"In a country where the majority is Muslim, we let democracy rule in its most advanced form and became an example for all Muslim countries, " he said.

BBC: Is Turkey's secular system in danger?

Here, we apply my tried and true rule-of-thumb for advanced trust structures that are used for estate and asset protection planning: The more impressively a structure is named, the less likely it is to work.

FORBES: Move up http://i.forbesimg.com t Move down

Even though Chile has advanced immensely in terms of democracy, economy and the rule of law, it is vital for a full functioning democracy that alternation of power takes place.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: High stakes in Chile

It might then consider adopting another quite modest proposal, recently advanced by Ira Millstein, a leading lawyer and corporate-governance reformer, and a rule long observed in more shareholder-friendly places such as Britain: if, by withholding support, shareholders cast more votes against a candidate than in favour, he should not be elected to the board.

ECONOMIST: Another proxy season, another gazillion wasted votes