Globalisation and the distribution of power

Globalisation has led to a shift in the balance of power in the world. There has been a shift away from political power to economic power as in the world today, decisions made by transnational coporations are often more important than those made by national governments. For example, the 1999 World Trade Organisation conference, where many of the rules of world trade were decided, was attended by many transnational corporations ad their representatives. Moreover, the countries that are the dominant economical force and also the dominant political powers, like the USA, China, Britain etc. When these countries control the flow of the money in the world, they are also manipulating the power of the other nations.

Taiwan is not able to grow into a strong like China, although it has the resources. It is because Taiwan is not able to be seperated from China, it is overshadowed by the power of China. China would turn against any countries that try to help or do business with Taiwan, this can be seen when US tried to boost the military powers of Taiwan and when Lee Hsien Long visited Taiwan.

Cuba is adopting China as its role model, but its trade of cigar (cuba's most abundant natural resources) is affected by their nearest world power, US. The US has closed its doors towards Cuba as it is still quite hardcore with its communism believes. Therefore, the only countries that is willing to help Cuba is China which is at the other end of the world. It is similar to the bilateral ties between China and Taiwan.

On the other hand, Vietnam is rapidly developing as it is following the footsteps of China, gradually getting out of the shadows of communism. Therefore, US is willing to do business with them, many US firms have relocated to Hanoi as the labour is cheap. With the help of the two world strongest powers, Vietnam will be able to emerge from its dark past and turn into a strong nation in South East Asia or even Asia.