Essay Example on East-Asian Realm: Monocentric or Polycentric?

Q2. Is East Asian Realm monocentric or polycentric? Why?

Geographic realms are entities that are dynamic, meaning that change is inevitable. Geographic regions are categorized as monocentric or polycentric. If only one political entity dominates the region territory wise, we refer to is as monocentric. On the other hand, for a polycentric, the organization and functioning of the realm are distributed among several influential regions. East Asia (China) falls under the monocentric divide.

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East Asia is among many other regions classified as monocentric. Regions like North America, Central, and South Asia are monocentric realms. They fall under the monocentric division because the presence of a single country entirely influences them. However, the southeast part of Asia is a bit difficult to categorize as monocentric because it has more than one country.

Q4. List three countries that are geographically blessed but failed to achieve development. Explain how they are geographically blessed and the reasons for their failure.

The existence of natural resources in a country can propel its economy towards economic development. Many states recognize the occurrence of its natural resources but have failed to exploit then well for sustained growth. Norway is one example of a resource-rich economy in its geography, but others like Nigeria, rich in her oil deposits, perform poorly. India and Venezuela are two other countries with significant oil exporters in the world but have failed to achieve development over the past decades.

Nigeria is arguably the most blessed country in Africa for many reasons, including its geography, climate, and natural resources. It is well connected to international trade routes and vast hydrocarbon wealth of over 30bn barrels of oil reserve. Venezuela in South America has an estimated $14.3 trillion worth of natural resources as compared to India, which is the fourth largest coal reservoirs contributing to over $106.4 billion in the mining industry a decade ago.

Despite the marvelous attributes of the three countries, Nigeria, Venezuela, and India, minimal economic breakthrough evident until now. The resource curse is accountable for many countries.

The most obvious reason for failure is the lack of accountability as a result of the easy resource revenue obtained from the natural resources through exports. This creates a staggering wealth that encourages corruption. Another reason that may be attributed to the failure is the rise of the country's exchange rate, thus injuring the non-resourceful sectors referred to as the 'Dutch disease.' Other reasons could be under development in different industries like agriculture during booming periods.

Q5. List three countries that are geographically cursed but successfully became a developed country. Explain how they are geographically cursed and the reasons for their success.

Many other countries are geographically cursed but have been able to exhibit development successfully. Russia, Botswana, and the United Arab Emirates are three of the many countries showing a remarkable growth rate despite the curse. Diamond argues that countries, especially tropical countries, are most affected by their geography. Poor soil quality, inaccessible routes to world markets, and diseases make development unsustainable.

In Russia, its land is expansively flat, making it easier for invaders to attack. Lack of its warm-water port makes trade into and out of Russia practically impossible. Botswana is geographically cursed with its gentle hills and flat terrain. Its population is majorly on the eastside because the west usually experiences harsh dust conditions from the Kalahari Desert. Similar to Botswana, the UAE has flatlands, large arid areas, and sand dunes in most parts. It has varied topography and high peak mountains in the east.

The three geographically cursed countries have succeeded over time for various reasons. Russia's success can be attributed to the fact that it is an essential supplier of oil and gas. Botswana managed to achieve long-term investment exceeding 25 percent of its Gross Domestic product, thus making a success. Effective leadership was vital, as illustrated by its diamond boom. The resource enriched United Arab Emirates account for its progress over time. Moreover, internal social activities such as literacy, job creation, and small foreign debts promote the achievement of the country significantly.

Q9. Can we observe a relationship between the length of being independent and the development level for countries with a colonial history? Why?

There is an evident relationship between countries with colonial history and the period they have since gained independence. Especially for African countries, which were colonized by the British and Europeans. Substantial change is notable in policies put in place and the performance of the nations. During the '80s, structural adjustment in the policy transit administrative means to market resource allocation. However, it became a bit stagnant before the price commodity boom by the Chinese. Take an example of the economy of Botswana, which showed sustained development over four decades since its independence in 1966. The country's recorded a 9.3% annual growth on average over the years. Most African countries did not have centralized political systems as Botswana, and though they did, later on, they were most at time unaccountable.

