Document text
0 of 3 Premium Clicks used this month SUBSCRIBE Print + Online Subscriber Activation | Register x Forgot Password | Need an Account? e-edition | subscribe | newsletter | deals Classifieds Jobs Autos Real Estate FEATURED » NEWS NOW Rogue Valley gubernatorial candidate blasts Gov. Brown on climate change ... Historical Society executive director stepping down ... Police say Grants Pass man admits to 50 vehicle thefts in Rogue Valley ... Rogue Valley gubernatorial candidate blasts Gov. Brown on climate change ... Historical Society executive director stepping down ... Police say Grants Pass man admits to 50 vehicle thefts in Rogue Valley ... Arthur I. Cyr: Turkey hosts G20 meetings, symbolizing global progress Comment By Arthur I. Cyr More Content Now MailTribune.com By Arthur I. Cyr More Content Now Posted Sep. 9, 2015 at 9:04 AM Updated Sep 9, 2015 at 9:05 AM By Arthur I. Cyr More Content Now Posted Sep. 9, 2015 at 9:04 AM Updated Sep 9, 2015 at 9:05 AM » Social News Turkey just hosted important meetings of top representatives of the Group of 20 (G20) nations. Finance ministers met Sept. 4-5, labor and employment ministers Sept. 3-4, both in capital city Ankara. The organization began in 1999 to further coordination of monetary policies in the aftermath of the enormous Asia financial crisis. The member nations together account for approximately 85 percent of the world’s gross economic product. Much discussion was devoted to the financial and growth problems of China. This is nothing new. At the 2010 G20 summit, held in Seoul, South Korea, the United States spearheaded criticism of the extremely large financial surpluses accumulating in China. Other nations at that time criticized growing U.S. debt. This time, the most significant news is that Turkey holds the G20 presidency in 2015. Earlier finance minister meetings have been held in February and April in Istanbul and Washington, D.C. A summit of national leaders is planned for November. Over the past quarter century, Turkey’s economy has moved from uncertainty to powerhouse. Growth has been strong, both corruption and inflation have been greatly reduced, and government red tape and bottlenecks have been steadily eliminated. Much of the credit belongs to reform Prime Minister and President Turgot Özal, who held office from 1983 to 1993. He was a close friend and ally of President George H.W. Bush. Their partnership was vital during the Persian Gulf War of 1990-91. The G20 partnership is of consequence to military and security concerns, especially given the membership of China and Russia, but of most direct importance to economic problems – and opportunities. In today’s rapidly evolving global societies as well as economies, there is a large policy agenda. The fact that poor people worldwide are becoming better off is good news for everyone. They represent new competitors in the global economy, but also our potential consumers and commercial partners. Thanks to trade and investment, general war is less likely – though possible. President Barack Obama shrewdly picked Pittsburgh as the site for the fall 2009 G20 summit. In the 1980s, that city symbolized economic decline, as domestic steel manufacturing faded and unemployment approached 20 percent. Sustained high-tech investment has turned that around. At the 2009 summit, Bill Gates of Microsoft dedicated a new computer science complex at Carnegie-Mellon University. Apple, Disney, Google and Intel are some of the other relatively recent investors in the city. The cataclysmic experience of 20th century wars demonstrated that protectionism is ultimately self-defeating and nationalism is dangerous. Likewise, market competition is generally advantageous. The G20 provides a workable means of encouraging prosperity and stability. The American people made a fundamental commitment to international leadership early in our direct participation in World War II. In early 1942, the Gallup Poll recorded the rapid decline of traditional isolationism. Majority respondents indicated for the first time that the U.S. should play an active role in world affairs. This commitment has been sustained, though notably reduced for a time after the Vietnam War. At the same time, there has been noticeable growing public support for protectionism. International and regional economic institutions have become targets. This is also a long-term trend. In 1999, enormous public demonstrations occurred against the World Trade Organization summit being held in Seattle. Even President Bill Clinton was taken by surprise. In the future, G20 and other leaders must do a better job of public education, especially in the U.S. American leadership is crucial. Arthur I. Cyr is Clausen Distinguished Professor at Carthage College and author of “After the Cold War” (NYU Press and Macmillan/Palgrave). Email him at [email protected]. By Arthur I. Cyr More Content Now MailTribune.com By Arthur I. Cyr More Content Now Posted Sep. 9, 2015 at 9:04 AM Updated Sep 9, 2015 at 9:05 AM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... Business Name address Location, ST | website.com Find Southern Oregon Attractions Bars Restaurants Beauty Salons Entertainment Doctors Medical Specialists Contractors Education Lawn Services Lawyers Shopping Travel Tanning Used Cars Wedding Services ▼ Add your business here + Events Calendar Connect with MailTribune.com Facebook Twitter RSS Back to top Reader Services Reader Services Home Subscriptions Subscriber controls Contact us Submissions Photos Events Letters to the editor Corrections Announcements Obituaries Story ideas Since you asked Alerts Email Alerts RSS Feeds Text Alerts Advertise Media Kit Home Products and services Ad rates Advertising contacts Propel Marketing Mail Tribune Daily Tidings The Nickel Shop Our Valley Blogs Mobile Site Stay Informed Email newsletter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Your privacy is important, read our privacy policy. © Copyright 2015 Local Media Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | Local Media Group Publications Original content available for non-commercial use under a Creative Commons license, except where noted. MailTribune.com | P.O. Box 1108, Medford, OR 97501