But the fact that Russia is now, roughly speaking, at the level of economic development which characterized the US before Eisenhower became president should give us a little bit of perspective.

FORBES: Economically, Russia Is Roughly Where the United States Was In The 1950's

Its largely peaceful spread and incorporation of local traditions, moreover, led to the development of an African Islam characterized by syncretic Sufi practices, tolerance and moderation.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: An African vortex

Another finding is that in in the current recession failure and risk are characterized not by discussions of financial risk but by discussions of appropriate product and service development, and the risks inherent in globalization, as well as the drift in the global economy that sees Western enterprises losing market share as part of a global redivision of labor.

FORBES: What Can We Learn from a Culture of Failure?