[FRIAM] Modern economic development, Bhutan style.
Pieter Steenekamp
pieters at randcontrols.co.za
Thu Jul 17 15:52:33 EDT 2025
I’m currently re-reading Long Walk to Freedom and have just reached the
point where Mandela begins to promote violence as a necessary strategy for
change in South Africa. I deeply admire him, of course—but I’ve never been
comfortable seeing anyone as beyond critique, Mandela included.
It makes me wonder: does the eventual success of South Africa’s democratic
transition imply that violence was the optimal—or even necessary—path? I’m
not convinced. While I wouldn’t go so far as to claim violence is never a
solution, I do find myself pondering whether a Gandhi-style commitment to
nonviolence might have led to a less painful journey.
These reflections don’t answer anything definitively for me, but they do
keep the questions alive—especially in light of stories like yours and the
moral clarity someone like the Dalai Lama brings to the conversation.
On Thu, 17 Jul 2025 at 20:48, Steve Smith <sasmyth at swcp.com> wrote:
>
> On 7/17/2025 3:19 AM, Pieter Steenekamp wrote:
>
> In another thread there was a quote about liberal democracy being the
> worst form of government, except for everything else that has been tried.
>
> Friends, Romans, countrymen, allow me to introduce to you Bhutan!
>
> I recently (days) watched a documentary on GMC. One (or more?) of our
> esteemed constitiuency here has actually visited (trekked) in Bhutan
> contemporarily (a few years?)
>
> It was the Dali Lama (visiting Santa Fe in early 1991) who (indirectly)
> convinced me of the futility (and acute wrongheadedness) of Mutual Assured
> Destruction and the myriad issues with a Military Industrial Complex of any
> scale (see the building of the industry of the Wermacht in Germany to
> support the Spanish Civil war *before* any German Army was
> reconstituted). The timing was critical in that the Berlin Wall had
> already fallen (a year previous) but the Soviet Union hadn't yet dissolved
> (within the year).
>
> The LANL Wermacht had begun to retool it's below-ground testing to prepare
> for the 1992 full Ban on testing that lead to a redoubling of the already
> significant High Performance Computing we were "all about" when we weren't
> testing details of the shape of spherical implosions in the nearby canyons
> and at the Nevada Test Site.
>
> My attendance at the Dali Lama's visit was prompted by then-budding
> appreciation/awareness of (Westernized) Buddhism. He appeared on stage in
> front of a full house (Santa Fe High AuditoriuM) with no security
> whatsoever ('cepting two other bald-headed/saffron-robed monks) while (not
> long after) Bill Clinton visited LANL and The Pope visited Denver. Imagine
> the security *they* rolled with.
>
> A (plant?) in the audience asked a question after a series of other
> questions setting this one up: "But LANL has kept the peace for 40 years,
> why wouldn't you want to talk to them?" to which he said "I am happy to
> talk with anyone, but if you came across two men in the street grasping one
> another's collars and their fists cocked back but had not yet struck, would
> you call that peace?". I was already primed by many things, but this
> really started a major "refactoring" inside my internal LLM on the topic of
> war and peace and many other things.
>
> As an aside, I couldn't help but scan the Grok writeup looking for a
> direct or oblique Nazi Easter Egg... I was (only briefly) tempted to edit
> one in (forge) to see who here would "bite" but decided I'd rather go back
> to reading Anthropics papers on Superpostion and Interprebility... or
> ideate with my LLM friends on how to use the "seed crystal of Bhutan/GMC"
> to consider how to cause "peace to break out" in my own neighbor hood.
> There's a percolation model for AgentScript (Owen/Stephen) to spread around
> the world!
>
>
> Bhutan is building a new city, Galifu Mindfulness City (GMC), where Gross
> National Happiness (GNH) is the blueprint, not just a buzzword. It's a
> place where ancient wisdom meets modern design, and they're even putting
> temples on bridges and an airport over a river. Talk about a mindful
> commute!
