Global Q&A: ‘What aspect of recent history has most shaped the current situation in your country?’

Political legacies, earthquakes, and globalization helped shape current circumstances in countries worldwide is what Epoch Times reporters from Peru to Romania discovered when they asked locals:

Lima, Peru Rafael González, 37, Art History Professor The aspect that I consider the greatest impact in recent times in my country was the capture of Abimael Guzman. This put an end to terrorism in Peru; the stage was a time of great violence, and the creation of a lot of destruction. It was practically the presence of communism—always violent struggle, the division between the people, and fighting the lie that there was equality for everyone. ... Generally the low-income people were deceived. There was no freedom. Forming a false image and covering reality. Editor’s note: Guzman was the leader of the Shining Path Maoist insurgency from 1980 until he was captured in 1992.

New Jersey, USA Stephen Britt, Art Director and Graphic Designer In relation to politics I would say Reagan’s dismantling of the Glass Eagle Act in 1980 when he got elected, which was originally passed in Congress around the ‘30s. I think that led to the current inequity of wealth that exists in this country today. Certainly, the advent of the Internet has been huge. With twitter and what happened in the Arab Spring. I think with tools like the Internet and with Twitter, Facebook, and other social media sites; it has impacted our recent history the most. It has created pressure on regimes to be more democratic and more transparent.

Bucharest, Romania Dorel Istrate, 55, French Teacher The access of some immoral persons, former Communist Party members, to high political positions of decision and control. One negative effect is that former securitate (secret police) officers infiltrated the historical parties, which compromised the democracy in this country. Another aspect is the lack of values in education and the unfinished educational reform, which destroyed the Romanian learning system, creating the premises for a society, which has lost its sense of value. People also lost their trust in the political class.

Puerto Montt, Chile Marcela Bello Santana, 27, Salesman I think it was the last earthquake that affected the country [in February 2010]. After that everything appeared different, the shaking not only moved our floor, but also our conscience after the way our politicians acted. It generated great distrust and we still remain full of doubts and fears. Things changed after the earthquake and no longer will be the same.

Paris, France Muriel Sallovitz, 46, Architect France is in this situation mainly because of the creation of Europe, the creation of the common money (euro) and globalization. Europe requires a more liberal economy; consumption standards are too stringent. Even in my work I am confronted with the problem of European standards. Globalization has brought a big change in living conditions in France, economically and socially.

Canary Islands, Spain Miriam García, 32, Administrative Assistant I think that the most important decisions were those that defined the governance structure of the country, and through this process several control and power structures have survived that were created in the dictatorship period. These structures have a lot of influence nowadays in our country. Also we have to keep an eye on the division of the country in 17 autonomies and the impact this has provoked. You can add to that the existence of the monarchy and also the benefits for these institutions that were assigned in the transition period.

Athens, Greece Savoglou Kelly, 40, Freelancer The political governance of the last 40 years.

Piracicaba, Brazil Doralice Garbin, 55, Cleaner Rio+20 was something that made an impact in Brazil and worldwide. At this conference, decisions on the planet were made. I saw on TV naked people protesting at Rio+20. I do not know what the protest was about, but I think when you want to protest there is no need to undress.

Dubai, Arab United Emirates Parvathy Dharmarajan, 20, Computer Science Student Being an Indian, the first and foremost things that come to my mind, when talking about shaping our country are, the dedications led by the leader, and the freedom fights of our country, who scarified a lot, to attain freedom for the country. The main person who played an important role was Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, who has dedicated his life for the well being of the country, and succeeded in attaining. … [W]e are now able to see India as a developing country as the slogan says, “for the people, by the people, and of the people.”

Look for the Global Q&A column every week. Epoch Times correspondents interview people around the world to learn about their lives and perspectives on local and global realities. Next week’s global question: “What important things have you changed your mind about?” The Epoch Times publishes in 35 countries and in 19 languages. Subscribe to our e-newsletter.