Originally published in the January–February 2008 issue of Liberty Magazine, this piece discusses the recurring cycle of public outrage, political posturing, media amplification, and the failure of societies to turn anger into real reform.

In this December 2007 Liberty Magazine reflection, I question romantic Western views of Myanmar’s unrest and whether democracy alone can create a freer society.

In this November 2007 Liberty Magazine reflection, I contrast India’s open brutality with the Western state’s softer, humanitarian disguise.

In this Fraser Institute article, I examine globalisation in India and why economic opening alone may not overcome the country’s deeper institutional constraints.

In this March 2007 Liberty Magazine article, I argue that oppressive governments arise from deeper cultural habits of coercion, hierarchy, and collectivism.

In the second of two dispatches from India, I examine the Bhopal compensation system, state corruption, economic growth, Kashmir, and terrorism.

In the first of two dispatches from India, I examine Bhopal, speculative property and stock prices, persistent poverty, and the deeper weaknesses beneath India’s supposed economic boom.

Writing from Bhopal, I examine India’s declining infrastructure, speculative property and stock markets, persistent poverty, and the emergence of a more rights-conscious entrepreneurial class.

I examine the Celebrity Big Brother controversy involving Shilpa Shetty and ask whether Britain’s accusers are overlooking the deeper prejudice embedded in Indian society.

I examine sati, santhara, dowry, and other Indian social practices, arguing that lasting cultural change cannot be imposed through state coercion.