Domestic PNM Theory

Like Curzon and Younghusband, I’m a big fan of Thomas Barnett and the Pentagon’s New Map. While we at ComingAnarchy, and many others, have debated the implications his theory has in the domain of international relations, one interesting question came to me, namely, the implications of it for domestic policy. If we accept that disconnectedness equals danger, then what kind of social and criminal justice policies should we be pursuing? Barnett advocates a so-called SysAdmin force to police the world and rebuild failed states into functioning members of the Core. If one then were to imagine a city with its suburbs, downtown and ghetto, what kind of SysAdmin force and policies would PNM theory dicatate?

Since the primary goal of a domestically aimed PNM program would be to connect disconneted people with mainstream society, who would be targeted (i.e. what are the signs of disconnectedness) and how would they be connected? Given that Barnett’s theory is so complimentary of capitalism and views globalization, the international incarnation of capitalism, as the savior of our world, I find it interesting that on a domestic level, his theory would tend to recommend policies essentially socialist in nature.

If we take a hypothetical ghetto, how could it be turned around? Increased and/or constant police presence in the area, building or renovation of schools with plenty of funding, support for local businesses, incentives to promote investment in the area? However, though many countries want to develop and modernize, how do you fight the apathy and fatalism of many ghettos. How do you cultivate an appreciate for education and hard work among people, many of whom, have none? Those are the key, not how much money is pumped in.

In Chirol’s hometown of ~130,000, the historic district in which he live(s/d) has been rapidly transformed over the past 5 years. Rundown streets are completely unrecognizable, teeming with people, shops, inns and places to eat. Tourists are looking at maps on every street corner and everything is developing quickly. However, the spark that set this off was a number of movies and a famous book which put the spotlight on us. Nevertheless, the historic district is surrounded on 3 sides by abject poverty and ghetto. Crime is a huge problem. The fourth side is the river. Although beautiful post civil-war houses turn into sketchy run down ghetto within about one block, much of the ghetto contains historic houses, which if subjected to extreme renovation, would again be jewels. This has been happening at a rate of about 1 city block per year and not only are property values and taxes soaring, the previous unsavory occupants are quickly being pushed out. Yet, where will they go? This is hardly “connecting” them. Some will stay, some will be able to afford it, but in 10 years, it should all be gone and downtown will connect to midtown without the wedge of ghetto driven between them.

I’d like to reach out to ComingAnarchy readers for their thoughts on the subject, suggestions and the situation in their hometowns or current places of residence.