Save The World With Free Cities

 

14828910191_ffb580ea43_zIt is time to go on the offensive. 

This article has the seed. Great Britain once saved China by creating Hong Kong. They introduced democracy, economic freedom, rule of law, transparent and efficient government bureaucracy. People loved it, flocked to it, and have turned it into one of the world’s most prosperous places.

We could do the same thing by fostering enclaves throughout the Middle East – cities of refuge for people who want to live and work in freedom. We could do it on the Mexican border – create free trading city-states just like Hong Kong. Places where immigrants could come and work and live. No benefits. No citizenship claims beyond that of the city. But freedom from oppression, freedom to create wealth in a place of tremendous opportunity.

[W]e should imitate Britain. Not with a faraway place. But with a nearby one. Perhaps a section of the Golan Heights could be specially delegated as the  Hong Kong of the Middle East. This would be a place not for top-down sheik-based spending like Dubai, but a place for the bottom-up organic growth of something new and positive. Border controls could be established and immigration procedures created. I’m sure the Shabak [Israel’s internal security agency] has a pretty good idea of which clans would be friendly. But perhaps no clans at all would be admitted; only individuals and individual families – atomized to integrate with a new world and a new system. 

This is grand cultural imperialism, in the finest tradition of the finest colonialist civilization of the Western World. It would give hope to millions of people. And these city-states would, over time, provide a real alternative to the chaos and evil of the surrounding regions. It would not be nation-building: it would be creating little Americas all over the world, comprised of people who want to be there, and who crave the ideals that made this country so very great.

Please give the link a read. I already know why our government (today) lacks the courage to do this. But from a practical and cost perspective, isn’t this a truly wonderful idea?

Image Credit: Flickr user Kasia Trapszo.

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  1. user_989419 Inactive
    user_989419
    @ProbableCause

    iWc, I’ll try and read that article when I have a chance.  In the mean time, this is the Internet, so I offer this comment in ignorance…

    I’m tracking with your comments.  I too have been noodling on a similar thought.  Instead of taking over, we become another “tribe” in the region.

    In certain regions, the little city-states might become viewed and treated as little Israels.  Not because they’d necessarily be Jewish (though I’m sure Jewish and Christian refugees would flock there).  But because, like Israel, they’d be prosperous, and they’d be there.

    • #1
  2. user_1938 Inactive
    user_1938
    @AaronMiller

    If Israel hasn’t inspired movements for freedom and tolerance in the Middle East, why expect another admirable state or city-state to inspire the barbarians?

    • #2
  3. iWc Coolidge
    iWc
    @iWe

    Aaron Miller:

    If Israel hasn’t inspired movements for freedom and tolerance in the Middle East, why expect another admirable state or city-state to inspire the barbarians?

     Because Israel is not universalist, and it does not have open borders. Unlike the United states in its early days. 

    • #3
  4. iWc Coolidge
    iWc
    @iWe

    Aaron Miller:

    If Israel hasn’t inspired movements for freedom and tolerance in the Middle East, why expect another admirable state or city-state to inspire the barbarians?

     We need to build and defend Arab freedom – loving city states. 

    • #4
  5. Kay of MT Inactive
    Kay of MT
    @KayofMT

    The idea is wonderful, however, you must deal with the reality of Islam.

    • #5
  6. iWc Coolidge
    iWc
    @iWe

    Kay of MT:

    The idea is wonderful, however, you must deal with the reality of Islam.

     My hope is that such a city-state would grow citizens who will defend against Islam. Create a moderate place purple can be proud of, and want to fight for. 

    • #6
  7. user_1938 Inactive
    user_1938
    @AaronMiller

    iWc:

    Aaron Miller:

    If Israel hasn’t inspired movements for freedom and tolerance in the Middle East, why expect another admirable state or city-state to inspire the barbarians?

    Because Israel is not universalist, and it does not have open borders. Unlike the United states in its early days.

    Israel hosts many Muslim and Arab citizens who presumably communicate and interact economically with Muslims in surrounding nations. 

