In
the previous two blogs I have discussed the moral attributes of
commerce that allow it to thrive. I have not discussed governance.
The reason I have not discussed governance in the context of commerce as a moral system is that I have not seen a clear connection.
I know that many of my readers believe that it is the Democratic quality of our country, the USA, and our constitutional structure that makes us such a successful commercial society.
My
problem is that I see so many counter examples on the planet. I see
thriving commerce in Singapore, Hong Kong, Japan, Denmark, Israel, the
English-speaking countries and Holland.
Singapore has a democracy in only a limited form. It is run by a small family that hides behind the screen of democracy. But most laws and contracts are enforceable in court's.
Japan is a society in which laws and contracts do not take precedence over common sense, tradition or social values. The democracy exists inside a very traditional hierarchical structure.
Denmark and Holland are very egalitarian societies with a King or Queen and a long tradition without constitutions.
The English speaking countries, other than USA, have stronger centralized governments without the protection of the Bill of Rights or built-in structural checks and balances.
It is not clear to me that any particular form of governance is inherently best for commerce. China is thriving despite awesome central controls, a highly structured family priority and little openness. India is showing significant commercial growth despite an absence of honesty or functional day to day diversity cross class lines.
Commerce thrives on the moral attributes of diversity, meritocracy and openness but it is not clear what form of governance supports these best.
The reason I have not discussed governance in the context of commerce as a moral system is that I have not seen a clear connection.
I know that many of my readers believe that it is the Democratic quality of our country, the USA, and our constitutional structure that makes us such a successful commercial society.
Singapore has a democracy in only a limited form. It is run by a small family that hides behind the screen of democracy. But most laws and contracts are enforceable in court's.
Japan is a society in which laws and contracts do not take precedence over common sense, tradition or social values. The democracy exists inside a very traditional hierarchical structure.
Denmark and Holland are very egalitarian societies with a King or Queen and a long tradition without constitutions.
The English speaking countries, other than USA, have stronger centralized governments without the protection of the Bill of Rights or built-in structural checks and balances.
It is not clear to me that any particular form of governance is inherently best for commerce. China is thriving despite awesome central controls, a highly structured family priority and little openness. India is showing significant commercial growth despite an absence of honesty or functional day to day diversity cross class lines.
Commerce thrives on the moral attributes of diversity, meritocracy and openness but it is not clear what form of governance supports these best.