GlocalNet

Yesterday I was watching David Miliband being interviewed by Fareed Zacharias on his CNN show GPS (Global Public Square).  Fareed is one of my favorite journalist and commentators.  I’ve read his two books and always read his articles and find them incredibly insightful.  I’ve never met him, but have several friends who have and all rave about him. 

Miliband is the relatively new and somewhat young foreign minister of England.  He seemed very sharp and could discuss a broad range of issues.  His recall during the interview was incredible.  Fareed would ask him a question and he would tie his answers back to previous questions Fareed had asked.  The only time Fareed may have ruffled him a little was when he was being asked about Pakistan and said they couldn’t accept the blame for what some extremist Pakistani’s were doing because they had been gone for 60 years.  Fareed shot back, “Yes, but England did draw the lines for the border between Pakistan and India.” 

Two statements stood out in my mind during the interview.  First, when asked about Iran and the challenges facing it Fareed spoke of the negative impact of nationalism to which Miliband shot back - yes it is an issue “but internationalism is a far stronger force.”  I’ve never heard it worded that way but I loved the phrase.  In the global era in which we live, the real potential of politics being driven by the global square is a very real reality.  All you have to do is look at Iran and twitter.  With the world connected as it is it will become increasingly difficult, if not impossible, for nations to do their own thing without everyone knowing about it and seeing it.  News isn’t going to be driven by the big news stations but by the person on the street with a cell phone camera and apps.  That is a media that will and is far more trusted than the one funded by various persuasions and sold on the air by advertisers.  Think about it - journalism for the masses by the masses.  Who would have ever envisioned that.  All CNN, FOX, ABC, NBC, CBS can do is carry cell phone videos from the area. 

The other thing Miliband talked about was his 1 and a half year old and his 4 and a half year old.  He said, with his life as busy as it is he just has to turn off the blackberry and when he’s there - be there.  I hope he’ll always do that - his kids will grow up loving him, and be a lot healthier as well!