Using Table 1.5 on pg. 23-24 (with GDP as a measure of power) and a world map, p
ID: 1153382 • Letter: U
Question
Using Table 1.5 on pg. 23-24 (with GDP as a measure of power) and a world map, pick a state and speculate about what coalition of nearby states might form with sufficient power to oppose the state if it became aggressive. Include a brief analysis of the elements of power and your estimation of the power of the states in question.
Many influences affect the course of international relations. Levels of analysis provide a framework forcategorizing these influences and thus for suggesting various explanations of international events. Examples include Global Level North-South gap World regions European imperialism Norms Religious fundamentalism Terrorism World environment Technological change Information revolution Global telecommunications Worldwide scientific and business communities Interstate Level Power Balance of power Alliance formation Wars Treaties Trade agreements GOs Diplomacy Summit meetings Bargaining Reciprocity and dissolution Domestic Level Nationalism Ethnic conflict Type of government Democracy Dictatorship Domestic coalitions Political parties and elections Public opinion Gender Economic sectors and industries Military-industrial complex Foreign policy bureaucracies Individual Level Psychology of perception and decision Learning Assassinations, accidents of history Citizens' participation (voting Great leaders Crazy leaders Decision making in crises rebelling, going to war, etc.) As the text relays, states form alliances to increase their effective power and alliances can shift rapidly, with major effects on power relations. Further, the most important single indicator of a state's power is GDP Seven great powers account for half of the world's GDP as well as the great majority of military forces and power capabilities.Explanation / Answer
Based on world map given and the contemporary diplomatic scenario at the global level,China evidently represents an interesting model to study considering it's one of the fastest growing economies and diplomatic intricacies that it presents in terms of its relationship with neighboruing countries.As a part of this report,first it would be reasonable to review some of the important economic indicators and political situation in light of this brief economic review we can examine it's diplomatic relationship with neighbouring states such as India,Pakistan,Bhutan,Nepal,Tibet,Hongkong etc.
Current Economic Overview
China is evidently one of the fastest growing economies in the world characterized by an extremely strong domestic laborforce,abundant capital resources,strong domestic and foreign investments,growing manufacturing sector and a positive terms of trade with most of its trading partners and having significant export revenue.In recent times the GDP growth rate of the country has achieved a commendable 6.7% with projections of higher growth rates in 2019.It is the world's second largest economy on the basis of nominal GDP and world's largest economy based on Purchasing Power Parity(PPP).The domestic economy of the nation can be described as Socialist Market Economy which initiated as a strong and absolute socialist economic regime with absolute control over means of production and mainly closed economy.The level of administrative control over economic activities has been traditionally high in China with a very strong public sector enterprising in the country.Very high levels of economic regulations and control over any private economic activities have been some characteristic features of the Chinese economy for a considerably long time.However, more recently with economic lberalization both at the domestic and international level China have been gradually moving towards the most promising market economy in the world with remarkable economic progress.From liberal international trade policies,higher levels of private investment in domestic economy and to the allowance of FDI insertion into the country have practically accelerated the economic growth in the country.
Brief Political Chronology
Now,coming to the political scenario in China,it has been long ruled by the People's Communist Party of China(CPC).The CPC is the major ruling party in China for several decades and would almost uncontestedly held the majoriry of votes in every national election.The "democratic structure" of the nation allows for political participation for other political parties which are politically weak and incompetent to the ruling party.Hence,although officially proclaimed as people's democracy,on many occassions the democratic values and principles of the country have been questioned on several occassions.In this regard,it has also been pointed out that the political and civil rights of the citizens have also been suppressed by the political authority thereby demolishing the democratic values that the country claims to stand on.In recent times excessive censorship of public and social media,internet activities and even public conducts has impelled many widespread protests and demonstrations.
