Only Seemingly Unconnected Events

In the world and in each of our countries, seemingly unconnected events occur which, in point of fact, are related; jointly considered, they explain a good portion of serious contemporary problems. In this issue of Opinión Sur three critical cases are explored.

The first one has to do with the connection existing between (i) the huge mass of resources flowing to the so-called tax “havens” (the source of such funds being the surpluses appropriated by criminal organizations, as well as an outrageous tax evasion by large corporations), and (ii) citizen insecurity that affects us all and public account deficits limiting the provision of essential services to most vulnerable populations. It is high time we asked ourselves how come these jurisdictions continue to exist as the financial base of organized crime and so many large corporations. The answers may be found when we look at who support them and who benefit from their existence. It is clear that, unless an agreement is reached in this respect by key global players, it will be almost impossible to get rid of those havens for criminals and evaders.

A second article dealing with inclusive franchises suggests an organizational modality to channel knowledge of excellence towards the sectors at the base of the pyramid. Using modern business engineering, which exists but is generally not available to small and micro-producers, critical financial and non-financial factors are supplied, enabling such sectors to access better opportunities. This type of solutions forms part of broader poverty and inequality eradication efforts that seek to modify the macro and meso-economic circumstances fueling their reproduction.

A third article contains an analysis of a social policy instrument that has been most-widely used in recent decades: conditional cash transfers to disadvantaged sectors. The essay discusses their achievements and limitations, some of them stemming from the necessary complementation of such programs addressing social emergency with other strategic efforts geared towards removing the causes of poverty and indigence. This piece has a special significance for Opinión Sur: even though it was written by Rolando Franco –to whom we are much grateful– the article draws from a larger study that he coauthored with Ernesto Cohen, a dear Opinion Sur friend and contributor, in whose memory it has been published.

Cordial greetings.

The Editors