Category: Personal Favourites
-
How (not) to Recapture Voters from Right-Wing Parties
Democracies in Europe are straining under external and internal pressures. Rising inequality, climate change, flagging productivity growth, Russia’s invasion into Ukraine, Trump. Although differing in their severity the mounting pressure has had several impacts on Europe’s political landscape, the most prominent issue being the rise of right-wing parties. In this essay I want to explore how…
-
Property is Made Up
Property, more specifically private and public property are everywhere. Stop right here and think of something that is not owned by anyone. Hard to come up with anything right? Air does not belong to anyone and neither does most of the oceans. Abstract or cultural goods are also often not owned by anyone. Language for…
-
What is a Police State?
I am walking from Tahrir Square to my favourite cafe in Cairo called الحرية or Freedom. After no more than a few steps I look up and stand face to face with a police officer in full riot gear. Next to him are two more policemen, rifles in hand and behind them towers an armoured…
-
Boycotts and the Jordanian Economy
Boycotts in JordanAs the days in Amman are getting cooler, I find increasingly pleasant to stroll around the city. Small shops, restaurants, and the occasional supermarket are complemented with street vendors and the unmistakable jingle of the pick-up trucks which deliver water and gas. But there is something missing. Something, I could not place my…
-
Evaluation and Monitoring in NGOs and Aid Organizations
IntroductionAlthough I have only worked in an NGO for three weeks, I have already noticed a key issue which has been reinforced by conversations with people who work in NGOs and aid organisations. The issue is evaluation and monitoring which aims to improve the overall performance of aid organizations and enable donors to make informed…
World of Youthful Idealism 