>
> Here's the video for more details:
> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hPlRmUv7qzo&t=548s
>
> I then asked Grok for a detailed report, here's the link,
> https://x.com/i/grok/share/H5IcPnxmJIXhpi5LxO1aTxTwV
>
> Below is a copy of Grok's report:
> Comprehensive Report on Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC)IntroductionBhutan,
> renowned for its unique development philosophy of Gross National Happiness
> (GNH), has embarked on an ambitious project with Gelephu Mindfulness City
> (GMC). Announced by His Majesty King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck on
> December 17, 2023, during the 116th National Day celebration, GMC is
> envisioned as a Special Administrative Region (SAR) in Gelephu, southern
> Bhutan. This project aims to redefine urban development by integrating
> ancient wisdom with modern design, prioritizing happiness, sustainability,
> and cultural preservation over mere economic output. Given its announcement
> in late 2023 and ongoing developments, including the groundbreaking of the
> Gelephu International Airport in July 2025, GMC is a timely case study as
> of July 17, 2025.Background on Gross National Happiness (GNH)GNH,
> introduced by the Fourth King of Bhutan, Jigme Singye Wangchuck, measures
> progress through nine domains: Psychological Wellbeing, Health, Education,
> Living Standards, Time-Use, Ecological Diversity and Resilience, Good
> Governance, Cultural Diversity and Resilience, and Community Vitality.
> Unlike GDP, GNH emphasizes holistic well-being, balancing material,
> spiritual, emotional, and cultural needs. This framework has guided
> Bhutan’s development for decades, earning international recognition as a
> model for sustainable progress, and now forms the blueprint for GMC.Detailed
> Plan and Unique FeaturesLocation and ScaleGMC is located in Gelephu, near
> Bhutan’s southern border with India, strategically positioned to serve as
> an economic corridor linking South Asia and Southeast Asia. Covering over
> 1,000 square kilometers—larger than Singapore—it is designed to be a
> significant economic hub and tourist gateway, leveraging its proximity to
> India for regional connectivity.Architectural InnovationsGMC’s design,
> led by Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) in collaboration with Arup, Cistri, and
> others, integrates ancient Bhutanese wisdom with modern urban planning. Key
> features include:
>
> - Inhabitable Bridges: These multifunctional structures house critical
> infrastructure, such as:
> - A new international airport over a river, enhancing connectivity.
> - A Vajrayana spiritual center for Buddhist practices.
> - A healthcare center blending Eastern and Western medical
> traditions.
> - A university focused on innovation and sustainability.
> - A hydroponic/aquaponic greenhouse for modern agriculture.
> - A cultural center showcasing Bhutanese textiles and heritage.
> - Temples on Bridges: The Sankosh Temple-Dam is a standout, combining
> a hydroelectric dam with spiritual spaces. It features a step-well
> retaining wall, viewpoints, staircases for meditative walks, and a temple
> on a manmade cliff, embodying the harmonious coexistence of culture and
> nature.
> - Airport Over a River: Part of the inhabitable bridges, this airport
> symbolizes the integration of modern infrastructure with natural
> landscapes, ensuring minimal disruption to the environment.
>
> Neighborhood Design and Integration with NatureThe city is divided into
> 11 distinct neighborhoods, designed as “ribbon-like” communities shaped by
> the flow of 35 rivers and streams. Inspired by Mandala principles, these
> neighborhoods increase in density from north (rural) to south (urban), each
> organized around central public spaces to foster community vitality. The
> design mimics paddy fields, with urban terraces cascading from hills to the
> valley, respecting Bhutan’s natural topography.
>
> - Flood Protection: Paddy fields along rivers serve as natural flood
> control, minimizing engineered solutions and acting as biodiversity
> corridors for local flora and fauna, including migratory routes for
> elephants.
