Fortunately this week, I had the opportunity to step out of the internet and into the academic with a reception for political scientist, political philosopher, global security specialist, professor, author and all around super
The event was held at a private residence in Brentwood and hosted by FSI founders and LA private equity tycoons, Brad Freeman and his business partner (and former US Ambassador to Italy), Ron Spogli.
How a little jewelry girl like me got invited to a well heeled event is a convoluted story, but let's just say that I was very happy to attend because I am a huge fan of Francis Fukuyama.
Fukuyama is now focusing on the subject of development and approaching the issues involved from an interdisciplinary approach. In his brief talk, he emphasized that governments and international institutions can't just deal with developing nations on economic or political terms. Both must be in place to be effective for the long term. If massive amounts of capital are loaned to or invested in a developing country without solid institutions and the rule of law, vast kleptocracy, corruption and cronyism will be the (cough Afghanistan cough) result.
I'd like to see the big brains at the FSI shift their focus from the global to the local, because
With our local banana republic, also known as the City of Bell, we've got our own kleptocracy, corruption and cronyism right here at home.
I could go on and on about all the things that ail our State
but for your sake I won't.