    • #7
  8. iWc Coolidge
    iWc
    @iWe

    Aaron Miller:

    iWc:

    Aaron Miller:

    If Israel hasn’t inspired movements for freedom and tolerance in the Middle East, why expect another admirable state or city-state to inspire the barbarians?

    Because Israel is not universalist, and it does not have open borders. Unlike the United states in its early days.

    Israel hosts many Muslim and Arab citizens who presumably communicate and interact economically with Muslims in surrounding nations.

     Sure.And if Israel let them in, there would be a flood of immigrants. But Israel is not universalist – it cannot be and remain the Jewish Homeland. 

    On the other hand, if Israel carved out a piece of the Golan Heights or the West Bank or somesuch, gave it city-state status, and defended and administered it…. this could work.

    Arabs do not want to risk their lives to fight ISIS. I get that. But I think they WILL take risks to maximize their own returns, by moving to a free and secular land of opportunity. 

    Instead of importing everyone to America, export the idea of America.

    • #8
  9. user_989419 Inactive
    user_989419
    @ProbableCause

    Aaron Miller:

    If Israel hasn’t inspired movements for freedom and tolerance in the Middle East, why expect another admirable state or city-state to inspire the barbarians?

    I don’t see the project as hinging on being inspirational.  I see it as hinging on reality.  That is, we’re going to take a worthless piece of real estate in the desert that nobody wants, and turn it into an oasis of religious freedom and free enterprise.  Like minded people are welcome.  If you want to stay out there in the wild, live under sharia law and eat locusts, you’re welcome to continue doing that.  But take note, if you come within 1,000 yards without authorization, you will meet Allah face to face.

    In the meantime, the city grows and begats more cities.

    • #9
  10. iWc Coolidge
    iWc
    @iWe

    The city states would start as asylum-centers for Palestinians and Arabs who fear for their lives where they currently live. And they would grow into places for all people who crave opportunities.

    The Hong Kong comparison is quite apt. And very powerful, indeed. It has taken a long time, but Hong Kong has thoroughly infected China in the very best of ways.

    Ideas are our most powerful weapon. We just need the courage to promote and defend them.

    • #10
  11. iWc Coolidge
    iWc
    @iWe

    Probable Cause: That is, we’re going to take a worthless piece of real estate in the desert that nobody wants, and turn it into an oasis of religious freedom and free enterprise.  Like minded people are welcome.  If you want to stay out there in the wild, live under sharia law and eat locusts, you’re welcome to continue doing that.  But take note, if you come within 1,000 yards without authorization, you will meet Allah face to face.

     PERFECT!

    • #11
  12. user_989419 Inactive
    user_989419
    @ProbableCause

    Kay of MT:

    The idea is wonderful, however, you must deal with the reality of Islam.

    Excellent point.  If I had my way, anyone acquiring citizenship in the city would swear off Islam and sharia law entirely.  Call this plan A.

    If I had to step back from that (because I didn’t want a reprise of the Six Day War), I’d require a repudiation of certain elements of the Koran and sharia law, without mentioning them by name.  Violent jihad and the subjugation of women, for example.  Couple that with a positive affirmation of religious freedom.

    That said, I’d really prefer plan A.

    • #12
  13. Misthiocracy Member
    Misthiocracy
    @Misthiocracy

    The British let the Hong Kong economy run itself AND they didn’t try to make the Chinese subjects adopt British culture.

    So, how does that translate to the Middle East?  Dubai already fits that description.  Free markets and local (Muslim) culture.

    The Hong Kong model doesn’t seem terribly applicable.

    • #13
  14. iWc Coolidge
    iWc
    @iWe

    Misthiocracy: Dubai already fits that description.  Free markets and local (Muslim) culture.

     Freedom includes full economic freedom (Dubai is a start). Religious freedom – Dubai does not fit. And immigration for all those who sign up to the ethos. Dubai is not even close.

    This proposal even takes care of the refugee problem.

