Rethinking the welfare state Asia’s next revolution Countries across the continent are building welfare states—with a chance to learn from the West’s mistakes Sep 8th 2012 | from the print edition; The Economist ASIA’S economies have long wowed the world with their dynamism. Thanks to years of spectacular growth, more people have been pulled from abject poverty in modern Asia than at any other time in history. But as they become more affluent, the region’s citizens want more from their governments. Across the continent pressure is growing for public pensions, national health insurance, unemployment benefits and other hallmarks of social protection. As a result, the world’s most vibrant economies are shifting gear, away from simply building wealth towards building a welfare state. The speed and scale of this shift are mind-boggling (see article ). Last October Indonesia’s government promised to provide all its citizens with health insurance by 2014. It is building the bi...

FEATURES / Independence Special 2012 | Aug 27, 2012 | 15274 views Credible India by Sundeep Waslekar Hope is the most important input for growth in any country. All hope asks for is focus to build a nation that is humble, compassionate and above all else, a great one Stone me for saying this. But say, I must. The great Indian obsession with wanting to be a great power is utterly impractical, completely undesirable and totally nonsensical. What I would like India to be instead is a great nation. I refuse to be a part of “Incredible India”. What I want is to be part of “Credible India”. This, for two reasons: Great powers destroy, great nations nurture. Destruction demands cruelty. Nurturing demands compassion. I believe in compassion. Great powers are built by rulers. Great nations are built by citizens who have as much a chance to take a stab at greatness as their lead...