The experience of “bandit capitalism” or “tyrant capitalism” in postcommunist societies shows that markets cannot work properly without a community of trust and mutual respect. Such a community can be achieved only where there is a rule of law, applied by able and independent judges.
About the Author
Charles Fried is Beneficial Professor of Law at Harvard University Law School. Born in Prague, he has served as Solicitor General of the United States (1985-89) and as an Associate Justice of the Supreme Judicial Court of Massachusetts (1995-99). His publications include Contract as Promise (1981) and Order and Law: Arguing the Reagan Revolution (1991).
What made the “color revolutions” of the early 2000s possible? There were 7 factors that allowed for these democratic breakthroughs. Today, Venezuela has 6 of them, and it may soon…
