Posts — The Rest of the Iceberg

Sep 17

Sep 17 Why is South Korea So Rich?

Asia, Economics, Technology, United States

The competition for Korea’s most famous cultural export is now closed. With more than 3 billion views, Gangnam Style has done more to put South Korea on the map than anything else. The video portrays South Korea as confident, stylish, and prosperous—and that’s accurate.

What’s remarkable is how quickly South Korea became one of the most advanced economies in the world. In 1960, the average South Korean was poorer than the average person in Senegal, Honduras, or the Philippines. Today, they are more than ten times richer. How did that happen?

Dec 5

Dec 5 Why is Singapore So Rich?

Alister Chapman

Asia, Geopolitics, Globalization, Technology

If you live somewhere that’s relatively wealthy and successful, following world news can be uncomfortable. As you see countries sunk in poverty, war, or injustice you may wonder why the world is so unfair. And you probably also ask whether there’s a solution—whether there’s a way for other countries to flourish. On the surface, Singapore seems like it offers hope. In the early 1960’s, it was poorer than Mexico. 25 years later, it was three times as rich. How did it do it? And should other countries copy Singapore?

Nov 20

Nov 20 Why Does Japan Make Such Good Cars?

Alister Chapman

Asia, Technology

Cars are expensive. Unless you’re talking antiques, their value only goes down. They cost a lot to repair and it’s a hassle when you have to. So it’s no wonder that reliability is a primary consideration when people buy a car. For the past thirty years, your safest bet has been to buy Japanese.

Why are the Japanese so good at making cars?

Sep 17 Why is South Korea So Rich?

Dec 5 Why is Singapore So Rich?

Nov 20 Why Does Japan Make Such Good Cars?

What’s your question about the world you see?

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