Amb Mark Green is the president and chief executive of The Wilson Centre in Washington, He was formerly Usaid administrator, US ambassador to Tanzania and member of the US House of Representatives
December 23, 2022
While Russia's bloody war on Ukraine is far from over, Ukraine’s battlefield progress has led many to begin contemplating the country’s post-war future.
A growing chorus of voices is calling for a “Marshall Plan for Ukraine”. And why not? In recent times, Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador has called for a Marshall Plan for Central America, former German chancellor Angela Merkel called for one for Africa, and Pakistan Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari wants a "Green Marshall Plan" for Pakistan. Former US vice president Al Gore has even called for a "Global Marshall Plan".
The problem is that many in that chorus only seem interested in a Marshall Plan for the amounts of assistance it would probably bring. After all, the original Plan, which was enacted in 1948, involved about $130 billion in today’s dollars.
But in reality, the European Recovery Programme – its official name – was a lasting success because it was about much more than money and the humanitarian imperative of easing economic hardship. Leaders of the time realised that they also had an opportunity to counter the Soviet Union's expansion, as well as limit the influence of forces opposed to market-based economics. Accordingly, the Plan was built on terms and conditions that would reinforce Europe’s commitment to a future based upon democracy, liberty and market-based economic policy.
It required policies and reforms that encouraged regional co-operation and integration, as well as private enterprise and competition, balanced budgets, stable exchange rates, and liberalised price controls. It promoted increased trade within Europe, and between Europe and the rest of the world, as a critical tool to prevent economic stagnation and to stymie the spread of communism.
It was also designed as a four-year project, with a definite sunset and implemented by a temporary government agency, not an ongoing national security programme administered by a standing department or agency. The framers wanted recipient countries to keep their sights on “life after aid” and to pursue the notion of self-reliance over aid dependence.
George C Marshall, the late US secretary of state, proposed the European Recovery Programme, commonly known as the Marshall Plan. AFP
Those calling for a Marshall Plan should also appreciate how different today’s world is from the one that war-torn Europe faced. In those days, the Soviet Union was acknowledged as the greatest challenge to democracy, economic liberty and a capitalist world order. Today’s challenges come from Beijing, and there is only modest agreement in the West on how it should respond to China’s geopolitical ambitions, and its aggressive economic and technology-centred initiatives.
In today’s world, unfortunately, there are also significant disagreements (even in the US) on the role of trade in the global economic framework. There seems little support for a US-EU trade agreement – or even the US-UK trade agreement that Brexiters and others took for granted. There are ongoing disagreements over regulatory standards for new industries and how to handle foreign investment in critical infrastructure. In some ways, we in the West need to reaffirm our belief in trade and western economic leadership if we are going to assist Ukraine in its economic journey.
Perhaps the biggest difference is that, while America held a preponderance of military and economic power in the wake of the Second World War, in modern times, Europe is economically stronger and more integrated than before. Since Ukrainians see themselves as European – that’s what this war is largely about – it seems logical that Europe, not the US, should play the leading role in helping Ukraine seize its future.
In short, if growing calls for a “Marshall Plan for Ukraine” are sincere efforts to harness all that the European Recovery Programme brought – including incentivised policy reforms and targeted institution strengthening – they are on the mark. If, on the other hand, they are merely efforts to dress up open-ended spending, they will represent both a missed opportunity and a betrayal of the sacrifices that so many Ukrainians have made.
Favourite book: ‘The Art of Learning’ by Josh Waitzkin
Favourite film: Marvel movies
Favourite parkour spot in Dubai: Residence towers in Jumeirah Beach Residence
White hydrogen: Naturally occurring hydrogen Chromite: Hard, metallic mineral containing iron oxide and chromium oxide Ultramafic rocks: Dark-coloured rocks rich in magnesium or iron with very low silica content Ophiolite: A section of the earth’s crust, which is oceanic in nature that has since been uplifted and exposed on land Olivine: A commonly occurring magnesium iron silicate mineral that derives its name for its olive-green yellow-green colour
UK's plans to cut net migration
Under the UK government’s proposals, migrants will have to spend 10 years in the UK before being able to apply for citizenship.
Skilled worker visas will require a university degree, and there will be tighter restrictions on recruitment for jobs with skills shortages.
But what are described as "high-contributing" individuals such as doctors and nurses could be fast-tracked through the system.
Language requirements will be increased for all immigration routes to ensure a higher level of English.
Rules will also be laid out for adult dependants, meaning they will have to demonstrate a basic understanding of the language.
The plans also call for stricter tests for colleges and universities offering places to foreign students and a reduction in the time graduates can remain in the UK after their studies from two years to 18 months.
George Sainsbury of the supermarket dynasty, sugar magnate William Park Lyle and actress Dame Gracie Fields were residents in the 1930s when the street was only known as ‘Millionaires’ Row’.
Then came the international super rich, including the last king of Greece, Constantine II, the Sultan of Brunei and Indian steel magnate Lakshmi Mittal who was at one point ranked the third richest person in the world.
Turkish tycoon Halis Torprak sold his mansion for £50m in 2008 after spending just two days there. The House of Saud sold 10 properties on the road in 2013 for almost £80m.
Other residents have included Iraqi businessman Nemir Kirdar, singer Ariana Grande, holiday camp impresario Sir Billy Butlin, businessman Asil Nadir, Paul McCartney’s former wife Heather Mills.
Hunting park to luxury living
Land was originally the Bishop of London's hunting park, hence the name
The road was laid out in the mid 19th Century, meandering through woodland and farmland
Its earliest houses at the turn of the 20th Century were substantial detached properties with extensive grounds
Cryptocurrency Investing for Dummies – by Kiana Danial
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Although cryptocurrencies are a fast evolving world, this book offers a good insight into the game as well as providing some basic tips, strategies and warning signs.
Begin your cryptocurrency journey here.
Available at Magrudy’s , Dh104
IF YOU GO
The flights
FlyDubai flies direct from Dubai to Skopje in five hours from Dh1,314 return including taxes. Hourly buses from Skopje to Ohrid take three hours.
The tours
English-speaking guided tours of Ohrid town and the surrounding area are organised by Cultura 365; these cost €90 (Dh386) for a one-day trip including driver and guide and €100 a day (Dh429) for two people.
The hotels
Villa St Sofija in the old town of Ohrid, twin room from $54 (Dh198) a night.
St Naum Monastery, on the lake 30km south of Ohrid town, has updated its pilgrims' quarters into a modern 3-star hotel, with rooms overlooking the monastery courtyard and lake. Double room from $60 (Dh 220) a night.
Moment of the day Sadeera Samarawickrama set pulses racing with his strokeplay on his introduction to Test cricket. It reached a feverish peak when he stepped down the wicket and launched Yasir Shah, who many regard as the world’s leading spinner, back over his head for six. No matter that he was out soon after: it felt as though the future had arrived.
Stat of the day - 5 The last time Sri Lanka played a Test in Dubai – they won here in 2013 – they had four players in their XI who were known as wicketkeepers. This time they have gone one better. Each of Dinesh Chandimal, Kaushal Silva, Samarawickrama, Kusal Mendis, and Niroshan Dickwella – the nominated gloveman here – can keep wicket.
The verdict Sri Lanka want to make history by becoming the first team to beat Pakistan in a full Test series in the UAE. They could not have made a better start, first by winning the toss, then by scoring freely on an easy-paced pitch. The fact Yasir Shah found some turn on Day 1, too, will have interested their own spin bowlers.
LILO & STITCH
Starring:Sydney Elizebeth Agudong, Maia Kealoha, Chris Sanders
