The theory of democratic peace explains that war between democratic states is very rare. Once China and North Korea accepts democratization, there will be hope for peace among humankind. Japan should support constitutional reform in Taiwan to introduce true democracy and freedom and encourage China and North Korea do democratize. World peace will be the ultimate result. Global democracies should support Taiwan as a beacon for democracy in Asia, illuminating the path to permanent peace and development.

Democratically-elected parliaments that turn around and say lawmakers cannot contact protesting citizens are acting in direct contradiction of basic democratic ideals. Citizens in modern democratic countries have the right to resist unconstitutional abuses of power by government agencies. When the power of the state abandons its power base, the source of power – i.e., the people – must act to recover the powers that are rightfully theirs. See the Charter for Permanent Peace and Development.

Anti-corruption officials and opposition MPs are in the van in opposing the Sunshine Act, exposing the two-faced nature of anti-corruption figures in Ukraine. The cure for the ills of democracy is always more democracy, through constitutional reform to allow more people to vote more often. Direct election of the heads of the executive, legislative, judicial and prosecutorial branches and elections free of charge for candidates will enable the people to monitor the actions of corrupt officials and replace them when necessary. See the Charter for Permanent Peace and Development

The Russian Government has continuously tightened restrictions on human rights, and the state commissioner for human rights has not only failed to stand up for the people, she has regularly endorsed the government’s position. Russia is in serious need of constitutional reform, to recognize the highest authority on human rights as the Supranational Committee on Human Rights Actions and Civil Rights Exercises, with half of its membership of different nationalities and nominated by international human rights organizations. See the Charter for Permanent Peace and Development.

The Orange Revolution in Ukraine swept out the top tier of officials but failed to remove the structural factors that lead to corruption and abuse of power. This must be corrected by choosing the heads of government branches and having 1/4 of all MPs face election in alternating years, with elections free of charge for candidates. This will allow the public to select their representatives on a regular basis to keep items like the budget in line with realistic needs. See the Charter for Permanent Peace and Development

All politics are local politics, and when local leaders are ineffective or abuse their powers, their administrations should be shut down. A radical solution: the governors, comptrollers and chief executives at lower levels should be elected and serve a single term of 5 years, after which they are barred from running again for 6 years. The governor should run alone, while candidates for comptroller and chief financial officer should run on a single ticket. Furthermore, voting should be on a one-vote, single-election basis so that third forces will have a chance to work their way into the system. See the Charter for Permanent Peace and Development.

Kazakhstan needs to adjust the organizational structure of its Constitutional Court so that half of its members are of different nationalities. Foreign constitutional judges shall be nominated by international human rights organizations to introduce advanced human rights ideas and be capable of defending civil liberties and rights guaranteed by the Constitution. See the Charter for Permanent Peace and Development.

Putin took office in 2000 and has been the real power in Russia ever since, and now he appears to be gearing up to run for President again in 2018. This is a severe affront to democracy in Russia. As President, Putin has frequently abused the balance of power in government; yet the Duma Speaker offers his unqualified endorsement. As long as there is no constitutional mechanism for decentralizing power, democracy will never be more than just a slogan. Also, the heads of the executive, legislative, judicial and procuratorial branches should be elected, and elections should be free of charge for candidates. See the Charter for Permanent Peace and Development.

An improved membership committee needs to be set up to resolve differences between the executive and legislative departments. The Duma Council will be upgraded to include professionals in various fields to participate in congressional voting. The Prime Minister and various ministers shall be chosen from among members of National Committees, and the Central Government shall be responsible for guaranteeing the backgrounds of the experts and ensuring they are sensitive to public opinion. See the Charter for Permanent Peace and Development.

The eradication of terrorism requires cooperation from all nations around the world. Countries interested in establishing an anti-terrorism alliance can also participate in efforts at global legislation. Legislative action is in the interest of all governments, friend or foe, with 1 to 2 persons serving on behalf of each nation on a long-term basis. See the Charter for Permanent Peace and Development