A tumultuous year
- By Chen Xiangyang
0 Comment(s)
Print
E-mail
Beijing Review, December 27, 2011
Emerging vs. industrialized economies
The changing international pattern has spurred competition between two economic power blocs—developed Western countries and emerging countries. The economic growth rate of emerging countries is now several times that of Western countries, and they are taking up an increasingly larger share of the global GDP. In the meantime, the status of Western countries is falling in the wake of their complex social and economic crises.
Emerging countries rely on theBRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) and BASIC (Brazil, South Africa, India and China) platforms, while Western countries rely on the Group of Eight and NATO. The two blocs have competed on a number of issues. For instance, on the Middle East turmoil, BRICS insisted on safeguarding state sovereignty and non-interference in internal affairs while the West intervened in Libya's civil war through the use of force and sought to dominate the "new Middle East."
The BRICS also disagreed with the West onthe selection of a new IMF managing director and capital injection into the fund with the aim of increasing the voice of developing countries in global economic governance. In addressing global climate change, emerging countries urged industrialized countries to fulfill legally binding greenhouse gas emission reduction targets, while developed countries tried to shun their responsibilities.
In 2012, the two sides will continue to compete in a wide range of areas. And emerging countries will make joint efforts to resist the Western powers' attempts to transfer their economic crisis to developing countries.
Harsh security situation
The international security situation was severe and complicated in 2011. Regional conflicts continued in hot spots around the world. Turmoil in the Middle East triggered military intervention from Western powers. The United States smartly toppled the Gaddafi regime by virtue of NATO forces. Terrorist activities are constantly on the rise in Afghanistan and its border with Pakistan. The security situation in the region is still worrisome10 years after the United States launched an antiterrorism war in Afghanistan.
The world arms race remains fierce as many countries are increasing their investment in new military equipment research and development. Though financially strained, the United States has continued to conduct research, development and application of sophisticated weapons, trying to maintain its military supremacy. Russia has vehemently opposed Washington's deployment of anti-missile systems in Europe.
The competition in cyberspace has heated up. The United States has tried to play a dominate role in cyberspace rule-making. It has also put cyberspace on a par with land, sea, air and outer space as a theater of war.
Non-traditional security challenges were also beyond count in 2011. The March 11 earthquake and tsunami and ensuing radiation leaks in Japan severely impacted the global industrial supply chain. The nuclear disaster has sparked widespread concern over nuclear safety. As many countries consider abandoning nuclear energy, the global energy industry faces adjustments.
Although U.S. forces killed Al Qaeda leader Osama Bin Laden in May, Western countries face mounting threats from homegrown terrorists. In the Middle East and South Asia, terrorist activities remain unchecked.
In addition, the overturn of the Gaddafi regime after it abandoned its nuclear program may complicate efforts to solve nuclear issues in Iran and North Korea.
Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)