Diplomatic and Milatry Scenario in South-Central Asia
In the light of its current economic and political scenario China exhibits an intriguing and a complicated diplomatic relationship with many of its neighboruing states.One of its neighbouring states,India is also another leading economic giants of the world with similar macroeconomic trends and growth patterns and thus,poses a major contending challenge to the country.A more profound analysis would reveal that such implicit economic competition is very much evident in the diplomatic policies and actions of both countries towards each other.Both countries have been vying for many of the economic and natural resources that they claim to be thirs such as distribution of water resources from Brahmaputra river which share the geographical area of both countries,capture of areas located in the bordering areas of both countries,unauthorized intrusion over Kashmir issue and so forth.To retaliate against many of China's aggressive diplomatic policies and actions,India have sought military and diplomatic cooperation from many of the neighboruing countries such as Nepal,Bhutan,Tibet and even US to constitute an allied force to capitulate China.In recent times,India's increasing inclination towards capitalist economy has attracted much diplomatic support from both US and Israel which has been consolidated by various bilateral economic and diplomatic treaties.
Now,other neighbouring states to China such as Nepal,Bhutan and Tibet are economically and militarily much weaker than China and are economically dependent on China in many ways.Hence, as a tactical move,China has consistently used the favours that it has offered to these countries as a weapon against possible oppositions.However, considering the economic and political grievances of people of Tibet against Chinese oppression,it can be expected that it might join an alliance with India but it would not be sufficient to form a strong alliance as Nepal and Bhutan have been traditionally reluctant to get into any such agreement due to their direct economic ties with China.Hence,any potential alliance against China does not seem to be practically feasible.On the other hand,Pakistan has a long history of military rivalry with India over Kashmir issue which does not seem to cease at least in the near future.Pakistan has been consistently using the implicit power rivalry between India and China to pull China to its favour regarding Kashmir issue.Therefore,on the contrary to many popular perceptions regarding "a third world war" involving Asian giants seems implausible considering the diplomatic intricacies that are still present in this part of the world.
The economic and diplomatic relationship between India and China have deteriorated on many occassions but given the extent of economic globalization in present time both countries would want to keep the relationship intact no matter how much it deteriorates.Hence,the diplomatic and political officials from both countries are aware that any amicable move in the future could completely jeopardize this relation and cause a subsequent war which is not at all desirable for both domestic and global economy.Furthermore,the constant reluctance of Nepal,Bhutan and Bangladesh to join hands ruins the possibility of any uniformed military assualt.In this context,it is extremely unlikely that Pakistan would make any move against China as it wants to maintain its diplomatic ties with China for future economic and military support mainly pertaining to Kashmir issue.
Hence,the diplomatic scenario in South-Central Asia is indeed a complicated one with two economic giants of the modern world lying next to each other.Therefore,very much aware of the economic might of China and India,other small neighbouring states are unlikely to infuriate any of the two countries mainly due to economic dependence,military power and future benefits.The agitations of Tibetan people against Chinese oppression does not seem to be a sufficient attribute to impel any war like situation is South Asian subcontinent.
Additionally,it must be emphasized that 3 of the major countries(India,China and Pakistan) in this region holds nuclear power and ideally on many occassion all these countries have already threatened a nuclear war as an intention to reveal their military might to each of them.Thus,any conflict situation in this region does come down to the matter of exhibition of power and might.Pertaining to Kashmir conflict,an impending nuclear war between India and Pakistan seems likely but highly improbable which applies to China as well.No country really wants to involve in any nuclear assault due to enormous economic and humanitarian loss it would incurr not only to them but to the entire world.This is a well known speculation that all these 3 countries are well aware of and any slight amicable action from any of these countries could possibly induce a nuclear conflict.Hence,what started as a economic cold war between India and China could be converted into minor invasion of lands or resources but is unlikely lead to any massive military undertaking.
Lastly,considering the military and diplomatic relations between China,Taiwan and Vietnam,it can be evidently stated that despite multiple multiple aggressive attempts made by China to militarily dominate these countries,a full fledged war is very much unlikely.Both Taiwan and Vietnam are again economically and diplomatically much dependent on China in many ways and are not able to launch any organized assualt against China.As stated above,the diplomatic scenario in South Central Asia would not allow any potential conflict situation which prevents these countries to form any possible alliance with India,Nepal,Bhutan etc. as well.Now,it is also evident that occassional Chinese occupation in parts of Taiwan and Vietnam around South China sea have impelled US to intervene in aid of these countries but it has only ended in an implicit cold war of military might and economic power.
Related Questions
drjack9650@gmail.com
Navigate
Integrity-first tutoring: explanations and feedback only — we do not complete graded work. Learn more.