Kyle and Colin Thursday Activity

Economic Profile: Panama

Panama: Greg, Emily, Tom

GDP: 87.2 million

GDP Growth: 5.8%

PPP: $21,800

Household Consumption: 51.3%

Government Consumption: 10.8%

GDP Composition:

Agriculture: 3%  Agricultural Products: bananas, corn, coffee, rice

Industry: 20% Industry: construction, brewing, cement/construction material

Services: 77%

Labor Force of 1.587 million

HDI (2014): 0.780 (average annual increase of 0.65%

• Life Expectancy at Birth: 77.6%
• Expected Years of Schooling: 13.3%
• Mean Years of Schooling: 9.3%
• GNI Per Capita (According to 2011 PPP): 18,192

 

Vietnam

Developing country: Vietnam
Currently a Communist country that is located in Asia
GDP (current US$) 2015: 193.599 Billion
Population 2015: 91,703,800
Poverty headcount ratio at national poverty lines 2014: 13.5
Life expectancy at birth 2014: 75.629
GNI per capita 2015: 1,980


Jenelle Joseph, Robert Krohe, Emily Kurchock

Bernicia, Mary Albert, Ryan - Peru Economic Portfolio

• HDI - 0.734
• GDP/PPP - 468 Billion
• Average Income Per Person - $13,735 per year

Economic Profile: Costa Rica

Sydnie Dempelein, Hannah Ranalli, Keyanna Colon

Costa Rica

HDI: 0.766 (rank 69)
Average income per person: $6,810
PPP: $12,900
GNi: $10,210

What the U.S. Doesn't Understand About BRICS

The US doesn't understand that just because BRICS isn't in the G8 that they are not an economic power to be included in G8 (now G7) affairs. It is important that the US creates a positive relationship with the BRICS countries because they are fast growing economies. The US should not underestimate the capabilities that the BRICS countries have.

What the U.S. Doesn't Understand About BRICS

I think the U.S. government, despite its apparent complete ignorance of many issues, actually has a solid understanding of foreign affairs and the BRICS countries.  I think the misunderstanding comes from U.S. citizens, who tend to misjudge and look down upon poorer countries, including the (comparatively developed) BRICS countries, despite their growing economies and populations.  Americans, not just the educated few, should understand that there is more to the worldwide power dynamic than the U.S. and a few countries in Europe, and should be prepared for the power swings coming in the next half century.

What The U.S Doesn't Understand About BRICS

What the US fails to recognize about BRICS is that it is vital for them to be recognized and their influence is paramount. Over time the economic powers are changing and more and more are emerging. These emerging economic powers would be vital in the expansion of influence if they were added to the G8. If this is done, the BRICS which are located geographically in places that the G8 isn't originally located would expand the power and influence and give countries from all over the world a voice in what the G8 does.

What doesn't the U.S. understand about BRICS?

The United States' main influence in the global economic spectrum is through its inclusion in the G8. Considering that the G8 is a group of all industrialized countries, they have come to underestimate the power and capabilities of BRICS. The U.S. has failed to understand that the fast growing economies and development that is currently taking place within all the countries that make up BRICS provides them with the potential to acquire power that will ultimately position them above the G8. The G8 and BRICS should join together to collaboratively tackle global problems.

What the U.S. Doesn't Understand About BRICS

The U.S. seems to underestimate the rising powers that make up BRICS. China is already one of the most powerful countries in the world, and the others are quickly rising to power as well. The U.S. doesn't seem to fully understand that these countries are going to be a centerpiece of the future of the world economy and the importance of joining forces with those countries to accomplish more together.

What the US doesn't understand about BRICS

While the G8 and it's participants contain much of the westernized/ developed countries of the world, what they don't understand is the concept of developING countries. While right now they hold the economic power over much of the world, the reality of a catch up is very possible. With China's booming economy and Africa's discovery of natural resources they are both, as well as many other countries in BRICS, likely to make strides economically very soon. Therefore, the G8 doesn't understand that by creating a divided world they will not hold the power for much longer. Instead, we must work together to fix the problems of our world.

What doesn’t the US understand about BRICS?

The United States’ involvement in the global economic arena (in this case, participation in the G8), makes them think that it has an understanding of how economies really impact where we are globally. What the United States fails to recognize is that BRICS represents the advanced economic development of the emerging national economies (which also plays a huge role in the global economic arena). The countries in BRICS should unite with the G8 in reference to the topic of global governance. Having these countries apart of the G8 would display the representation of those countries that are not geographically represented in the G8. The United States should develop an understanding that the economies of BRICS are just as powerful as those that are in the G8.

BRICS

The U.S. should understand how beneficial BRICS can be. Organizations like the G8 and BRICS should come together instead of being separate because more issues could be tackled if forces are combined.

BRICS - Tucker Douglas

What the United States does not understand about BRICS is effective strategies to benefit both the US and countries involved. As these countries grow, the US should be reaching agreements to help grow their economies, and work as an economic ally.

