Economic ties key to stability: Forum Wednesday, 11 May 2011 03:21

DOHA: The 11th Doha Forum on Democracy, Development and Free Trade explored the various factors affecting international stability during its sixth session yesterday at Doha Sheraton.

Dr Michael Nacht, Professor, University of California-Berkeley and Former Assistant Secretary of Defence for Global Strategic Affairs, said there is a considerable increase in economic interdependence among countries which is a positive sign since improvement in economic cooperation among the major players may avoid wars. However, he said probability of war in the region still remains high.

Apart from economic interdependence he cited the growing acceptance of democracy, awareness of the rule of law and application of new technology as among the major drivers of international stability.

“The problem is societies have different views on democracy. It is an infinite process of debate and adjustment,” he said adding what is important is what happens in the implementation of democracy. Among the indicators of democracy he mentioned are freedom of speech and expression, term limits of leaders, freedom of the press and rule of law.

Though the recent uprisings were not related to Al Qaeda, he said Osama bin Laden’s death has nevertheless done good for democracy.

Assessing the present global landscape Dr Anthony Cordesman, Arleigh A Burke, Chair in Strategy at the Center for Strategic and International Studies said he does not see instability wane in the coming years.

“We will have to deal with serious problems with Al Qaeda in Iraq, more tensions in Pakistan, and uncertainty in Egypt and Libya. I don’t see any progress with regard to Israeli and Arab peace process in the coming years,” said Dr Burke.

He added regarding the Gulf situation, right now the US has vague idea on its relation with Iraq in military terms with the delay in Iraq’s decision on its ties with the US. He also mentioned other looming challenges such as instability in Yemen, nuclear arms in Iran and Israel and Saudi Arabia’s production of massive defence system. Adrian Cioroianu, former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Romania was of the view that Europe should discuss with full sincerity how to deal with instability in the region specially regarding the Arab and Israeli peace process.

“We should be involved more in the peace process finding a framework for Israel and Palestine to come to the negotiating table to find equitable solution to the problem,” he said.

He also stressed on the need to understand Arab Spring and to accept political Islam with optimism not with resignation.

Speaking on economic shifts, Dr Rob Davies, Minister of Trade & Industry, South Africa said the world is in a seismic plate of economic change with some developing economies making their mark as industry players.

“We are in the midst of multi-speed economic recovery. There is the emergence of new industry players which provide many opportunities in trading and investment creating a dynamic competition between dominant economies and emerging ones,” said Davies.

Lourdes Aranda, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mexico discussed the role and achievements of G20 in promoting financial stability and tackling financial crisis as well as the challenges it currently faces.

The Peninsula