Reviewer

Geopolitics

Eastern Europe (Poland, Hungary, Czech Republic, Ukraine, Romania, etc.)

Iron Curtain – separated USSR and satellite nations; divided Eastern Europe

Russia – historically powerful in Eastern Europe

 In Eastern Europe, states were either ruled by USSR or Russia

Political Factors of Eastern Europe

 Diverse political systems from democracies to authoritarian regimes

Economic Factors of Eastern Europe

 Industrialization and development differ greatly in the region, some are fast-growing
while others continue to struggle

Socio-Cultural Factors of Eastern Europe

 Variety of language and ethnic groups which makes the population diverse

Techno-Scientific Factors of Eastern Europe

 Invests in digital infrastructure and innovation, increasing IT centres and startups

Environmental Factors of Eastern Europe

 Air pollution, lack of fresh water, and climate change as well as fossil fuel dependence
(coal and oil)

Legal Factors of Eastern Europe

 Variety of domestic and international legal frameworks

 European Union harmonizes legal systems for better integration

Military Factors of Eastern Europe

 11 countries in Eastern Europe are part of the 145 world powers with Russia ranking 2nd
 Ukraine is 15th in the said GFP
 Russia has the most powerful air force in Eastern Europe
 Defense and Security policies are shaped by membership in NATO
Eurasia – refers to the former single landmass composed of Europe and Asia; a sociopolitical
entity

 Eurasia does not only share physical landmass but also the overlap of culture and history

Eurasian Convergence Zone – composed of countries who were former allies of the Soviet
Union, Middle East and Central Asian countries

Major countries part of the zone: China, Russia, Ukraine, Germany, Mongolia

Common goal: Prevent the expansion of European and American domination in the region of
Eurasia, especially in periphery states

Russia in Eurasia – declined in power, thus why many communist states crumbled

Russia & Philippines

 Philippines is significantly impacted by Eurasia’s defense and security in terms of
regional stability and economic links (mainly cause of China and Russia)
 Involvement of China & Russia in the region may lead to an alter in power
 Philippines is affected economically because it imports oil from Russia and Central Asia,
so any conflict that would occur would disrupt PH supply chain
 Philippines benefits from the relationship with China and Russia because of the military
benefits (i.e. donating military equipment)
 Philippines benefit economically through the countries’ economic assistance via opening
new businesses and investing in the country

Transcaucasia Region – located in southern Caucasus Mountains (Black Sea – West, Caspian
Sea – East, Iran – South)

Countries: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia

 Boasts diversity due to the variety of ethnic groups that it covers

 Shaped by conquests from Persian, Ottoman, and Russian empires as well as World War
I impact
 Geopolitical Significance: Located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia – vital for trade,
commerce, and cultural exchange (serves as a bridge)
 Diplomatic and Economic Engagements: EU, US, and China are close to the region
which provides economic development and financial aid
 Organizations: Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), Black Sea Economic
Cooperation (BSEC)
 Why is it wanted? - strategic location, various energy resources, and ideal transportation
routes (they have lots of seas around them which make for efficient transportation)

Conflict in the Region: Nagorno – Karabakh Conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the
Nagorno – Karabakh region
East Asia Pacific Rim Periphery

Taiwan

Political:
 First governed by China, then Japan, then China, and then the Kuomintang.
 Only 13 nations recognize Taiwan as a sovereign state and China continues to put
diplomatic pressure on other countries to not recognize Taiwan as sovereign.
 Want to remain ASEAN and APEC special trading ties

Economic

 Leading player in ICT

 16th largest exporter, 17th largest importer; one of the biggest holders of foreign exchange
reserves
 40% of Taiwan exports go to China, second to Japan

Socio-cultural

 Class-based, hierarchical, patriarchal society but is egalitarian in education

 Clan-oriented and feudal society of Japan had an influence on its military
 Chinese immigrants of Taiwan prioritized security and business
 Modernization process led to a less cohesive family
 Tradition of filial piety remains
 People are mostly Buddhist and Taoist

Techno-Scientific
 Smart Taiwan 2030 Vision (“Make Taiwan innovative, inclusive, and sustainable)
 Industrial Technology Research Institute and national Applied Research Laboratories
played a significant role in launching the country as a technological powerhouse (ITRI
has 9 Edison Awards)

Environmental
 Climate Change – increase in surface temp due to greenhouse gas emissions results into
extreme weather events
 High Pollution of Taiwan Water Systems
 Rapid Loss for Natural Habitats for Development

