Will ‘Trumponomics’ Remodel Lives & the Souls of God's Creatures RL- CXXIV, MMXVI Vol. XI No. VII

Will ‘Trumponomics’ temper

the Souls of Americans & the ‘Rest’ of God’s Creatures?

Public Policy Lecture, RL- CXXIV, MMXVI Vol. XI No. VII

Costantinos Berhutesfa Costantinos, PhD,

Professor of Public Policy, School of Graduate Studies,

College of Business & Economics, AAU,

Abstract

          In every corner of the world, governments are failing to recognise the full implications of their policies, and experts are too confused, or inappropriately influenced, to provide clear and credible guidance. The result is a mixture of hubris and cluelessness that is consuming countries’ entire political establishments. America elected Trump, a political novice, self-promoter and gleeful provocateur, on Nov. 8 in one of the most extraordinary and unforeseen developments in American history.  There is more than an air of panic in the media and political circles about it. Today’s leading avatar of truthiness is, of course, Trump who has been rejected as deficient in emotional intelligence. Donald Trump, the man who promised Brexit times ten is now set to control the world's biggest economy. His public discourse consists of attacking or ridiculing a wide range of others: Muslims, Hispanics, women, Chinese, Mexicans, Europeans, Arabs, immigrants, refugees whom he depicts either as threats or as objects of derision. By persuading his supporters to view themselves as part of a white nationalist movement, a claim about identity is supposed to solve the problem that many people’s interests are neglected. The populist phenomenon, wherever it is found, “rests on a toxic triad: denial of complexity, anti-pluralism, and a crooked version of representation”, and each facet must be addressed. While the rise of protectionism and anti-immigrant sentiment are widely believed to reflect stagnant incomes, widening inequality, structural unemployment and even excessive monetary easing, there are several reasons to question the link between populist politics and recent economic distress.

         Like it or not, Angela Merkel is now the main guardian of the norms, values, and institutions that make up the Atlantic alliance. German Chancellor Angela Merkel’s message of congratulations to a newly victorious President-elect Donald Trump was markedly unlike that of her European counterparts. Germany & America are bound by their values; democracy, freedom, the respect for the law and the dignity of human beings, independent of their origin, skin colour, religion, gender, sexual orientation or political conviction; based on these values, I offer the future president close cooperation. It is economics, not culture that strikes at the heart of legitimacy; in other words, it is when the rewards of economic progress accrue mainly to the already wealthy that the disjunction between minority and majority cultural values becomes seriously destabilising. Trump ruthlessly exploited that disjunction, and, in doing so, obviously made a successful claim to represent people. In the world’s eyes, fear has trumped hope as the currency of American politics. In the world’s eyes, “America will never be the same again.

Key words: Trumponomics, Trade Agreements, Populism, Values, Immigrants

See talk here or https://www.academia.edu/30648152/Will_Trumponomics_temper_the_Souls_of_Americans_and_the_Rest_of_God_s_Creatures_RL-_CXXIV_MMXVI_Vol._XI_No._VII

Crises of ‘Fin-de-siècle’: Electoral Absolutism & Myth of Palingenetic Racist Determinism - CXXIV, MMXVI RL V. XI No IV

Crises of ‘Fin-de-siècle’:

Electoral Absolutism & Myth of Palingenetic Racist Determinism

Public Lecture, CXXIV, MMXVI RL V. XI No IV

Costantinos Berhutesfa Costantinos, PhD,

Professor of Public Policy, School of Graduate Studies,

College of Business & Economics, AAU,

Abstract

            Africa has experienced multiple coups and counter coups for various economic, political and social reasons, with one-party states dominating since independence via elections floated to gain ostensible legitimacy. Indeed, the nineties saw a small number that had already made successful transition from military-affiliated regimes to pluriform institutions and practices. However, the consolidation of democracy involves founding sustainable institutions and political rules that guarantee political participation and competition. So far, only a few have satisfied even the minimal conditions set by the two-turnover test. Hence, the research questions augur on how and by whom are politics framed and the boundaries of palingenetic élite minority vs. the majority disparities set. What effects have such avant-garde ideas and practices on indigenous communities and cultures? Do powerful minorities capture polities in the very act of ‘determining’ palingenetic politics or are they subsumed by their caucuses’ own exclusive nationalistic schemata?

