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A documentary by Kostas Georgousis regarding the contemporary threat of neonazism in Greece.
I REPOST THE ARTICLE BY Vasiliki Skreta (New York University) ORIGINALLY POSTED HERE
This is a follow-up on a previous post, which examines the link between politicians’ immunity and corruption. Both posts are based on a new academic study by Karthik Reddy, Moritz Schularick, and Vasiliki Skreta, which provides original and systematic evidence that democracies whose politicians enjoy stronger immunity protection do suffer from more corruption and poorer overall governance. This post summarizes the findings of this study. The summary here.
STABLE LINK OF ORIGINAL: http://greekeconomistsforreform.com/justice/immunity-and-corruption-part-2/
I REPOST THE ARTICLE BY Vasiliki Skreta (New York University) ORIGINALLY POSTED HERE
In the wake of the financial crisis and the numerous instances of public malfeasance it revealed, a growing number of commentators have argued for the abolition of the privilege of immunity from prosecution enjoyed by Greek politicians. A new academic study by Karthik Reddy, Moritz Schularick, and Vasiliki Skreta provides original and systematic evidence that democracies whose politicians enjoy stronger immunity protection do, indeed, suffer from more corruption and poorer overall governance. The study’s findings are particularly important at a time when many countries in the world teeter on the brink of economic collapse because their public finances were badly mismanaged. Likewise, movements such as the Arab Spring, the Indignados, and Occupy Wall Street reveal the strong desire of younger generations, who suffer the most from unemployment and lack of opportunity, for greater transparency and accountability in government. The evidence in the study suggests that the legal institution of immunity should be re-examined in established democracies.
Having personally experienced quiet a few demonstrations in Athens by being part of various political blocs from different ideological orientations of the left I was always curious to investigate the reaction of what I will term ‘peaceful’ demonstrators, those whom I define as the individuals participating in a collective action but are willing to remain within the limits of the law and not clash with the state forces, the police, under any circumstances when violent incidents initiate. I am interested in examining their response and attitude in cases where violence erupts. There are a few scenarios that will be discussed based on the real social dynamics as these have been revealed in the field during the collective action and as long as the events unfold. Hence, the analysis will include realistic cases to which I have been a witness.
The fundamental question that arises is whether the ‘peaceful’ demonstrators whom I distinguish from the violent ones are supporting or opposing the act of the latter group and I will attempt to reach a conclusion on whether their reaction is rational based on assumptions that will be formed.