    • #14
  15. Misthiocracy Member
    Misthiocracy
    @Misthiocracy

    iWc:

    Misthiocracy: Dubai already fits that description. Free markets and local (Muslim) culture.

    Freedom includes full economic freedom (Dubai is a start). Religious freedom – Dubai does not fit. And immigration for all those who sign up to the ethos. Dubai is not even close.

    This proposal even takes care of the refugee problem.

    Yabbut, Britain didn’t make any changes in that area in Hong Kong.  The people had the same religious freedoms they’d always had.  Britain didn’t “bring religious freedom” to Hong Kong.

    You cannot impose freedom on a population that doesn’t want it.

    • #15
  16. user_989419 Inactive
    user_989419
    @ProbableCause

    Misthiocracy:

    You cannot impose freedom on a population that doesn’t want it.

    With the right personnel, enough weapons, and the will, you can impose anything you want.  It can be argued that Pinochet imposed economic freedom on Chile at the point of a gun.

    As for religion, Islam was imposed on North Africa at the point of a gun beginning in the 7th century.  They had the right personnel, enough weapons, and the will.  There is no law that says religious freedom can’t be imposed.

    What you can’t impose is political freedom.  By definition, it’s self defeating with a population that doesn’t want it.  They simply vote for tyranny.

    • #16
  17. Byron Horatio Inactive
    Byron Horatio
    @ByronHoratio

    I am a big fan of this sort of solution to grinding poverty. In fact, it is probably the single best alternative to crony state capitalism.  I think the idea of free cities would do wonders for Africa, SA, and Asia. I am less sold on its being able to enforce religious freedom but even an attempt at this would be an iMprovement.

    • #17
  18. Carey J. Inactive
    Carey J.
    @CareyJ

    Probable Cause:

    Misthiocracy:

    With the right personnel, enough weapons, and the will, you can impose anything you want. It can be argued that Pinochet imposed economic freedom on Chile at the point of a gun.

    As for religion, Islam was imposed on North Africa at the point of a gun beginning in the 7th century. They had the right personnel, enough weapons, and the will. There is no law that says religious freedom can’t be imposed.

    What you can’t impose is political freedom. By definition, it’s self defeating with a population that doesn’t want it. They simply vote for tyranny.

     The Muslims who conquered the Middle East weren’t out to spread freedom of any sort. And after centuries of their cultural imperialism, the peoples of the Middle East have no real appreciation of freedom or understanding of it’s benefits.

    Trying to teach an Arab society to be free is like trying to teach a man who was  born blind what red is. You might teach him about red. But he’ll never be able to appreciate this:
    Ford-Mustang-GT-Red

    • #18
  19. iWc Coolidge
    iWc
    @iWe

    The author of the piece and I are in touch off line. He wrote:

    I talked to a religious Muslim guy on a trip yesterday. He really wanted to communicate – he really hated ISIS and he really made the comparison between Gaza and the Holocaust. He didn’t like Hamas and he understood when I explained that the blockade was reactionary. His father came to Britain because he wanted a better life for his kids and he wants his kids to have a better life as well – educated, productive, peaceful. I totally believed him. He used the word moderate, which I said wasn’t important There are lots of people like him – but they don’t tend to muster the ferver to deal with the corruption and violence of their co-religionists.

    • #19
  20. iWc Coolidge
    iWc
    @iWe

    Carey J.: Trying to teach an Arab society to be free is like trying to teach a man who was  born blind what red is.

    You aren’t imposing freedom on people. The place is populated by people who have chosen it, who seek it.

    • #20
  21. Carey J. Inactive
    Carey J.
    @CareyJ

    iWc:

    Carey J.: Trying to teach an Arab society to be free is like trying to teach a man who was born blind what red is.

    You aren’t imposing freedom on people. The place is populated by people who have chosen it, who seek it.

    The problem is that there are too few people like that in the Arab world to be either self-sustaining or capable of self-defense.

