The ongoing global financial crisis has once again raised questions about the correctness of the policies provided by different governments worldwide. Furthermore, it has shaken some of the fundamental values of political theories and almost completely squashed neo-liberalism.
Georgia, my home country, has felt the cold of the global financial markets’ freeze. There, as well, the government’s policies have been questioned. In my last essay “Thirty Deaths of Isaiah Berlin” from the series of my political publications, I discuss the major issues of neo-liberalism and liberalism. I argue that the current economic failure in Georgia and elsewhere in the world has little to do with theories themselves. The main cause of the problem is misunderstanding and, hence, wrong policy-making.
In order to overcome the crisis as soon as possible, I argue that it is necessary to return to the values of classical liberalism as put forth by some of the great thinkers of the twentieth century, such as Isaiah Berlin and John Rawls.
Many times in the past, theories like those of Isaiah Berlin have been declared old-fashioned, outdated, dusted and even dead. But these theories have always re-emerged even stronger than before, and have become major tools for advanced political reforms. In this current situation, I think it is also only a matter of time before we rediscover their universality and return to them. But time, unfortunately, is one of the scarcest goods available to us – let us not waste it.
Zurich, 9.06.2009
Several hours ago I was reading Paul Krugman’s column in the International Herald Tribune which, forgive me if I do not remember exactly, started like this: “I have seen future, and it won’t work”. Great line, I must confess that I had a feeling of envy hidden deep in my heart—but that is not the point. Unlike him, while I still struggle with visions of future, what I can say for certain is that I have seen the past, and it won’t work. As has become normality for me in last several years, a great amount of my free time has been occupied by the political developments in my home country - especially this last week.
Like many times in the past, I am once again experiencing déjà-vu. In fact, the political process in Georgia seems to repeat itself in every four or five years. Georgians appear unable to understand the conventional wisdom that you cannot achieve different results by repeating same (mostly wrong) act all the time. Doing it wrong once then starting it over and doing it wrong yet again will result in failure and disappointment each time. In yesterday’s article, I am trying to explain this simple fact to the readers. I hope the message will be understood.
Zurich, 17.05.2009
This last week, I have decided to make my web page known to everybody who is interested in my various activities, advancements in scientific research and in my recent or even old articles. Until now, I was quite hesitant to do make the page public, because I was thinking that the page you are reading now has to be improved. The biggest drawback, in my opinion, was the fact that the site does not have Georgian version. Many can criticize me for that. And this critique would be justified. But to defend myself, I can say that I am working on the Georgian version and it will be available sooner or later. Do not ask me when, I do not know..
In meantime, mixed English-Georgian version is available. Hope to see you here now and then...
10.05.2009
I needed some time to adapt to the Swiss reality which is, no doubt, very different from Italian.
I plan to continue Intensive work on my projects. Update for my working paper is available in the research section of this site. Complete article is available on the external site.
I cannot say that my research paper is what I was planning to do out of it but I did my best and still plan some improvements. Now, I am working on the expose for Munster presentation coming in two months and hope it will provide some added value for the research.
26.04.2009
I would like to express my sincere thanks to all my friends who have remembered my birthday. I have spent very good day with Anni and Lia, my mother. Yet, it was very pleasant to receive your calls, mails and wall messages. Hope to see all of you soon.
26.03.2009
Today I have had the final presentation of the results of first par of my PhD work, which was met with positive attitude in my peer groug. The working paper issued prior to the presentation will now be placed on the institute web site www.mediaeconomics.ch
The abstract of the working paper and exact address of the paper will be published in research section of my home page soon. 20.03.2009
Dear friends,
I just have started working on my "Four Frames" project. As many of you know and as it can be seen on this home page I have two main activities: first is my scientific research and second journalism. Actually, it is quite difficult for the people not used to the social science research to understand what my study is about and how can it be used. This is very sad because the usage of my research findings could be great help for anyone. It could be used as the life improvement tool also. Detailed information about this project will be available on this web site soon.
Today I also have started working on my research article which will discuss my recent empirical findings. More will be available in the research section of this site. 13.02.2009
Welcome to the Sulkhan Metreveli home page. This site is designed to provide basic information about me, my activities and contact information. The content of the site will be updated on permanent basis. I will be happy if you drop by now and then.
Currently I am in Zurich working on my PhD thesis as intensively as possible and running several projects. 12.02.2009