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In this paper the author maintains that in Mexico we have lost completely the meaning of politics & forgotten what a good government is. He analyzes that which some of the most important political philosophers of all times have written about -- the good government -- & concludes with four functions that all good government has to fulfill. Adapted from the source document.

The aim of this article is to contrast an empirical study on the changes in the attitudes & behaviors of local politicians with recent literature on local governance. To undertake this task, the article brings together the result of more than 200 in-depth interviews with local councilors from nine Catalan local councils over two different periods of time: 1986-87 & 1998-99. Through comparison with the results of the interviews carried out, the work confirms a tendency towards change which, with few slight adjustments, can be made to fit with those academic contributions which claim the appearance of certain strategic, pluralistic & relational styles of government. Tables, Figures, References. Adapted from the source document.

Examines theories about causes, motivations, and consequences of violence and crime in Mexico, as well as government efforts to improve public safety.

Can any State become democratic? Can the whole world become democratic? This article argues that the answers to both questions are yes, & that neither culture nor history nor poverty are insurmountable obstacles. Indeed, for much of the world that remains trapped in poverty, a growing body of evidence & policy analysis suggests that democratic, accountable, transparent governance is a fundamental condition for sustainable development. There are no preconditions for democracy, other than a willingness on the part of a nation's elite to attempt to govern by democratic means. But that, in itself, will require strong pressure from below, in civil society, & from outside, in the international community, to generate the political will for democratic reform. And sustaining democracy in the context of unfavorable cultural, social, & economic conditions requires institutions to foster effective, accountable governance as well as robust international engagement & support. Democracy can emerge anywhere, but it can only take root if it brings about, however gradually, a more prosperous, just, & decent society. Tables. Adapted from the source document.

Despite the fact that the agenda of the European Commission's White Paper on European Governance encourages the emergence of a heroic Europeanism, which in turn would lead to a European citizenry that would fully assume its political responsibilities & obligations, the author believes that banal Europeanism is the concept that better explains the role played by the European Union (EU) in the everyday life of its citizens. In this context, collective amnesia regarding embarrassing past history & the formation of new habits are the key factors that promote the construction of this identity. Adapted from the source document.