Accountability is lacking because somehow we found ourselves
in a system where only the nuclear options have any deterrence effect. For
instance, only wars can stop a dictator intent on invading others. No amount of
diplomacy would work. The ‘good guys’ have to hit the ‘bad bullies’ where it hurts
to stop them. This is something people understand. Yet, this was supposed to be a rare occasion where this rule
applied. In other aspects of life, there was supposed to be room for compromise
if not checks and balances. This is not how it is playing out.
Police is only changing now because of their leadership and budgets
are on the line. The complaints and pressures before did not work.
Bigots are only trying to right their past wrongs now that
they could lose their jobs. The HR complaint systems and social pressures
before had no use.
Officials are only paying attention to the health risks and supply
chain vulnerabilities due to covid. Past warnings and studies had no effect.
Economic managers are only seeing the fragility of the ‘living
pay check to pay check’ model due to covid. Previous statistics did not mean
much because the pay checks did come in.
As bad as these issues are, recent events have hit the powers
where it hurts and accountability should improve going forward. However, there
are two issues that still lack accountability. The nuclear option blowback for
them could come one day, but that would not be a good outcome f.
The first is the post Bretton Woods dollar system. The US
dollar is the global reserve currency, which the world uses to trade, transact,
save, and invest. (Long story short, this is the case because USD derives its value
from US having the biggest economy and its security from US having the strongest
military) Given only the US government can print USD or digitally create USD,
it gives US a certain advantage. At this point, the world has grown used to
this set up and accepts it for what it is. However, if the US does not use this
power responsibly, then one day a big blow back would come. This is still a far-fetched
scenario because there are no alternatives. It takes a lot to convince 6 bn
people on earth to suddenly stop using USD and use EUR, RMB, or Bitcoin
instead. As for what would happen, Lionel Shriver’s satire fiction called ‘The
Mandibles: A Family, 2029-2047’ is recommended reading. It is a family story
about what happens after the US government defaulted on its treasury.
The second is China. It has done a good job in meeting the basics
hierarchy of needs such as the physiological and safety needs, but it has shown
much less interest in supporting the belonging, esteem, and self-actualization needs
of people. This is becoming a problem because accountability is lacking. Since
the calls for these greater needs are suppressed and even criminalized, it
becomes next to impossible for the system to respond. Externally, China’s
project of power has come fast and furious over the last few years. China
argues everything it does is in its own right and others should mind their own
business. This status quo could last. China gets to do what it wants, but the
lack of accountability could lead to nuclear options one day. This could come
in the form of unrests or an international conflict someday. The very probability
of these events happening is a bad sign. These nuclear option outcomes are not
in the interest of the people, the powers, and the world.
A return to accountability and a move away from having to
use the nuclear options are sorely needed. Here are some ways: 1) central authority
to hold things accountable 2) create new ways for credible pushbacks 3) incentivize
behavior so there is more accountability.
These methods have been tried in various forms, whether they
are the UN, CIA funded rebels/grassroot organizations, or backroom deals with
promises of the bigger picture. I do not know which ways is the way out to
tackle this accountability problem, but I do know we need one soon.