The US  seems to underestimate the power of BRICS. Joining forces with the upcoming powers of the world would probably be more beneficial than standing "against" them.

Kyle Dool, Will Schreiner, Robert Krohe, Tucker Douglas China-Africa Response

In recent decades, Sino-African economic relations have caught the attention of many other world superpowers. China has increased its flow of resources and aids into the continent in the hope that it can be the greatest beneficiary of the impending boom of the African economies. 

This probable boost to the Chinese government has raised red flags to a lot of other large economies, especially democratic Western ones. Some believe China is taking advantage of lax regulations and the vulnerability of African economies. China's form of "aid" is intertwined with trade deals that actually benefit all involved parties. China helps develop areas on the continent in exchange for a preferred trade partnership. This upsets countries like America because China is poised to take the top spot as the world's most dominant economy. Relations between the communist country and America and its democratic allies has never been perfect, and the possibility of China becoming the most dominant economic superpower is worrying. 

This partnership changes the economic structure because it elevates the economies of both China and Africa. The prospect of Africa becoming a more developed area with rising GDPs and trade is beneficial to the entire global economic system. As Africa begins to become a more relevant player throughout the globe, the economic structure shifts to become more balanced instead of dominated by Western powers. 

The addition of an emerging, increasingly successful economy, especially as large of a market as Africa, is undeniably beneficial to global economics, however the cost of a more powerful China is troubling to some. 

Tom, Greg, Ryan, Emily Chinese African Relations Post

How might the economic development of China lead to a bipolar world?
What are the changes in global economic structures?

Currently, the U.S. and Western countries are in power but as China's economy continues to grow and especially as its trade with Africa continues to grow it's possible that China will soon surpass all of the other countries. This has the potential of creating a lot of turmoil as democracy is the prominent government structure currently and for China to start to dominate would mean that a very different government structure: communism is prominent. This is dangerous because when people don't understand something, there is likelihood for conflict simply based on lack of understanding. The effect of communism of human rights is something to consider as well. Often, communist countries appear wealthy but its people aren't. The question comes, who benefits? When China or any other country begins trade with a less developed country you have to consider the demand of the country and what their goals are in "trading" or interacting with another country. What is the motivation? What influence will China's social policies have on other countries policy adoption?

Referring to the article, for example there is the danger of China's trade in Africa making it appear as if Africa's economy is growing but a lot of the growth is only benefiting the Chinese influence within the country? Another thing to consider is on "what side" Africa will land eventually considering the amount of influence it has from many countries. Will it pick one side or have a mix of the influences?

9/15 Participation Assignment

Patricia McLoughlin

Eve Jones

Mary Albert

Hannah Ranalli

Bernicia Guercio

Part of what could cause a bipolar world would be the anger of China’s advancements in Africa by countries like those involved in the G8. Large countries are comfortable in their roles of power and like to be seen as a more powerful unit then other countries, including China. The expansion of China’s economy may also cause a further divide throughout Africa. There already tensions within countries deciding who they want to align their relations with that do not want China to think that they are too high and mighty. So, an expansion of their economy and increase to China’s ego may discourage some countries from doing business with them.

As countries whose economies were once considered to be developing, like the countries involved in BRICS, grow further they will move up and see an increase in power within their organizations. China will also be trying to take up more space in Africa. African countries already are not happy with how China is using their land without giving the countries proper benefits and with their increase in power they may increase their influence even more. Other countries that are working with China will be pleased with increased benefits and trade with their grown economy. Overall, this could also add to the bipolar divide between countries.  

Human's Have Used All the Earth's Resources for the Year

This article highlights the continued lack of global sustainability practices. This year on August 8th, "Earth Overshoot Day" occurred. This is the annual day where we have used up all of nature's resources for the year, and everyday thereafter is us "overdrafting". Each year, this day occurs earlier and earlier, showing that we are continuing to use Earth's resources at an unsustainable rate. Currently, we need 1.6 Earth's to accommodate the world's resource usage, a figure that is obviously not one the Earth can endure forever. Our ecological footprint is steadily increasing, and there is a drastic need for new climate policies worldwide.

http://motherboard.vice.com/read/humans-have-used-all-the-earths-resources-for-the-year-overshoot-day?trk_source=homepage-lede

The Water Project

The Water Project is a non-profit organization that works to distribute clean water to less-developed communities around the world. A recent project of theirs was the installment of a rainwater catchment system in the Kavumbu Secondary School in Kenya, in addition to a hygiene and sanitation training for all kids. This now provides fresh drinking water and clean toilet water for all students and staff at the school. The community is extremely grateful for this installment because without clean water, it is difficult to run a school. Normally, the school has to buy water and charge the families for it, but now families feel safe sending their children to school and the faculty does not have to worry about meeting basic needs for their students. I find great interest in non-profit water organizations because the lack of fresh water is one of the biggest issues in our world that we actually have the power to fix!

https://thewaterproject.org/community/projects/kenya/rainwater-harvesting-hand-washing-stations-school-project-4501