    • #21
  22. Guruforhire Inactive
    Guruforhire
    @Guruforhire

    The new free cities in Honduras are looking like a viable option for a healthy young ex-pat to land as America continues its slow maddening decent into one of the uglier forms of fascism.

    • #22
  23. hawk@haakondahl.com Member
    hawk@haakondahl.com
    @BallDiamondBall

    Misthiocracy:
    You cannot impose freedom on a population that doesn’t want it.

    Technically you can, as we have done many times before, by removing the immediate instrument of oppression.  But yes, a people unwilling *in the aggregate* to be free will rapidly develop a new dictatorial carapace.
    The Dictator is Dead — Long Live the Dictator!

    • #23
  24. Mike H Inactive
    Mike H
    @MikeH

    Can we build some free cities in America, for Americans, too?

    • #24
  25. hawk@haakondahl.com Member
    hawk@haakondahl.com
    @BallDiamondBall

    I like this idea a lot in that it is a potential answer to my big meta-question of recent years: How do we prevent another dark ages?  If we lose America, where will Freedom go?  It is obviously not enough to pin our hopes on a particular country, as we are seeing the US Government replace the people before the people can replace the government.

    Can we escape into the language itself, not as a free people but as a legacy?  Sort of, as the English language has in fact served this exact purpose, but there is a reason the progressives are so often linguists — they are way ahead of us on this score, in a philosophical wizard battle that few of us will ever consider.  We’ll have time travel working before we can count on memetics to save conservatism.

    Free cities offer a proven method which does not insist on traditional colonialism, and we may even be able to get the progressives on board.  The opportunity to rigorously plan things but with equally rigorous restricions on what may not be addressed directly by government may entice a surprisingly large number of them.  The worthwhile ones, anyway.

    • #25
  26. hawk@haakondahl.com Member
    hawk@haakondahl.com
    @BallDiamondBall

    Mike H: Mike H Can we build some free cities in America, for Americans, too?

     Absolutely, agree 110%.  If we can’t we’re going to need them elsewhere.  Bad times ahead.

    • #26
  27. Zafar Member
    Zafar
    @Zafar

    To be honest I think this might have been a far more fruitful approach in Afghanistan than the determination to maintain its borders under one notional authority no matter how ineffective and corrupt.

    What areas/cities would you nominate as ‘Free Cities’? 

    My ideas:

    1  Somewhere on the coast between Karachi and India.
    2  The Horn of Africa.
    3  Herat (Afghanistan)
    4  Mosul/Eastern Nineveh Province
    5  Kisangani (I like the name)
    6  Benghazi
    7   ???

    (Oh, and I call ‘Port Ka’ when it comes to names.)

    Who’s going to pay for all of this, btw, and why?

    • #27
  28. Mike H Inactive
    Mike H
    @MikeH

    Zafar: To be honest I think this might have been a far more fruitful approach in Afghanistan than the determination to maintain its borders under one notional authority no matter how ineffective and corrupt.

     Yeah, I’ve never understood the rational: “These are the arbitrary borders that some guy drew up quite a while ago, and damn it, we’re keeping them hell or high water!”

    This is of true of Iraq especially. Nation states seem to be reasonably more stable than territorial states.

    • #28
  29. user_989419 Inactive
    user_989419
    @ProbableCause

    Carey J.:

    iWc:

    Carey J.: Trying to teach an Arab society to be free is like trying to teach a man who was born blind what red is.

    You aren’t imposing freedom on people. The place is populated by people who have chosen it, who seek it.

    The problem is that there are too few people like that in the Arab world to be either self-sustaining or capable of self-defense.

    How many are there?

    • #29
  30. EThompson Member
    EThompson
    @

    This is truly an impressive post and one I wish I had written because I thoroughly agree with its premise and creative ideas. Hong Kong has long been on my “most admired” list; even now, her max fed tax rate is a mere 15%.

    As you wrote, the key to replicating this successful economic story is to ferret out enclaves that share similar work ethics. I couldn’t help but think this could be a project that a certain Mormon ex-presidential candidate could certainly sink his teeth into!

    • #30
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