Abstract This paper examines the factors affecting globalization in China, and compares and contrasts the cellular phone market in China with that of Russia. The paper discusses the effect of the economic disparity between urban and rural Chinese.
From the Paper "China has had a relatively stable political system in place since the Second World War but upheaval in the political environment has occurred now and again ..."
Abstract This paper discuss a major scholarly work that examines the eventful history of Russia, Central Asia, and Mongolia. It analyzes David Christian's text, "A History of Russia, Central Asia and Mongolia" and focuses on how climactic realities of the European continental interior produced insulated "warrior" states that were alternately insecure and intrepid in their pursuit of glory and tribute. It describes the toughness of the climate and the curious geography of the continental interior.
From the Paper "David Christian has done a marvelous job of capturing the manner in which topography, climate and a few well-placed mountain ranges can produce militarism, insularity, suspicion and, in the case of Russia, comparatively sparse populations. Courtesy this investigation, it becomes evident that many of the unflattering characteristics westerners ascribe to both the Russians and Chinese today are the products of hardscrabble existences in an environment that facilitated military struggle. Beyond that, the geography and topography of Inner Eurasia locked these peoples off from the outside world in such a way that they became insular and inward-looking - a sure prescription for the sort of paranoia and xenophobia that often drives military expansionism and preparedness. In the end, just as scholars once thought that biology determined destiny, so too may it be said that the history of Inner Eurasia has been remarkably shaped by geography."
This paper discusses the relationship between the U.S.S.R. and the Mongolian People's Republic in the latter half of the 20th century and the effect the People's Republic of China had on this relationship.
3,729 words (approx. 14.9 pages), 7 sources, 2003, $ 103.95
Abstract This essay looks at the benefits Mongolia and the former U.S.S.R. stood to gain from their relationship with each other. The political, ideological, strategic, geographical and industrial perspectives of both countries are considered. Also considered are the feelings of the Mongolian people towards the Chinese, and how these feelings may have been manipulated.
From the Paper "The relationship between the USSR and the Mongolian People's Republic in the latter half of the 20th century is one that has its roots in a time before the creation of either Communist state. Chinggis Khan's Golden Horde had subjugated areas of Russia many centuries earlier. Russian letters from the mid 19th century proposed preparing a plan to annex Mongolia to Russia should the Manchu overlords ever withdraw into their Manchurian homeland. The Mongols had even appealed to the Russian Tsar for help whilst the Manchu ruled as the Qing dynasty. The crucial point though, is the early 20th century, when the relationship became more one of Elder Brother Younger Brother status, than one with views to colonization. This period formed the basis to a tight bond between the two countries lasting until the fall of the Soviet Union in the early 1990s."
Abstract The paper relates that Russia has lost political power and economic strength since the collapse of the Soviet Union and Japan is arguably less relevant than it once was, with a slowing economy and a modest defense budget. The paper reveals, however, that China has a large labor supply, a hot economy and growing military and diplomatic strength. The paper therefore concludes that in the post-Cold War era China has emerged to become the world's second superpower.
Outline:
Russia's Post-Soviet Power
Japan Strong but Possibly Fizzling
The Case for China Conclusion
From the Paper "Following the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, conventional wisdom dictated that the United States was the sole, remaining global superpower. With the world's largest economy and defense budget, and the ability to influence events worldwide, there is little doubt the U.S. remains the world's most powerful country. But in the post-Cold War era, which country is the world's second most powerful, filing some of the power vacuum left by the demise of the Soviets?"
Abstract This paper examines how the antagonistic foreign relations between China and Japan during the 19th century were a function of many factors that ultimately resulted in the weakening of China and the strengthening of Japan. It looks at how there is little doubt that the factors which precipitated the aggression of Japan against the Chinese were as much a function of Japanese opportunism as the concern and impact resulting from European influence and Russian expansionism on China. It discusses how the relationship between the two Asian nations is a complex tapestry involving threads from many other nations both regional and global.
Outline
Introduction
Influencing Conditions in China Key Events that Increased Tensions
Major Aggression against China Conclusion
From the Paper "Feudal China during the Manchu period was capped off with the rise of the Ch'Ing Party which was consumed with preservation and maintaining power. These characteristics may have played not only a role in shaping the years in which the group held sway but may have also been part of the reason for the its eventual defeat. During the Manchu period China had been provided with impressive cultural and national growth in population and land however, toward the end of the period the feudal system was unable to contain the growing unrest in the country. Much of the dissatisfaction among the masses was the result of famines and floods which led to considerable strife in the nation. This turmoil caused significant instability and resulted in several rebellions such as the Taiping and Nien rebellions toward the end of the Manchu dynasty. These rebellions weakened the nation and helped to create a vulnerability of the Chinese state that had not previously existed."
