A Stream of Consciousness

provide more examples


Here are some additional historical examples related to institutional evolution and reform:

  • Ottoman Tanzimat period - Attempts to reform the military and economy to modernize the Ottoman empire, with mixed results. Led to more nationalism within the empire.

  • Meiji Isshin in Japan - The new Meiji government systematically adopted Western practices to strengthen Japan, while preserving core cultural values. This selective modernization allowed rapid rise.

  • Joseon Korea - Multiple reform movements arose in response to corruption of the yangban scholar-aristocracy, including the 19th century Gabo reforms to open up the economy.

  • French Revolution - Sweeping changes upended France’s feudal system and overturned traditional power structures. But revolutionary zeal led to guillotines and the Reign of Terror.

  • Britain’s Reform Act 1832 - Expanded the franchise and reformed the electoral system to be more representative. An example of gradual political evolution over revolutionary change.

  • 1960s Great Society programs in the US - Johnson’s social reforms were designed to address systemic inequalities while operating within the framework of American capitalism and democracy.

  • 1990s Economic liberalization in India - The dismantling of the license raj ended government overregulation of the economy, fueling growth. But issues like inequality persisted.

  • 1980s perestroika in the USSR - Gorbachev’s economic and political reforms came too late and too fast, exacerbating national tensions that led to collapse.

  • Deng Xiaoping’s reform and opening up - China’s transition to a market economy while retaining Communist party control was an incremental balancing act.

  • Platonic philosopher kings - Concept of benevolent dictatorship by enlightened rulers who can institute drastic top-down change for the good of the people.

Hosted on streams.place.