A good starting point might be to ascertain which disputes have arisen in the South China Sea, in particular which disputes have received a lot of attention in recent years. It might also be worth examining whether the intensity of disputes has varied over time and why. Such information could refine the arguments developed to answer this question. The question deliberately invites you to reflect on the current level of intra-regional stability, begging the question as to whether the past--even the recent past--is a good guide to likely current and near term developments. In particular, do current shifts in geopolitical power presage different future developments? And what about the different ways in which disputes can be "managed" at the present time?
Categories
Topics
-
15018 -
It might be useful to start by reflecting on what the phrase "governance challenges" could mean and whether these matters are viewed the same in Beijing and in other national capitals. What tangible, empirical counterparts are there to the notion of governance? The question deliberately invites comparisons between Chinese experience and that of other countries, which in turn begs the question as to which countries make for good comparators? Countries at similar stages of development? Richer countries in earlier times when they had levels of development comparable to China's current level of development? Mention is also made of China's new leadership which surely begs the question how new really is China's new leadership and, if they aren't that new, whether their past indicates their likely future decisions and inclinations.
15017 -
What, if any, are the significant consequences of the global economic crisis for national politics? Illustrate your answer with reference to major contemporary political events.
The global economic crisis is now in its fifth year. Most countries electoral or governance cycles are five years long or shorter, raising the possibility that the wrenching economic pain and changes that have been felt in recent years might influence the behaviour of electorates and the strategies of political leaders and parties. This is your opportunity to identify, assess, and draw implications of linkages between the recent major economic setbacks and political dynamics. Subject to the approval of the Academic Board, insightful analyses will be published on the Project Firefly website. For further hints and tips or to discuss a topic click Discuss. To submit an essay click Write.
9900 -
The word "default" was first used 2400 years ago when several towns outside Athens could not repay their debts. This aside reminds us that it is not just central governments that can risk public sector insolvency. In this question you are encouraged to think through contemporary Chinese experience, in particular since the global economic crisis began in 2007, and to relate it to other countries that have had difficulties with local government debts, such as Argentina and Brazil.
8199 -
Every four years the US presidential election cycle receives plenty of worldwide news coverage. But just how important are the changes in the US federal administration for US foreign policy objectives? Whatever their differences, US presidential candidates may share certain values that are reflected in national foreign policy. At the same time, certain US allies may have different expectations on US foreign policy than others. The purpose of this question is to encourage analysts to think through the likely impact of the 2012 election, the timing of which alone may help pin down certain parameters.
7938