Abstract This paper discusses the Chinese Communist Party's (CCP) "general line" (zongluxian) for "socialist construction" (shehui zhuyi jianshe) which emerged during a period in which the initial years of the transitional phase of "socialist transformation" were proving some considerable success. It examines how the period of so-called "socialist transformation" of China during 1953 to 1956 represents a reasonably stable and successful phase of the ongoing revolution carried forward by the CCP. It looks at the progress that was made in the spheres of agricultural production, heavy industry and mining,and the expansion of education facilities.
From the Paper "Soviet norms of development are reiterated by Li throughout his speech and, on the whole, this is not at all surprising. Following the period of reconstruction, the phase of socialist transformation (1953-1956) is perhaps best characterised by the consistency with which the majority of the CCP leadership subscribed to those norms. Borrowing from the Soviet Union was also reflected in the extent of practical Russian participation in the form of financial aid and scientific and technological guidance. In 1955, Li announced the start of 694 "above-norm" construction projects, stating that a core of 156 of these were Russian-designed; in fact, many of the projects were not only designed in the Soviet Union, but also managed and run by Russians in China or Russian-trained Chinese."
Abstract This paper gives a historical overview of the events that led up to the abolition of serfdom in Russia in 1861. It details the historical process before and after this period, giving the reader an overview of the situation at the time. It evaluates important historical events such as the unsettled economical conditions, agriculture, peasant revolts, and the Crimean War that led to the emancipation of the serfs. It details the social, political and economical state the Russia was in during this period.
From the Paper "In the first half of the nineteenth century, Russian society was founded on the nobility, the privileged landowners who were supported by the serfs. As the nineteenth century progressed, serfdom as an economic system was less able to satisfy the needs of the Russian Empire, and during this period, the country's economy and agriculture was in crisis, serfs frequently rose up against their masters that eventually led to the war. In order to understand the abolition of serfdom in Russia it is necessary to evaluate important historical events such as the unsettled economical conditions, agriculture, peasant revolts, and the Crimean War that led to the emancipation of the serfs."
Tags: 1861, abolition, peasant, Russia, serfdom, emancipation, Crimean, war, 19th, century, economy
Examining the reasons for one party being in power in Russia for several terms, despite the economic depression that has existed since the fall of Communism and the installment of democracy.
Abstract This paper examines the factors that have contributed to the election of the same political party in Russia since the fall of Communism. Russia has been in an economic depression since the fall of the Soviet Union, yet the same party is re-elected through democratic vote. The reasons for this puzzling outcome are discussed in this paper and identified as using democracy to purge the conservative communists of their rank, old elites regaining state control and loyalty of those counting the votes. Each factor is discussed in great detail along with its contribution and impact on the electoral outcome. This paper is ideal for anyone, from a Russian politics expert to a curious novice.
From the Paper "Mikhail Gorbachev, along with the Soviet leaders was the first to introduce semi competitive elections into the USSR and then later Russia. Although elections are a focal point of a democracy, they were not initiated by Gorbachev for this use. "The goal of these elections was to purge the conservative ranks of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union (CPSU) from their positions of power within state structures as a way to liberate these state institutions and thereby make them available as instruments by executing Gorbachev's economic reforms" (McFaul and Petrov, 24). The existing powers of the Soviet Union at the time of the introduction of democracy were all communists, who held high political ranks. In order for Gorbachev to implement his reformation of the economy, these political figures needed to be removed from their ranks, otherwise there would be great opposition to the changes planned. When these leaders were removed, the state organizations were free from communist control and could be used in any way that Gorbachev desired."
Abstract This paper discusses the importance of the WTO in globalization and free trade and focuses on its benefits to Russia. It also examines Russia's position on the Ukraine and the Ukrainian government. Includes outline.
Abstract This paper presents a discussion of economic reform in post-Soviet Russia and the prevalence and impact or organized crime that has continued to grow with the market economy there. Billions of dollars have left the former USSR; criminals have infiltrated most institutions and control approximately half of the national economy.