> - Building Materials and Heights: Using local materials like wood,
> stone, and bamboo, inspired by vernacular motifs, buildings are limited to
> six floors to reduce concrete and steel use, aligning with sustainability
> goals.
>
> Infrastructure DevelopmentsGMC’s infrastructure includes:
>
> - A new international airport, with construction commencing in July
> 2025, to boost tourism and connectivity.
> - Railway connections to enhance regional access.
> - A hydroelectric dam that provides clean energy while serving as a
> cultural landmark.
> - Public spaces designed for meditation, relaxation, and community
> activities, promoting mindfulness-based education and eco-tourism.
>
> Integration of Gross National Happiness (GNH)GMC’s masterplan is deeply
> rooted in the nine domains of GNH, ensuring that development prioritizes
> holistic well-being. Each domain is reflected in the city’s design:
> Domain
> Implementation in GMC
> Psychological Wellbeing
> Public spaces, meditative walks, and mindfulness-based education promote
> mental health.
> Health
> Healthcare centers blend traditional Bhutanese medicine with modern
> practices.
> Education
> A university and educational initiatives focus on innovation,
> sustainability, and mindfulness.
> Living Standards
> High-quality, eco-friendly housing using local materials like wood, stone,
> and bamboo.
> Time-Use
> Design encourages balanced use of time between work, leisure, and
> spiritual activities.
> Ecological Diversity and Resilience
> Preservation of 70% forest cover and biodiversity corridors ensures
> environmental sustainability.
> Good Governance
> Operates as a Special Administrative Region with business-friendly
> regulations, maintaining ethical governance.
> Cultural Diversity and Resilience
> Cultural centers, traditional architecture, and spiritual landmarks
> preserve Bhutan’s heritage.
> Community Vitality
> Neighborhoods designed to foster social interaction and community
> engagement.
> The inhabitable bridges symbolize this integration, with each bridge
> representing one domain and housing facilities that align with its
> principles, such as the Vajrayana spiritual center for cultural resilience
> or the university for education.Sustainability and Environmental
> ConsiderationsGMC is designed to be a model of regenerative urban
> development, continuing Bhutan’s legacy as the world’s first
> carbon-negative country:
>
> - Carbon-Negative Goals: The city aims to enhance ecological
> diversity, with 70% forest cover maintained, and uses green technologies to
> reduce emissions.
> - Biodiversity Enhancement: Paddy fields and biodiversity corridors
> protect local flora and fauna, ensuring minimal disruption to migratory
> routes.
> - Natural Flood Control: By leveraging paddy fields along rivers, GMC
> minimizes engineered flood solutions, aligning with ecological resilience.
> - Local Materials: The use of wood, stone, and bamboo reduces the
> carbon footprint and supports local economies, while limiting buildings to
> six floors reduces concrete and steel use.
> - Energy: The hydroelectric temple-dam provides clean energy,
> integrating renewable power with cultural and spiritual significance.
>
> Economic and Social ImpactGMC is poised to transform Bhutan’s economy
> while fostering social well-being:
>
> - Economic Hub: It aims to attract investments in green technology,
> education, tourism, finance, healthcare, agriculture, aviation, logistics,
> and spirituality, positioning Bhutan as a sustainable economic leader.
> Funding efforts began in November 2024, with an estimated cost of $100
> billion, highlighting its scale.
> - Job Creation: The project is expected to create opportunities for
> Bhutan’s youth, addressing unemployment and fostering economic growth,
> particularly in the underdeveloped Gelephu region.
> - Cultural Preservation: By integrating Bhutanese culture and
> spiritual heritage, GMC ensures that development respects and enhances the
> nation’s identity, with cultural centers and traditional architecture at
> its core.
> - Global Inspiration: As a model of mindful urbanism, GMC has the
> potential to inspire other nations to prioritize happiness and
> sustainability, offering a blueprint for future cities.
