So close and yet so far

We saw a dramatic example when the United States’ complicated debt market collapsed and the fallout spread, causing much suffering in the global economy.

Then, with Greece on the brink of defaulting, her euro zone partners were told that they must save their neighbour or it would mean the end of the regional bloc and the single currency.

Now, with Vladimir Putin kick-starting Soviet-style imperialism, the Russian economy is suffering. After being slapped with international sanctions for its actions in Ukraine, it is estimated that within two years, Russian firms will be unable to repay some of their US$130 billion external debt. The possibility of defaults is spreading concern that other emerging economies will follow suit, ushering in another global economic crisis.

Amid the interconnectedness, there are obviously huge gaps between countries in the world. Just compare the size of the US economy, now the biggest in the world, with that of the least developed countries. Over 40 countries are classified by the United Nations as “least developed”, according to three criteria – one of which is average annual per-capita earnings of less than US$900. In the US, that figure is well above $50,000. According to the World Bank, Qatar has the highest per-capita income in the world, at $131,758.

The figures tell you many things. Low national income means poor education, poor public health and poor infrastructure. This scenario offers a bleak outlook, with no chance for poor countries to catch up without help from the outside world. Sadly, it remains unclear how interconnectedness can bridge this gap.

Global institutions like the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund are working hard on strengthening developing economies, while the United Nations addresses social progress and other areas. Yet, for success, they still need support from all nations.

At the UN headquarters in Bangkok, several conferences this year have focused on natural disasters. While there has been some progress in combating climate change, most parts of the world are still adopting a business-as-usual attitude, oblivious to the consequences of the rising CO2 levels.

When a natural disaster hits a country, generous-hearted people and nations send donations. Yet, the suffering country still has to struggle to find funds for relief programmes. Look at the Philippines: After donations it still needs over $3 billion to restore Typhoon Haiyan-devastated areas.

Global interconnectedness has also done little to save Ukraine from Russia. And the prospects don’t look good for Kiev as winter arrives, given Russia’s proven ability to stand alone, stubborn and resilient to external forces.

Global shock and dismay greeted the shooting down of a Malaysia Airlines plane by a pro-Russian rebel group in Ukraine. Yet no progress has been made in bringing the culprits to justice. Malaysia has not yet been granted full access to inspect the crash site and the airline is facing staggering losses.

Human trafficking and modern slavery is another area receiving international attention. Yet, people all over the world are still suffering slavery or forced labour. Worse, it seems that the only thing the interconnectedness can do is spread news of the worsening situation.

In this regard, the United Nations has stepped up its efforts to relieve the misery of the Rohingya. It recently called on Myanmar’s government to give the stateless ethnic group citizenship and to end violence against them. Myanmar has responded by saying it would not grant citizenship to “Muslims identifying themselves as Rohingya”. So what happens next?

Sympathy for the cause of Tibetans and their culture was huge a few years ago amid fears over the influx of Han Chinese in Tibet. Yet today, nothing has changed. Tibetans are still praying for change, while visitors arrive in their tens of thousands via the train tracks built by the Chinese.

In Thailand, the aftermath of the May coup has seen several activists held for “attitude adjustment”. Some were detained for weeks without access to the outside world. Human Rights Watch has repeatedly urged authorities to halt such measures, while the European Union has consistently called upon Thailand to respect basic freedoms.

Yet, once again, nobody expects this authoritarian climate to change – especially while martial law remains in place. As of today, soldiers have access to any civilian area. I noticed three of them near my house last week, checking on passing vehicles. Nobody knows when martial law will be revoked. More certain is that an election – something that the whole world holds as an absolute standard of rights and freedoms – won’t come before 2016.

In the mean time, the interconnected world is benefiting Thailand. Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha has had the chance to attend regional meetings and meet other national leaders. It’s good to know that all paid attention to Prayut’s reform agenda. (The prime minister said so himself.)

Interconnectedness is regularly hailed for its power to bring people together – but it remains to be seen how it can bridge important global gaps in issues such as freedom of expression.