Interesting read about the current situation in Syria and what the “West” could do … The article ends: “The days ahead may be bloody, the struggle prolonged. But there is hope, at long last, for the dawn of democracy and the toppling of the tyrant.” Read more …

Great CNN interview with Nigerian-American journalist Dayo Olopade on her book ‘The Bright Continent‘. Olopade believes advanced economies can learn from Africa’s innovative spirit. She says: “It’s about recombination, recycling, innovative use of existing objects.” Read more …

One of the most troubling things about democracy is that it is famously bad at addressing problems that will hit critical mass some day in the future – when current elected leaders will no longer be in office. Climate change is a case in point… read more  

Peter Burnell speaks to Jocelyne Sambira about the prospects for Cancun and the vulnerability of developing countries grappling with climate change. read more

The political order of liberal democracy is incapable of rising to the challenge of global environmental catastrophe. Australia’s experience under John Howard suggests that it is time to think radically and embrace a post-democratic approach, says David Shearman. read more