From the Paper "Organized crime thrives in particular environments, as in post-Soviet Russia's capitalist economy of administrative ineffectiveness and inefficiency. For example, Russian businesses have required operation licenses from the state, as opposed to just registration, as in Western Europe. Bottlenecks have promoted bribery with officials refusing to process licenses, on demand, in danger. In much greater ways, full-fledged crime involves a large sector of the Russian economy, and its capital. A weaker central government and adjustment to a market economy promote increased criminal activity. One sees remarks on Soviet conditions having made a Russian culture of 'cheating' as the only way to advance, or obtain housing, goods."
Abstract This paper uses the DemocraticAudit.com website in order to to audit democracy in Russia. The paper assesses whether the principles of democracy outlined by the site are being honored and administered in Russia as it emerges from its totalitarian past. These principles are identified in four blocks: Citizenship, Law and Rights; Representative and Accountable Government; Civil Society and Popular Participation; and Democracy beyond the State.
Abstract This paper examines what life is like for the average person in Russia from a social, economic and cultural point of view since the collapse of the Communist rule. It shows how the potential small business market has been booming due to holes left in the economy. The paper also discusses health care and education and moves on to the state of the government and their move to democracy.
From the Paper "What kind of life you have in present day Russia will depend on your source of income. Since Glasnost (which means "openness"), one is reminded of the Chinese character for ?crisis,? which consists of the characters for "danger" and ?opportunity.? Russia has experienced both positives and negatives since Glasnost that have impacted on the everyday life of Russian citizens. How Glasnost affects any one citizen, however, depends on how he or she fits into the new economy. Those who are tied to the Russian government, such as military people, have suffered under Glasnost. The government does not have enough money to pay military salaries, and both officers and enlisted men have gone without salaries for months at a time."
This paper examines "Big Dragon China's Future: What it Means for Business, the Economy, and the Global Order" by Daniel Burstein and Arne de Keijzer who both contend that China is well on its way to becoming the world's largest economy.
Abstract This paper reviews Burstein and de Keijzer's "Big Dragon China's Future: What it Means for Business, the Economy, and the Global Order" in which both authors predict that by the 2030s China will be the world's largest economy. This paper discusses the various companies that have suffered due to the shifting politics of foreign policy between China being in favor one day and out the next. This paper also details the views of Jeffrey Garten, a writer for "Harvard Business Review" who sees China as enticement for foreign investors, yet stresses caution should be used in developing any business relationship with China. This well-written paper covers several areas regarding China's economy including a U.S. initiative supporting China's membership in the World Trade Organization, expansion of U.S. public-private partnerships to invest and help solve particular problems in China and development of China's policy mutually with U.S. allies. "Big Dragon" profiles many individual Chinese entrepreneurs and others who are bringing a new China into being. This paper also focuses on Zhang Wei, one of China's more successful entrepreneurs, who went from government researcher to heading a company employing 400 in only three years. Despite the differences between practices in China and other countries, many corporations are willing to take a big gamble on China, seeing that their future is dependent on their performance in China.
From the Paper "Over the course of his history, Zhang has captured the essence of the Chinese business world of "catch-as-catch-can". His corporation has various types of holdings, often-different one from the other. Zhang has bridged the gap across the Pacific with the United States with his position of "master franchise holder in China" of an American company, Fun World. What makes this situation particularly unique is that it is one of the first companies in China "to buy an interest in a U.S. company." At the time Big Dragon was written, Zhang was "negotiating an arrangement that would shift manufacturing of all the equipment for the centers to China." Zhang hopes to take the U.S. company over altogether, including the export of the concept to "other countries and selling the franchisees Chinese-made equipment." Zhang has encountered some problems along the way, problems that are compounded by China's culture and lack of laws, which govern specific business issues. One is that franchisees have stolen the company name and have opened their own centers."
Abstract This article serves as a discussion of Russia's attempts to try to keep vestiges of the Soviet sphere of influence in the Caucasus region. The writer looks at Russian economic policy toward the Transcaucasian states. The complications of each state and the Russian response are also discussed in this paper.
From the Paper "Since the demise of the Soviet Union, Russia has pursued a policy of attempting to keep former Soviet republics within Moscow's sphere of influence. Perennially concerned about invasion, Russia had created a buffer zone between itself and potential adversaries through the Soviet period. In the west Ukraine Belarus and the Baltic states of the Soviet Union as well as the Warsaw Pact nations of Eastern Europe insulated Russia proper ... "
