The Greferendum has left me certain of just one thing

I can’t say I have a strong opinion on whether Greece should have voted Yes or No in the referendum. It seems like both outcomes lead to uncertainty, and both have major downsides. One thing I can say for certain though: we shouldn’t be celebrating this as a serious victory for democracy. Greeks teaching us …

Immigration: unequivocally good?

Michael Clemens from the Centre for Global Development on immigration [emphasis mine]: The research we have shows that immigration has had a positive effect on economic growth in Europe overall. This remains true in economists’ most sophisticated forecasts for the future. Christian Lutz and Ingo Wolter forecast a positive effect of immigration on German economic growth. Katerina …

Is it the responsibility of citizens to vote?

As the election draws near a common phrase has been cropping up on my Facebook feed: “it is the responsibility of citizens to vote”. And that phrase makes me uncomfortable. Until recently I couldn’t articulate why, but the recent debate in US politics on compulsory voting gave me some clarity. It is simply because the correct …

The leadership debates fail to impress

Amongst the top qualities and abilities I want the leader of my country are: ability to negotiate ability to manage and work with others ability to strategise Being a strong public debater doesn’t seem to me to directly be a strong qualification for governing. In that respect I’m not convinced the leadership debates in the way …