Trading for more than goods–trading for entrance

Turkey has been vying for entrance into the EU, and will remain doing so until they meet the standards that the multinational organization has put forth. Creating a strong democracy is one of the most weighing elements regarding acceptance. Though democracy can be applied in many different manners, the EU is looking for a Western democracy, which is generally associated with a strong economy and free trade.

 Turkey is stepping up to the plate and is considering signing a Free Trade Agreement with India. This would expand their trading power from their current 2.7 billion (US) dollar allowance to 10 billion. Since India has a growing economy as well, selecting it as a partner could only help. Right?

 That depends on how the EU views India as a trading partner. One of the motivating factors for India participating in this potential agreement is to gain access with more of  the nations within the EU. It is irrefutable that India’s economy is growing, however, is it growing in the Western manner that the EU is looking for in a trade partner?

Sri Lanka has something to be thankful for.

Luckily for Sri Lanka, its economy is much more stable than that of Zimbabwe. Though the inflation rate is rising in Sri Lanka, and reached 12.10% in 2006, the number is minuscule compared to Zimbabwe’s 100,000%.  Sri Lanka just recently began printing new money, as did Zimbabwe; however, Zimbabwe’s money is virtually worthless. Their newest bill is the 10,000,000 which can buy you approximately two rolls of toilet paper. You could be a billionaire and barely afford a jacket.

Recipe for Democracy: a dash of morals, pinch of tradition, mixed on a base of representation and rights

What calls for a stable democracy? Does a religious foundation help? If a nation is attempting to institute a democracy, religion needs to be considered. If a religion already exists, it would be quite difficult for it not to play a role in how the democracy will be formulated. Though it is common for the Western democracies to be built upon Christian ideals, they are other variations of democracies–successful democracies.

  When Turkey officially was granted its independence in shortly after World War II, an authoritarian government arose. Despite multiple military coups, the transition to a democracy has been successful. This democracy was founded, and has flourished in an Islamic nation: over 95% of the population are Sunni Muslims. 

 This dispels the argument that democracies will not succeed in non-Christian countries, or the even more specific argument that Islamic nations are not conducive to strong democracies. Turkey is a secular state, just like many of the Western examples it has elected to follow. Religion is not intertwined in the legal system. Yet, how possible is it for it to be entirely removed? The ban on the head-scarves has been removed, an issue that combines religion and politics. However, the rationale is not for a stake to be driven between religion and law, but merely for them to peacefully coexist without drastically affecting the other.                                                                                             

Turkey has embraced the modern-world, seeking to join the predominately Christian European Union. They have also opted to establish a second Confucius Institute, in order to enhance ties between the growing bond of Turkey and China. Embracing the new world, while maintaining traditions is a difficult balance—one that all countries are struggling with, Christian and non-Christian alike.