Essay Questions

Q2. Discuss how foreign aids affect developing countries' development. Are China's recent projects in Africa examples of Neocolonialism? Why?

Developing countries rely on foreign aid to mitigate some of the country's development plans. Despite receiving support from developed countries, many countries in Africa have failed to grow over the years. This raises the question of whether aid is indeed useful, or does it slow the socio-economic development of a country? On the positive side, foreign assistance has impacted some economies through increasing investment and import capacity. Developing countries have received technology equipment that has indeed promoted technical change for the country. Funding has reduced poverty levels and improved growth in many countries.

On the negative side, aid has resulted in overdependency leading to poor economic management and, to some extent, promoted corruption. Researchers argue that foreign aid increases corruption and erodes institutional quality; therefore, negatively impacting growth. The recipient country's government experience restricts spending from the volatile nature of charity. This, in turn, inhibits government expenditure to only essential development factors ignoring other factors that contribute to development. Some of the foreign aid also comes with stiff conditions that impede growth.

The economic model of colonialism after a country has achieved independence is referred to as neocolonialism. This model was common in Africa in the twentieth century. China's current engagement in Africa has sparked debate as a colonizer or just an economic development associate. Formulated policies in China's recent projects in Africa demonstrate colonialism in the modern age. This is because the system is founded on a mix of historical narratives. Three motivations drive Chinese- Africa investment; One is Africa's abundance in natural resources to propel China's economic development. Two, china as a leading export manufacture, Africa will provide a market to its products. Third, its development aid complements soft power and influence internationally. Beeson summarizes this example of Neocolonialism as Africa is providing a testing ground for China and its long-term economic impact.

On the other side of the coin, Chinese involvement in Africa could be an opportunity rather than a threat. Even though critics have conceptualized Chinese involvement in Africa as neocolonialism, the aspect of the unequal-equal partnership comes into practice. There are undeniable benefits that African countries can obtain from China projects. Chinese investors deliver fast on infrastructural developments which contribute to better regional integration. Furthermore, African countries could benefit from China's technology-savvy hence spearheading the digital revolution. My view is that China shows neocolonialism tendencies and considering Africa as weakling might easily dwarf its sovereignty.

Q3. To you, what are the major contributors to a nation's development? Ethnic homogeneity, the richness of natural resources, cultural uniqueness, geopolitical advantage, or the luck of having a great person? Why?

I think the significant contributors to a country's development has to be the natural resources and great people to govern the people. Quickly reflecting on the African countries endorsed with massive natural resources yet still have high poverty levels. From underground minerals to pleasant climatic conditions, many African countries should be on the global map as developed countries. Even with the required human resources to exploit these resources but lack of having great leaders makes it all useless.

Gross domestic product per capita is considered as the primary indicator of development. Ethnic homogeneity affects the development of an economy. During the colonial period, many countries remained ethically monogenous as a result of civil wars and instability. The migration trend was generally low as compared to now. Currently, the ethnic composition has extensively changed, bringing about ethnic homogeneity. Despite these changes, development in many countries is small, making it a minor contributor.

When someone mentions about culture, what immediately comes to mind is the origin. Oxford dictionary defines culture as "the quality of enlightenment and refinement arising from an acquaintance with and concern for what is regarded as excellent in arts, letters, manners built by people". I do not deny that culture as a pillar of development but I presume it is not a core pillar. The uniqueness of every culture in the world adds an intrinsic value to men and women in a particular region. Some authors agree that effort geared towards economic growth goes beyond technology advancement, investments, and stable geopolitical systems.

The geopolitical advantage is a contributor but not as much for sustained national development. This is because geopolitics is not a constant factor that can drive a nation's growth. Like after world war II, the geopolitical structure changed that enabled countries to become superpowers. Challenges in the twentieth century are not so daunting as in the past. Already established powers fear rising powers as this may threaten fundamental interest. All the above contributors considered; I instinctively think that abundance in natural resources coupled with great people form the core pillars of a nations socio-economic development.