Legal
 Legislative Yuan (enact legislation), Executive Yuan (publish regulation and directives)
 Codes of law are derived from traditional Chinese law
 94/100 in the Freedom index (Taiwan is one of the most free countries in Asia)
North Korea

Political
 Communist [Democratic People’s Republic of Korea]
 Korean Workers’ Party – controls the government
 Socialism and Communism practices in replacement of Marxism – Leninism
 Premier – In charge of the government; Kim Jong-il, KWP, and the military are the true
people in-charge

Economic
 Abundance of mineral and industrial resources
 Agriculture is what they lack
 Achieving food and industrial self-sufficiency and high military expenditures caused a
blow to its economy
 Ranked last in the economic freedom (2.9)
 Autocratic government

Socio-cultural
 Juche – the nation’s daily ideology; unwavering devotion to cultural uniqueness,
productivity of the working class
 Modes of expression: Negative portrayal of the west, Japanese as imperialists,
revolutionaries as morally impure
 Religious freedom is scarcely guaranteed

Techno-Scientific
 21st century = IT Era
 Workers’ Party of Korea new slogan: “Focus on science and technology in building a
powerful and prosperous nation”
 New wi-fi venture: Mirae
 Intelligent home system

Environmental
 Pollution
 Deforestation

Legal
 Article 1 – govt is an autonomous socialist country
 NDC (National Defense Commission) – de facto highest state organ
 World’s least democratic country according to freedom index

Defense and Security

 Core components of military are superior to SK but are of worse quality
 Weapons are outdated
 Has 4 air divisions
INDOCHINA

Vietnam

Political
 Socialist republic
Economic
 From poor to middle-income through transition to a market economy
 An emerging nation in EA
Socio-Cultural
 Family and clan are valued (clan is the most significant social unit, has an altar and a
patriarch)
Techno-Scientific
 Le Xuan Dinh advocated for giving investment in science and technology utmost
importance
 Technology and Innovation
 44th/132 in the Global Innovation Index
Environmental
 Water and Air pollution
 Major contributor to solid residential waste
Legal
 Inherited from French civil law system based on socialist legal theory
 Constitution – most important legal system of Vietnam
Defense and Security
 19th in GFP index
 Requires all young people to enlist in the military
 Relies on weapons and equipment from USSR

Cambodia
Political
 Mulit-party democracy with constitutional monarchy
 Prime Minister – In charge of Royal Government, King – Head of State
Economic
 Driven by textile exports and tourism
 Composed of service and agriculture (products: Cassava, maize, rubber, and rice)
 Clothing goods – main manufacturing industry
Socio-cultural
 Places high value on family, religion, and diverse customs
 Event-focused than time-focused

Techno-scientific
 Internet users are at 50%
 Comprehensive Programme to Enhance Technology, Engineering, and Science Education
– a regional flagship initative
  Significant mobile connection

Environmental
 Deforestation
 Coastal ecosystem is being ruined
 Urbanization is too quick than Cambodia can keep up with

Legal
 Supreme law = constitution
 Contract law (Vietnam) had impact to Cambodian law
 Legal system is based on French civil system
Defense and Security
 106th in the GFP index
 Ministry of National Defence is in charge of everything
 National Committee for Maritime Security serves as the coastguard

Laos

Political
 Socialist one-party state ruled by the Lao People’s revolutionary party (Marxist)
 Heavily influenced by Vietnam
 Capital: Vientiane

Economic
 Laos is one of SEA’s least developed nations
 9th Social Socio-Economic Development Plan – achieve Sustained, Inclusive Economic
Growth with Reduced Economic Vulnerability
Socio-cultural
 Lao Loum is also known as lowland Lao
 Hmong and Mien tribes
 Lao sung dwell in harsher mountains due to shortage of land
Techno-Scientific
 Ministry of Science and Technology in charge in formulation and implementation of
S&T policies
Legal
 Fusion of fundamental principles of civil law, communist law, and ethnic traditions of
Lao people
 Fostering relationship with other countries for direct foreign investment
 Supreme People’s Assembly and the President of the State adopted the constitution in
1991
Defense and Security
 115th in the GFP index
 Changed from guerilla to conventional military organization
 Lao People’s Armed Forces are under the direct control of Defence and Public Security
Commission (DPSC)
  President = LPAF’s supreme commander