>
> Challenges and ConsiderationsWhile GMC is visionary, it faces potential
> challenges:
>
> - Scale and Funding: Managing a development of over 1,000 km² with a
> $100 billion price tag requires significant investment and meticulous
> planning. Bhutan began raising funds in November 2024, but securing
> sufficient resources remains a hurdle.
> - Sustainability of Vision: Ensuring GNH principles are not
> compromised as the city grows and evolves is critical, given the risk of
> overambitious promises seen in similar projects like India’s Special
> Economic Zones (SEZs). Critics, as noted in June 2025 discussions, warn of
> potential issues like underutilization of land and unmet job creation
> targets, though GMC’s GNH focus may mitigate these risks.
> - Environmental and Social Integration: Balancing economic growth with
> ecological and cultural preservation requires careful governance,
> especially given the need to include local communities and protect nature.
>
> Bhutan’s track record with GNH and its careful approach to development
> suggest these challenges can be addressed through thoughtful planning and
> community engagement, but ongoing monitoring will be essential.ConclusionGelephu
> Mindfulness City is more than just a new city; it is a bold statement of
> Bhutan’s values and a gift to the world. By prioritizing happiness,
> sustainability, and cultural integrity, GMC sets a new standard for urban
> development. As of July 17, 2025, with construction underway—including the
> Gelephu International Airport—the world watches with interest to see how
> this visionary project unfolds. GMC has the potential not only to transform
> Bhutan’s economy but also to inspire a global shift towards more mindful
> and sustainable urban living, offering a model where ancient wisdom meets
> modern design. For further reading, explore:
>
> - Official GMC W <https://gmc.bt/>
> Comprehensive Report on Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC)
> <https://gmc.bt/>
> IntroductionBhutan, renowned for its unique development philosophy of
> Gross National Happiness (GNH), has embarked on an ambitious project with
> Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC). Announced by His Majesty King Jigme Khesar
> Namgyel Wangchuck on December 17, 2023, during the 116th National Day
> celebration, GMC is envisioned as a Special Administrative Region (SAR) in
> Gelephu, southern Bhutan. This project aims to redefine urban development
> by integrating ancient wisdom with modern design, prioritizing happiness,
> sustainability, and cultural preservation over mere economic output. Given
> its announcement in late 2023 and ongoing developments, including the
> groundbreaking of the Gelephu International Airport in July 2025, GMC is a
> timely case study as of July 17, 2025.Background on Gross National
> Happiness (GNH)GNH, introduced by the Fourth King of Bhutan, Jigme
> Singye Wangchuck, measures progress through nine domains: Psychological
> Wellbeing, Health, Education, Living Standards, Time-Use, Ecological
> Diversity and Resilience, Good Governance, Cultural Diversity and
> Resilience, and Community Vitality. Unlike GDP, GNH emphasizes holistic
> well-being, balancing material, spiritual, emotional, and cultural needs.
> This framework has guided Bhutan’s development for decades, earning
> international recognition as a model for sustainable progress, and now
> forms the blueprint for GMC.Detailed Plan and Unique FeaturesLocation
> and ScaleGMC is located in Gelephu, near Bhutan’s southern border with
> India, strategically positioned to serve as an economic corridor linking
> South Asia and Southeast Asia. Covering over 1,000 square kilometers—larger
> than Singapore—it is designed to be a significant economic hub and tourist
> gateway, leveraging its proximity to India for regional connectivity.Architectural
> InnovationsGMC’s design, led by Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) in
> collaboration with Arup, Cistri, and others, integrates ancient Bhutanese
> wisdom with modern urban planning. Key features include:
> - Inhabitable Bridges: These multifunctional structures house
> critical infrastructure, such as:
> - A new international airport over a river, enhancing
> connectivity.
> - A Vajrayana spiritual center for Buddhist practices.
> - A healthcare center blending Eastern and Western medical
> traditions.
> - A university focused on innovation and sustainability.
> - A hydroponic/aquaponic greenhouse for modern agriculture.