           Palingenetic ethno-nationalism augurs on a noxious negation of freethinking and conserva­tism, its nationalist despotic goals warm up to highly regulated economic structures to transform so­cial rela­tions within a modern, self-determined culture. It portends a fin-de-siècle political aesthetic of quixotic symbolism, social conscription, a positive view of sadism, masculinity and charismatic leadership. In literature, the fin-de-siècle outlook was influenced by Darwin, Wagner, Le Bon and the philosophies of Nietzsche, Dostoyevsky and Bergson. 

           Social Darwinism, which gained widespread ac­ceptance among the fin-de-siècle, conceived humans in an unceasing struggle of the survival of the fittest. Such élitist dogmas undergird the import of Africa’s incessant incumbent victories. Where the influence of the palingenetic élite impends over political processes, it is seldom unblemished whether such victories constitute ex­ten­sion of incumbent’s mandate or voter acquiescence to inevitable dominance, making the weight of consecutive elections unavoidably gloomier than the defining founding electoral competitions of the post-Soviet era.

Key words: pluralism, electoral absolutism, palingenetic nationalism, determinism

See lecture here or https://www.academia.edu/30597287/Crises_of_Fin-de-si%C3%A8cle_Electoral_Absolutism_and_Myth_of_Palingenetic_Racist_Determinism_-CXXIV_MMXVI_RL_V._XI_No_IV

Trajectories for Moulding a Plural & Enterprising Citizenry and a Clarion call for a Resilient Ethiopianess - CXV, MMXVI RL Volume IX No CCXXIII

Trajectories for Moulding a Plural &  

Enterprising Citizenry and a Clarion call for a

Resilient Ethiopianess

Respublica Literaria CXV, MMXVI RL Volume IX No CCXXIII

Costantinos Berhutesfa Costantinos, PhD

Professor of Public Policy, School of Graduate Studies,

College of Business & Economics, AAU

Abstract

     Students of the 1970s demanded land to the tiller and the equality of nations & nationalities, an ideological arsenal that informed the era and that continues to enlighten politics heretofore, undergirded the ubiquity of imperious economic policy, the stress on political organization and the national question. Half a century later, a human rights crisis stemming from the protest against impunity is emergent, triggered by identity issues, mal governance, corruption and impunity of officials. The state must look into local elders (shimagiles) to contain the mayhem. Coupled with this, lodged in a highly turbulent region, new martial and security scenarios threaten the nation. Hence, while ethnic liberation has been accomplished, Ethiopianness must now take the front stage to defend and advance the nation.

      While nations & nationalities have realized their freedom, what is simmering on is exigency for pluralistic governance and the statutory veneration they deserve as Ethiopians. The transformation achieved so far also means citizens are becoming more affluent and civically refined, demanding to be heard. A collective psyche that puts so much trust in the trappings of hegemony must be supplanted by a social awareness that gives due respect to the highest moral and professional benchmarks in social life. State collapse that stems from a society, which is not based on strong institutional pillars and robust meritocracy in its public administration, is bound to fail. Thus, the merit system is consequential as a tried and tested route to success in constitutional self-governance. The mystique of power is closely linked to the lack of execution of constitutional rules and political institutions such as the coordinates of the state and pillars of civil society.

        In advancing the economy, private sector, capital and liberalisation of the big state owned enterprises that would unleash untapped billions for development, are indispensible allies to employment and livelihood security. In its transformational stance, the state must focus on streamlining discretionary rule of officials, eliminate monopolies and the economic distortions that facilitate them and improve accountability. Finally, a requisite for pluralism is a spirit of tolerance and transparency - discords resolved in a spirit of respect for the views of citizens. Visionary leadership, political will and public support are vital to the state’s legitimacy that twigs from meritorious choices to district-cum-zonal officers that are in direct contact with the populace and reform of policy-making and governing institutions. Society’s watchdogs and responsible and independent media are indispensible assets in curbing corruption and pursuing good governance goals consistently and in varying contexts, but do so without resorting to a self-defeating, overly scripted and stage-managed political gambit. The protests and the apologies herald a new era of openness, albeit at a price!

