Nake M. Kamrany

Social indicators in perspective

Abstract This paper is divided into three parts. Part 1 discusses the need for the development of an adequate barometer (social indicators) to measure the overall wellbeing of nations. Part II expounds upon the major dimensions of a social indicator. Part III proposes a conceptual framework for a practical approach embodying social indicators in a framework of national policy planning and priority setting.

Effects of Afghanistan War on Soviet Society and Policy

Analyses the emergence of dialogue and dissent in Soviet society due to its decade‐long war in Afghanistan (1979‐89); the longest war in Soviet history. Included in the analysis are defence military posture in view of the military brutality, transfer of Soviet military practices to the occupation forces inside Afghanistan, ethnic tensions, racism and treatment of young conscripts. Perpetrations of atrocities against the Afghan population in violation of conventions of war are documented and tested against glasnost. Analyses exposure of the war in the Soviet media and through public debate.

Economic growth and environmental impact: evaluating alternatives

Abstract The environment is no longer to be considered a free good, whether it is utilized for economic growth or is affected by it. This is an exploratory paper attempting to depict a conceptual framework for policy planning embodying growth, environmental and societal variables. The aim is to identify a comprehensive framework and suggest an operationally feasible set of methodologies and processes. In view of the limitations of the current theoretical andmethodological framework, the suggested heuristic approach is an attempt to develop and specify a realistic and convenient process for operational purposes. Moreover, any future developments in theory, methodology, measurement and information is considered to be complementary to, rather than competing with, the proposed framework. The contention is that while the on-going research undertakings are expected to improve the theoretical and methodological framework of the existing body of doctrine, there appears to be a need for a systematic operational framework for policy planning keeping in prospects realism, reasonableness andcertain balances. Sufficient flexibility should be maintained to adjust the particular aspects of the system in light of new information and experience. In summary, the issues of growth and the resultant environmental and societal implications are expounded upon and a conceptual framework is suggested for the process of national priority setting. The desirability of continued growth for the developed and developing countries is predicated upon the premise that environmental and societal variables are to be explicitly embodied in the allocation process so that the composition, structure and the rates of economics growth are compatible with the quality of life ( Q/L ).

Turkey's per Capita Income Conversion to Southern European Countries

In this paper we have estimated the number of years for Turkey’s per capita income to converge with those of Italy, Spain, Portugal and Greece. The estimate is based upon convergence theory of per capita income of laggard countries to that of advanced countries if (1) there exists a gap between the countries’ initial level of per capita income with the laggard country having the lower per capita income, (2) there exists a per capita productivity growth rate differential in favor of the laggard country and (3) sufficient time horizon considered to effectuate the convergence. In this instance all three conditions are met and assumed. According to our calculations, Turkey’s per capita income will converge with Portugal in 33 years, Greece in 39 years, Italy in 46 years and Spain in 62 Years, all within the 21st century time horizon. In addition the empirical and theoretical basis for conversion of per capita income is elucidated and verified. Using a wide cross section of countries we find evidence of unconditional income convergence looking at both the mean as well as at the entire income distribution via ordinary least squares and quintile regression respectively. We also analyzed the presence of an S-shaped growth curve for explaining the observed rapid progression of convergence and its impact on the expected future global income distribution.