> - A cultural center showcasing Bhutanese textiles and heritage.
> - Temples on Bridges: The Sankosh Temple-Dam is a standout,
> combining a hydroelectric dam with spiritual spaces. It features a
> step-well retaining wall, viewpoints, staircases for meditative walks, and
> a temple on a manmade cliff, embodying the harmonious coexistence of
> culture and nature.
> - Airport Over a River: Part of the inhabitable bridges, this
> airport symbolizes the integration of modern infrastructure with natural
> landscapes, ensuring minimal disruption to the environment.
> Neighborhood Design and Integration with NatureThe city is divided
> into 11 distinct neighborhoods, designed as “ribbon-like” communities
> shaped by the flow of 35 rivers and streams. Inspired by Mandala
> principles, these neighborhoods increase in density from north (rural) to
> south (urban), each organized around central public spaces to foster
> community vitality. The design mimics paddy fields, with urban terraces
> cascading from hills to the valley, respecting Bhutan’s natural topography.
> - Flood Protection: Paddy fields along rivers serve as natural
> flood control, minimizing engineered solutions and acting as biodiversity
> corridors for local flora and fauna, including migratory routes for
> elephants.
> - Building Materials and Heights: Using local materials like wood,
> stone, and bamboo, inspired by vernacular motifs, buildings are limited to
> six floors to reduce concrete and steel use, aligning with sustainability
> goals.
> Infrastructure DevelopmentsGMC’s infrastructure includes:
> - A new international airport, with construction commencing in July
> 2025, to boost tourism and connectivity.
> - Railway connections to enhance regional access.
> - A hydroelectric dam that provides clean energy while serving as a
> cultural landmark.
> - Public spaces designed for meditation, relaxation, and community
> activities, promoting mindfulness-based education and eco-tourism.
> Integration of Gross National Happiness (GNH)GMC’s masterplan is
> deeply rooted in the nine domains of GNH, ensuring that development
> prioritizes holistic well-being. Each domain is reflected in the city’s
> design:
> Domain
> Implementation in GMC
> Psychological Wellbeing
> Public spaces, meditative walks, and mindfulness-based education
> promote mental health.
> Health
> Healthcare centers blend traditional Bhutanese medicine with modern
> practices.
> Education
> A university and educational initiatives focus on innovation,
> sustainability, and mindfulness.
> Living Standards
> High-quality, eco-friendly housing using local materials like wood,
> stone, and bamboo.
> Time-Use
> Design encourages balanced use of time between work, leisure, and
> spiritual activities.
> Ecological Diversity and Resilience
> Preservation of 70% forest cover and biodiversity corridors ensures
> environmental sustainability.
> Good Governance
> Operates as a Special Administrative Region with business-friendly
> regulations, maintaining ethical governance.
> Cultural Diversity and Resilience
> Cultural centers, traditional architecture, and spiritual landmarks
> preserve Bhutan’s heritage.
> Community Vitality
> Neighborhoods designed to foster social interaction and community
> engagement.
> The inhabitable bridges symbolize this integration, with each bridge
> representing one domain and housing facilities that align with its
> principles, such as the Vajrayana spiritual center for cultural resilience
> or the university for education.Sustainability and Environmental
> ConsiderationsGMC is designed to be a model of regenerative urban
> development, continuing Bhutan’s legacy as the world’s first
> carbon-negative country:
> - Carbon-Negative Goals: The city aims to enhance ecological
> diversity, with 70% forest cover maintained, and uses green technologies to
> reduce emissions.
> - Biodiversity Enhancement: Paddy fields and biodiversity corridors
> protect local flora and fauna, ensuring minimal disruption to migratory
> routes.
> - Natural Flood Control: By leveraging paddy fields along rivers,
> GMC minimizes engineered flood solutions, aligning with ecological
> resilience.
