Today's Briefing: How Duterte’s Arrest, Sudan’s Lawsuit, and Canada’s New Leader Are Connected
A cultural analysis of how power, accountability, and governance are being redefined worldwide.
Philippines’ Rodrigo Duterte Arrested, Sudan’s Genocide Complaint Against the UAE, and Mark Carney’s Rise in Canada.
At first glance, these stories seem unrelated, but they have a hidden connection—a connection that may be reshaping global leadership, governance, and justice—changing who holds power and why.
Here's what everyone misses— it’s not politics or legal battles. It’s a difference in culture.
The Cultural Divide
Societies decide between two cultural poles: whether power should be earned through achievement or granted based on status.
Some countries are moving toward systems where leadership, influence, and justice are based on merit, accountability, and competence. Others remain rooted in status-driven power, where authority is inherited, protected, and above the law. America is the only country moving from a merit to a status culture.
Which system works best? Should societies reward individuals based on expertise and abilities, or should leadership be inherited and above the law?
It all depends on your cultural perspective.
The News
Rodrigo Duterte’s Arrest: No One is Above the Law?
The former Philippine president was arrested on charges of crimes against humanity. His presidency was status-based, with unquestioned authority, and strongman tactics
In high-status cultures, leaders hold power even after leaving office. But his arrest challenges this norm. It’s a shift toward achievement-based justice, where former leaders can be held accountable.
Sudan’s Genocide Complaint: Challenging Privilege on the Global Stage
Sudan’s case against the UAE accuses it of backing war crimes in Darfur. The UAE is a status-based government. Wealth, royal lineage, and international influence protect leaders from accountability. This complaint challenges that protection. It demands a merit-based legal approach, so powerful nations must answer for their actions against weaker nations.
Mark Carney’s Rise: Earning Power in a Low-Status Culture
Canada’s new Liberal leader, Mark Carney, is merit-based. Carney built his career as a technocrat, economist, and public servant. His leadership reflects a low-status, high-achievement society where individuals gain power based on expertise, not connections.
Why It Matters
Merit-based leadership works. Status-based leadership fails.
Democracies with independent legal systems hold leaders accountable, regardless of their status. This creates trust in institutions, and justice is applied equally.
Legal accountability prevents global powers from abusing weaker nations without consequences. It establishes an equal standard for all nations, preventing powerful countries from exploiting weaker ones.
Leaders are chosen based on competence, experience, and ability. Governments run more efficiently when officials are promoted based on performance rather than privilege.
Leaders in high-status cultures are often above the law, leading to corruption and lack of accountability. Societies where leaders are above the law don’t trust the government or legal system. When wealth and connections are more important than legal systems, laws become meaningless.
Powerful nations bully weaker nations, leading to political instability and global resentment.
When leadership is inherited or based on connections, unqualified individuals gain control. Societies with elite-driven politics are inefficient, nepotic, and lack of innovation.
Democratic nations get to choose which type of leadership they want. We can only hope they choose wisely.
Things Worth Checking Out
Why American Salaries Are Higher, but Europeans Have More Money
A cultural analysis of how individualism and collectivism shape wages, benefits, and real income.Patterns of Culture
Ruth Benedict examines how cultural norms shape individual behaviors, comparing different societies to illustrate the diversity of cultural expressions. It is free right now on Kindle Unlimited.
Your Perspective Matters
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