Developing nations and superpowers Flashcards
What is China’s “One Belt One Road” initiative?
The belt refers to road and rail networks whilst the road refers to trade routes through various oceans. China has committed to investing into infrastructure projects such as hydropower and wind farms in Pakistan, nuclear power plants in Malaysia, a coastal expressway in Bangladesh and Gas and oil pipelines to China from Myanmar they have already spent over $900 billion on this initiative.
Promoting economic development in such countries will increase trade with China thus increasing wealth. it may also strengthen relationships between nations. however, China has been criticised of setting debt traps through tied loans and high interest. Additionally, most construction jobs are provided to Chinese workers, meaning it seems the initiative stands to benefit China more than other nations and increase its influence.
How is China investing in Africa?
in 2009, China invested more than $450 million in Zmabia’s mining industry. In 2010, Chinese managers of Zambian coal mines allegedly shot at least 11 miners who were protesting about poor working conditions and pay. Miners argued that their pay of roughly $100 per month was a problem as rentals cost $20 per month. Workers also lack face masks, safety shoes and their own clothes.
The Chinese government invested 4476 million in loans to Uganda for the construction of the 31-mile Entebbe-Kampala Expressway in Uganda. This a 4-lane highway connecting Kampala (Uganda’s capital) to the Entebbe International Airport.
The West fears that China are setting debt traps, through tied aid and high-interest loans for African nations, which will grant them more influence. Not only could this negatively affect public welfare systems, and infrastructure like healthcare and education, but it may also help China to challenge the US’s superpower status.
Why is the Middle East a highly unstable region with many conflicts?
Oil - The region is rich in fossil fuels with over 6% of the world’s crude oil exports originating from the Middle East
Religion - Despite Islam being the dominant religion in the region, there is both external and internal tensions between different followers of Islam (such as between the Shia and Sunni) as well as between entirely different religions ( Judaism in Israel and Islam in West Bank and Gaza)
Governance - Many of the Middle Eastern Nations are relatively new sates lacking strong democracies. This means religious and ethnic alliances are often ore powerful than national governments and seek to overthrow them.
History - Many Middle Eastern borders were drawn by colonial powers and don’t reflect the actual geography of religious and cultural groups
Youth - The Middle East has a relatively young population with high levels of unemployment and low levels of education. this makes rebellion likely
History of the Israel - Palestine conflict
Formerly part of the Ottoman Empire. A group of Arabs in the area developed a group of national identity. A group of Jewish people believed Judaism was deserving of a nation to escape persecution. When Britain took control over the region following the first World War they allowed Jewish immigration however then limited it in the 1930s due to conflicts between Jews and Muslims.
