Dear friends,
The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU.com) released their findings that includes rating Cambodia with a very high risk of social instability (fourth out of 165 countries) due to economic challenges, underpinned by other social factors such as unemployment, inequality, lack of trust in institutions, etc. Also predicting social unrest (not addressed in the report) are factors like the presence of a large number of youth compared to the population overall, low levels of education, and the presence of lucrative natural resources like oil and minerals, trees, arable land, gems and precious metals. Rising nationalism is also of great concern to Cambodia.
Another factor that impinges on a country's stability is it's level of repression. High and low levels of repression increase the likelihood of social unrest, where as moderately repressive governments, or "pseudo-democracies" are less impacted by these factors. While most would recognise Cambodia as a country that is democratic in name only, it is concerning that during a time of world-wide economic stress and uncertainty, there are so many other factors present that often lead to unrest.
The question is, "what do we do about it?". There are many worthy organisations pressing for change at different levels within Cambodia from different angles. Fundamentally, are we working on the conditions which create division such as economic and social inequality, education, etc? and those which build connection such as common concerns and common identity.
I, for one, find it easiest to enter into the "name and blame" game - find someone I think is most responsible for the problems and vocalise my dissent. More and more I am being challenged by social activists from Gandhi to the Dalai Lama to change this attitude, to seek an attitude that my enemy is also my friend. Those in power who I so often love to despise are also capable of change in themselves and in the systems and institutions they are responsible for.
I suggest a greater emphasis on finding those "insiders" who are sympathetic to our cause of freedom, equality, justice and participation. These are the people we assume are our opponent because they are part of whatever institution we take issue with, but who are personally supportive of our goals. We can even find those who may not support us (yet), but aren't against us either. Indeed, we can even help to create space within institutions for those people who feel trapped into "towing the line", unable to challenge the way things are. The more we are willing to see our opponents as part of the solution the more we are able to find creative and effective methods of addressing the underlying issues, which exist no matter who is in charge.
Finding the strength to build bridges of connection with those we perceive as "the problem" is one of our greatest challenges as builders of a more peaceful and just world. Jesus said, "love those who hate you and pray for those who persecute you", Buddhists spend time giving "loving-kindness" to the world. There are many practices we can develop to change our own attitudes and perceptions. Making time and space for "active relationship building" with "the enemy" will also humanise those we may have come to despise. Spiritual leaders also point us to consider our own faults, not as a "woe-is-me" response, but as a way to realise that no one is all-compassionate or all-just or all-loving. We don't have the moral upperhand we often assume.
It is also important to remember the many good things going on right now. The good people struggling in difficult situations to change the world for good - like Palestinian and Jewish nonviolent activists working together as a beacon of hope that Palestinians and Jews can live in harmony. And the local communties in Cambodia building up their communal resources to use nonviolent means in resisting land-grabbing. And, of course, the love we give each other as family, friends, colleagues.
Much Shalom, Peace, Santaphiep, Paz to you all,
Chris
Note:
The report ranks 165 countries. You can go to the website direct at eiu.com or...
the link to the report:
http://a330.g.akamai.net/7/330/25828/20090318195802/graphics.eiu.com/specialReport/manning_the_barricades.pdf
___________________________________________________
Support human rights defenders in Cambodia
inform yourself:
http://peace-and-justice-cambodia.awardspace.com
sign the petition:
http://petitionspot.com/petitions/stoptheintimidation
