Changing hearts and minds

Lawrence E. Harrison's brilliant article explains how cultural factors are all too often not considered in the attempt to tranform countries, such as Iraq, into a democratic nation.

He writes:

"Culture does matter. But politics can change culture and enable more rapid progress, substantially transforming societies within a generation. The anguish of the US adventure in Iraq, genocide and famine in Africa, and the huge flow of poor people seeking a better life in rich countries are among the vivid reminders of how difficult it is to create a more democratic, just and prosperous world. Confronting culture can make that challenge more manageable."

Lawrence E. Harrison is author of 'The Central Liberal Truth: How Politics Can Change a Culture and Save It From Itself' (Oxford University Press). He is currently leading the Culture Matters Research Project at the Fletcher School at Tufts University.