whythawk ratings: measuring effective development

1.
(Comments)

Speaking in terms of individual freedom and a globalized economy, migration for work is actually helpful, since it matches talent and needs. But brain drain is a major cause of lack of progress in dev

2. How to cross a river...
(Analysis/Analysis)

The oldest surviving bridge in the world is in China, the Zhaozhau Bridge completed in 605 AD. Human beings have been building artificial means of crossing rivers for close on 40,000 years. The Tuge

3. Everything gets tested but political ideas, they become policy
(Analysis/Analysis)

...es from silly and victimising pieces of legislation. Every time a new threat to civil liberties is unveiled emigration consultants' phones ring off the hook. Business confidence is at a seven-yea...

4. The spectre of loyalty over ability
(Analysis/Analysis)

... that don't support brave innovators quickly lose them as they move to where they have most value. The migration of talent happens especially at the supra-national level. Millions of Zimbabwean...

5. The efficiency of markets and how protectionism leaves the poor behind
(Analysis/Analysis)

... of half the population and wealth clustered in Johannesburg. Come vacation-time there is a massive coastal migration that can leave Jo'burg shops severely overstocked and coastal stores grapplin...

6. No matter how hard you try bad environments lead to bad results
(Analysis/Analysis)

...ia or the US) tend to be more dynamic and sophisticated than those where internal strife resulted in mass ((emigration)) (anywhere in Africa). Ireland was an economic and social mess up until it joi...

7. The quiet nobility of the men by the side of the road
(Analysis/Analysis)

...hey seek employment and opportunities denied them at home.  Some have degrees or technical skills but immigration laws prohibit them from formal employment so they park cars, sell trinkets or wai...

8. A sense of scale
(Analysis/Analysis)

A lot is made of occasional government and private development initiatives: how they will change communities, improve livelihoods and so on. It is useful to have a sense of proportion; some idea of ho

9. Interpreting the Emerging Market Risk Curve
(Static Content)

...rio 1: High-growth emerging market Scenario 2: Nation controlled by narrow political elite Scenario 3: Migration leading to skills shortage and capital flight Scenario 4: Two nations in one c...