Key words: corruption, mal governance, pluralism, human rights, meritocracy

Public Policy, Diplomacy & Nation Branding in a Digital Epoch: The ‘Delinked Diplomat’ RL- CCXIII, MMVI Vol XI No XXI

Abstract

        Diplomatic missions to Western nations, at least in their traditional form, are facing a crunch of existence. The 21^st century has dramatically changed the way nations interact with each other. The speed at which information is exchanged, economic crises spiral, complex security menaces emerge and the way states communicate in real time all raise the issue whether permanent plenipotentiary & extraordinary attachés are still relevant. Gone are the days when the Treaty of Wuchalle between Ethiopia’s Emperor Menelliqué and Italy that were concluded through diplomats in the 1880s. Today, information transcends plans & frontiers, trillions move unimpeded across a global network of swifts and networks are fast swapping the pecking order. As opposed to closed-door diplomacy, media transparency is the clarion call of the day, crowding out diplomatic pride.

        In this world of instantaneous social media where leaders proclaim positions on international matters without even telling their emissaries, old-style diplomats struggle to sustain their relevance. Hence, while missions still make the bulwark of international affairs, fundamental forces that demand change include revolution in information technology, proliferation of new media, knowledge on globalization of business and finance, public participation in complex issues that transcend national boundaries. Diplomacy must be overhauled to make it more accessible, participatory, technology driven in deliberations and implementation. Ending the culture of secrecy and exclusivity is a requirement for developing a collaborative relationship with the public. Further, it is to adopt a disciplined coordination model for the conduct of diplomacy. Another immediate need is a renaissance of professionalism. The potential solution scenarios discussed in the paper are strategies for new branding of nations, governance and leadership capacity, founding independent private sector think tanks and a renewed role for embassies (Oliver, 2016).

Key words: diplomacy, public policy, information age, globalization

See lecture here or  https://www.academia.edu/28765827/Public_Policy_Diplomacy_and_Nation_Branding_in_a_Digital_Epoch_The_Irrelevant_Diplomat_-_RL-_CCXIII_MMVI_Vol_XI_No_XXI

Intellectuals analyze the operations of international systems; leaders build them. There is a vast difference between the perspective of an analyst and that of a leader. The analyst can choose which problem to study, whereas the leader’s problems are imposed on him. The analyst can allot time to come to a clear conclusion; the overwhelming challenge to the leader is the pressure of time. The analyst runs no risk. If his conclusions prove wrong, he can write another treatise. The leader is permitted only one guess; his mistakes are irretrievable. The analyst has available to him all the facts; he will be judged on his intellectual power. The statesman must act on assessments that cannot be proved at his time; he will be judged by history on the basis of how wisely he managed the inevitable change and, above all, by how well he preserves the peace ― Henry Kissinger, Diplomacy

Civil Service Policy Meritocratic and Human Quality driven Public Sector Management

Civil Service Policy

Meritocratic and Human Quality driven Public Sector Management

Respublica Literaria CXV, MMXVI RL Volume IX No CCXXIV

Costantinos Berhutesfa Costantinos, PhD

Professor of Public Policy, School of Graduate Studies,

College of Business & Economics, AAU

Abstract

       A disciplined, healthy, nourished and motivated labour force is required to produce and distribute the goods and services needed for sustained human development. Leadership teams that are committed and willing with positive attitude to facilitate the process of opening up greater opportunities for every citizen are needed. The sector would require a proactive and innovative managerial and entrepreneurial team with capacities and will power. The crux of the challenge therefore, is creating, retaining and putting to productive use peoples with such qualities throughout the economy. It is about having the ability and willingness to identify, sequence and execute human-centred development priorities and programmes.

