Sickness in the state

Article Abstract:

The Social Democratic party has dominated the Swedish government since 1932. Social Democratic governments created a welfare system that used capitalism to create an egalitarian society. A recent government report on the welfare system revealed that it is increasingly unpopular among many of its beneficiaries, who are fed up with the centralized decision making and the power of big businesses that characterizes the system. The populace is increasingly skeptical, a situation which threatens the traditional consensus under which the government and big business set policy. Indicative of the growing antipathy are the decline of membership in trade unions and political parties, and internal divisions within the labor movement. Support for the Social Democrats is at its lowest ebb since the 1920s, and opposition parties are likely to win a majority in the next elections. Carl Bildt, a proponent of free markets and head of the Moderate party, a mainstream conservative party, is likely to head a coalition government as the next prime minister.

Analysis, Political activity, Sweden, Political aspects, Public opinion, Swedish Social Democratic Labor Party, Bildt, Carl

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The Agonies of Leaving the State Cocoon

Article Abstract:

In 1982, British Airways (BA) suffered losses of $838 million. In 1983, BA showed a profit of $110 million. BA carries a billion dollar-plus debt load however. BA is owned by the government, but is hoping to move to the private sector in the future. A substantial amount of fiscal reorganization must take place first. BA has launched an expensive advertising campaign to counter BA's stodgy image. It has eliminated some of its top managers. Its staff has been cut by thirty-five per cent. Sixty underused routes have been cut. Privatization depends on BA's performance as well as market conditions.

United Kingdom, Airlines

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Laos breaking out of its cocoon

Article Abstract:

Laos is making progress in economic and social development programs. Laos joined the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) and has adopted a liberal foreign investment policy. State enterprises have become privatized and 100% foreign ownership is allowed. Half of Laos' trade is with ASEAN member countries and within the next decade, Laos could join a low-tariff ASEAN trade zone.

Economic policy, International economic relations, Laos

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