> - Local Materials: The use of wood, stone, and bamboo reduces the
> carbon footprint and supports local economies, while limiting buildings to
> six floors reduces concrete and steel use.
> - Energy: The hydroelectric temple-dam provides clean energy,
> integrating renewable power with cultural and spiritual significance.
> Economic and Social ImpactGMC is poised to transform Bhutan’s economy
> while fostering social well-being:
> - Economic Hub: It aims to attract investments in green technology,
> education, tourism, finance, healthcare, agriculture, aviation, logistics,
> and spirituality, positioning Bhutan as a sustainable economic leader.
> Funding efforts began in November 2024, with an estimated cost of $100
> billion, highlighting its scale.
> - Job Creation: The project is expected to create opportunities for
> Bhutan’s youth, addressing unemployment and fostering economic growth,
> particularly in the underdeveloped Gelephu region.
> - Cultural Preservation: By integrating Bhutanese culture and
> spiritual heritage, GMC ensures that development respects and enhances the
> nation’s identity, with cultural centers and traditional architecture at
> its core.
> - Global Inspiration: As a model of mindful urbanism, GMC has the
> potential to inspire other nations to prioritize happiness and
> sustainability, offering a blueprint for future cities.
> Challenges and ConsiderationsWhile GMC is visionary, it faces
> potential challenges:
> - Scale and Funding: Managing a development of over 1,000 km² with
> a $100 billion price tag requires significant investment and meticulous
> planning. Bhutan began raising funds in November 2024, but securing
> sufficient resources remains a hurdle.
> - Sustainability of Vision: Ensuring GNH principles are not
> compromised as the city grows and evolves is critical, given the risk of
> overambitious promises seen in similar projects like India’s Special
> Economic Zones (SEZs). Critics, as noted in June 2025 discussions, warn of
> potential issues like underutilization of land and unmet job creation
> targets, though GMC’s GNH focus may mitigate these risks.
> - Environmental and Social Integration: Balancing economic growth
> with ecological and cultural preservation requires careful governance,
> especially given the need to include local communities and protect nature.
> Bhutan’s track record with GNH and its careful approach to development
> suggest these challenges can be addressed through thoughtful planning and
> community engagement, but ongoing monitoring will be essential.
> ConclusionGelephu Mindfulness City is more than just a new city; it is
> a bold statement of Bhutan’s values and a gift to the world. By
> prioritizing happiness, sustainability, and cultural integrity, GMC sets a
> new standard for urban development. As of July 17, 2025, with construction
> underway—including the Gelephu International Airport—the world watches with
> interest to see how this visionary project unfolds. GMC has the potential
> not only to transform Bhutan’s economy but also to inspire a global shift
> towards more mindful and sustainable urban living, offering a model where
> ancient wisdom meets modern design. For further reading, explore:
> - Official GMC Website <https://gmc.bt/>
> - BIG - Gelephu Mindfulness City
> <https://big.dk/projects/gelephu-mindfulness-city-16791>
> - CNBC - Bhutan's new 'Mindfulness City'
> <https://www.cnbc.com/2024/02/07/bhutans-gelephu-mindfulness-city-heres-what-it-may-look-like.html>
> - The Diplomat - Gelephu: The World’s First Mindfulness City Is in
> Bhutan
> <https://thediplomat.com/2024/01/gelephu-the-worlds-first-mindfulness-city-is-in-bhutan/>
> ebsite
> - BIG - Gelephu Mindfulness City
> <https://big.dk/projects/gelephu-mindfulness-city-16791>
> - CNBC - Bhutan's new 'Mindfulness City'
> <https://www.cnbc.com/2024/02/07/bhutans-gelephu-mindfulness-city-heres-what-it-may-look-like.html>
> - The Diplomat - Gelephu: The World’s First Mindfulness City Is in
> Bhutan
> <https://thediplomat.com/2024/01/gelephu-the-worlds-first-mindfulness-city-is-in-bhutan/>
>
>
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