        The Ethiopian Civil Service was founded in 1961 when the Central Personnel Agency (CPA) was established modelled after the American Civil Service. The first radical measure to build the capacity of the civil service was initiated with the implementation at the Public Sector Capacity Building Programme (PSCAP) that has begun in earnest in 2005. Towards this end, the hypothesis of this study focused on the development of a neutral civil service, which participates in the political process. In spite of PSCAP’ efforts, there are numerous  impediments to develop a meritorious civil service The directional pointers for change point to the legitimacy of the civil service reform process underway in Ethiopia that will depend in important ways on it being perceived as reasonably honest, transparent and accountable in the execution of the state’s responsibility. Political leadership of the civil service requires intimate knowledge of public policy analysis, formulation and management and development of strategic plans and implementing them.

     The recommendations to develop an independent civil service augur on Systematic & independent review of capacities and utility of civil service institutions, Results Oriented Performance Appraisal System (ROPAS), and the Rights-Based Approach to developing the civil service institutions. Furthermore, the state needs to develop Knowledge Management Systems (KMS) augured on integration and mainstreaming and developing a Code of practice for the Communities of Practice (CoP), stopping the brain drain from  the nation and the civil service, and leadership capacity building. An important issue is the remuneration, post adjustment and career incentives of civil servants. An independent study launched into merit-based HRD Strategic Planning and founding Independent human quality development think tanks.

Key words: meritocracy, civil service, PSCAP, RBA, CoP, ROPAS, KMS, remuneration, career

See paper here or  https://www.academia.edu/28447951/Civil_Service_Policy_Meritocratic_and_Human_Quality_driven_Public_Sector_Management_-CXV_MMXVI_RL_Volume_IX_No_CCXXIV

Rationale, Utility & Founding Independent Policy Think Tanks

Ethiopia: Rationale,

Utility & Founding Independent

Policy Think Tanks

A Primer for founding independent home grown think tanks for Societal and Political Development in Ethiopia

Public Lecture - Respublica Literaria – Vol. IV No XXX, CXXI, MMXV

Costantinos Berhutesfa Costantinos, PhD

Professor of Public Policy, School of Graduate Studies,

College of Business and Economics, AAU

Abstract

Think tanks continually remodel, expand, advance, renovate, cultivate and develop mighty economies even when their models are doing well. Their brand of enterprise appears to have something going for it—so it may seem ill natured, or outright wicked, to wonder how much better such nations might do if their think tanks really tried hard. Independent private sector think tanks that execute highly qualified research and policy reflection are indispensable elements for partaking in modernity and globalisation.  It is the fundamental assertion of this dialogue starter think piece that learning about and appreciating one's rights, duties, obligations and responsibilities as a citizen and the immediate rules, laws and governance structures within which Ethiopians exercise citizenship is the first and fundamental step in human security and development. The development of cultural democracy promises the emergence of a unique trait of citizens, promising ethnic divergence and détente, and achieving human security and development, subject to intellectual leadership of think tanks. Further, they determine the development of state corporate strategic plans for the 21^st Century, capacity for policy and strategic harmonization, knowledge management systems, creating and retaining critical human skills, and a research compass reading that zeroes on introduction of the concept of futuristic talk and thinking gender equality, human rights in a society in transformation and communities of practice. In the interminable faculty of think tanks to innovate and unquenchable desire to reinvent, developed nations reap the developmental booty of an exceedingly proactive and skilled entrepreneurial leadership well informed by think tanks. Ethiopia must finally mount itself on an irreversible trajectory to instilling that culture of pluralism and dialogue -- to build a self-governing society and self-reliant society out of the vestiges of centuries of authoritarianism.

Key words: Independent Think Tanks, Research, Dialogue, Policy Reflection,

See article here or https://www.academia.edu/28314628/Ethiopia_Rationale_Utility_and_Founding_Independent_Policy_Think_Tanks