the upper class is consistent with the existing situation and the poor class is trying to survive rather than participate in political life. Under this scheme of polarization is the middle class who have the responsibility to participate actively in the implementation of democracy and maintenance.

Finally, Surina reflects on whether we really want to move towards democracy through international cooperation, you must first prepare the ground ensuring the rights and obligations of citizens and implementing fiscal policies ensure fair and efficient distribution income and thus promote the growth of a strong middle class. On the other hand, it must involve the private sector to contribute by supporting small and medium business. Failure to include women in economic development, it will be telling only half the potential population for its development and will remain a large marginalized population sector in informal employment. That is, cooperation is necessary to focus on including women in economic activities through micro credit financing.

Well, not bad for a girl who just finished his secondary education. Sometimes, it seems that politicians are determined to make changes from the upper echelons of power forgetting that democracy is essentially a system for the people. No democratic recipe works if not strengthen the middle class. I think, Surina history can be applied to any stage of the world that in a situation prior to democracy.