Hans Rosling and the "developing world"

Hans Rosling is a doctor that utilizes the quantitative approach to global health and development in an entirely new and interesting way.  He founded the non-profit Gapminder and his first TED talk "The best stats you've ever seen" in 2006 is a great introduction to the data service and shows some misconceptions people have about the so-called "developing world."  This is one of the most informative, enlightening and entertaining TED talks out there about global issues.  Watch his latest TED talk here before you answer the questions below.

After watching both Rosling talks and reading chapter 9 in Oneil on LDCs and NICs, do you agree more with Rosling or Oneil about the categorization of countries into developing and developed?  Or do you think that what they say is similar?  Explain the similarities and differences you find in their arguments and point anything you agree or disagree with.  Let me know of any other links or info you think might be helpful to this discussion.

The Cold War - 2014 edition

The increasing involvement of the Russian military in Crimea, a pro-Russian region of Ukraine with strategic importance because of it's location on the Black Sea, has caused many to fear the renewal of Cold War tensions, uncertainty and brinkmanship.  Obviously this situation is different in that Russia is no longer the superpower it once was (although Putin likes to think they are), but it still bears striking similarities.  Russia has, in the last few days been playing a difficult diplomatic and military chess game.  They have brought in troops for "self-defense" of ethnic Russians and have since withdrawn, stating that military action would be  a 'last resort.'  Meanwhile, the US and EU have been in talks to draw up sanctions if Russia continues to involve themselves in what the West views as a legitimate overthrow of a corrupt Ukrainian government.  Putin disagrees, calling it an "unconstitutional coup."

What are your thoughts?  Read up here or really anywhere, as it is an international headline, and post any insights or comments that relate to what we have been learning in class.

Ai Wei Wei - "Never Sorry"

I hope you enjoyed the documentary and it gave you an inside look at the different methods and tools of the Chinese government in exercising authority over their citizens.  

1. For you, what was the most alarming method of repression by the Chinese government?  Did anything surprise you about the coercion and surveillance methods?

2. For you, what was the most memorable, impactful or emotional protest/installation/art piece of Ai Wei Wei?  Why did it have an impact on you as an individual?

3. What role can the internet (specifically Twitter) play in speaking out against authority?  Are the Chinese governments restrictions on internet usage helping them to stay in power or only highlighting the abuses of their power?  Explain your reasoning.

4. Why are judicial independence and free speech such important elements of a free society according to Ai Wei Wei?

A different kind of threat in China

Largely because of it's rapid industrialization and economic growth, China has been battling pollution problems (to put it mildly).  Do you think the economic benefits that come with economic growth outweigh the negative externalities (pollution, lower standards of health) that come with it?

Here is an article about the Chinese media spin on the smog crisis, and the pursuit of possible solutions.  What does this say about the state run media?  What about the business opportunities created form this misfortune?

Yanukovych ousted, his house seized, while uncertainty looms in Ukraine

Former President of Ukraine Viktor Yanukovych fled Ukraine over the weekend after his power was officially taken away by the Ukrainian parliament.  He fled his home (which has become a physical symbol of the corruption and excess he claimed he was fighting) which has been handed over by the police to the armed protesters.  His whereabouts are still unknown, but for this post I want you to focus on the reaction of Russia and the difficulty many of these former Soviet republics have had in implementing democracy.  Read the four highlighted articles above and answer the following questions.

1.  Do you agree with the mass murder charges against Yanukovych?  Should he be held responsible for the deaths of the protesters?

2.  What are some reasons why the eastern part of Russia is still expressing support for closer ties with Russia?  Is it purely geographical, historical, religious, ethnic, etc.?  Explain your reasoning.

3.  What role do you think Russia should play in this new revolution?  Should they be involved at all?  Why or why not?

Any other questions, comments, or sources are welcome.  

What do you think?

In this controversial TED talk, Eric Li proposes that there is more than one way to run a modern nation.  Essentially he argues that China's one-party system is not as bad as everyone seems to think, and in fact is in many ways better.  In it he challenges the assumptions of the West about the Chinese government.  Watch the talk, considering the following questions and post your responses (one question-one post).  Also, keep in mind this is simply a mechanism to discuss some of the concepts we talk about in class so please keep it civil in your posts.

1. Generally, do you buy his idea that the Chinese one party system is based on adaptability, meritocracy and legitimacy?  Specifically cite the flaws or merit of the evidence he uses in his theory.
2.  Is the party organization in China a "human resources machine" as he claims?  Does the statement claiming that George Bush and Barack Obama couldn't have made a small county manager in China's system make his point about the merit of the party organization?  Why or why not?
3. Do you think the optimism of the Chinese people, especially the youth about their future helps to prove his point about the legitimacy of the Chinese regime?  Why or why not?
4.  What is one major issue that he largely avoids throughout the talk that many people would point to as evidence to nullify many of his arguments?

UN report on North Korean human rights abuses/unfathomable cruelty and oppression towards their people

Breaking news about the UN report on North Korea highlights the human rights abuses of the totalitarian regime.  These findings from the commission explain in horrific detail how this totalitarian regime continues to brutally maintain their power over their people.  The report is being handed over to the ICC for possible criminal charges.