Linking Australia to Asia-Pacifica

 Australia used to have an Asian exclusion policy
 As the geopolitical reality shifted after World War II when Japan was part of the Axis
Powers, Australia quickly fostered a relationship with Japan
The Asia-Pacific Rim
 Members: South Korea, Taiwan, Japan, Philippines, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand,
Indonesia, Brunei, Timor-Leste, Papua New Guinea, Australia, New Zealand, and other
islands such as Palau, the Federated States of Micronesia, Guam, the Solomons, Vanatau,
the Marshalls, Guam, and the Northern Marianas
 Exclusions: Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia – because they lie within China’s geostrategic
orbit
 Binding Force: Dependence upon the security of American military
 A part of the maritime realm that holds potential to be an independent power due to
influences in its east (US Military) and west (China’s economy)
 Considered as a region of trading states
 What is lacking
 A strong, definitive core
 Political Integration
 The competitive advantage:
 Maritimity resulting in abundant resources and favorable climate as well as more
efficient modes of transportation when it comes to trade (state that this is backed by
the Sea Power Theory)
Defense and Security of Australia in relationship with the Asia-Pacific Rim
 Australia is dubbed as a lucky country due to their location
 Their location is a double-edged sword, being isolated from the rest of the world, “Land
Down Under”
 Australia lacks in the defense and security due to its disproportionate country and
population size
 During the Pacific War, Japan was the country that was most threating to Australia
 Australia back then had an excessive dependence on Britain’s protection which resulted
in lack of training, budget, and equipment in case of attack
 It was only in 1937 that Australia paid full attention to their military due to the European
War.
 In 1938, Japanese threat became even more apparent, heightening the anxiety and fear of
former Australian Prime Minister Joseph Lyons which resulted in a campaign for
preparation of Australia’s security and defense
 By 1939, most of Australia’s troops were sent to the Middle East and Europe to support
Britain while Japan was busy in their invasion of China
 By 1941, when Japan entered the war as part of the axis powers, most of Australia’s
defense and security were not in the country
 Only the 8th Division Royal Australian Navy (RAN) was Australia able to send to Malaya
when the Japanese attacked
  Sir Iven Mackay, in cooperation with General Vernon Sturdee was tasked to ‘correct the
misdirection of the Australian defense forces in the face of Japanese threat’
 Citizen Military Force, Permanent Military Force, the Returned Sailos’ Soldiers’, and
Airmen’s Imperial League of Australia, Volunteer Defense Corps, Women’s Auxiliary
Air Force, Australian Women’s Army Service
 During the eve of the Pearl Harbor Attack, Australia was only able to send 13 combat
units under the Royal Australian Air Force with no modern firefighter aircraft
 Australia was underprepared when it comes to how to defend their country had the
Japanese attacked them
 An analysis was done by the Australian Chiefs of Staff after the attack to which they
found that they would benefit from strengthening their relationship with Japan
 Today, Japan and Australia are intricately linked because they are cooperating in fighting
a bigger enemy which is China
 Shangri-la Dialogue
 Joint Declaration Agreement
 Reciprocal Access Agreement
 Australia’s reason for its opposition towards Chinese influence is China’s intervention in
its domestic politics

PESTELM Analysis

Political
 Australia’s abandonment of the Asian exclusion policy made it more welcome to Asian
immigrants which developed their relationship with Asia-Pacifica for the better
 The diplomatic relationship of the two regions started when Japan became a huge threat
to Australian security
 It became even more tight-knit when China became the common enemy
 The two are closely linked with each other in terms of political affiliations such as
ASEAN, APEC though Australia is not a direct member – they are a direct beneficiary of
the market opportunities afforded to the region by these organizations
 However, Australia also has a hard time connecting politically to other countries in the
region which are clouded with political unrest such as the Solomons

Economic
 The rise of economy in Asia is a double-edged sword (explanation: it has the opportunity
to take advantage of the rise of Asian economies and integrate with it but at the same
time faces the challenge in the sense that they need to be flexible or they face the risk of
being isolated)
 Australia must find the perfect balance in their actions to avoid falling out with the region
 Exports on Pacific countries, specifically Australia have increased by 169% or $9.6
Billion due to the development of Asian economy
 Asian economy is small, thus there is a need for niche markets to be established in Pacific
Islands
 Australia lacks efficient transportation and skilled workers though as opposed to the
Asian region
  The lacking skilled workers is filled by Asian immigrants

Sociocultural
 Diversity of Australia and Asia-Pacifica play a significant role in shaping both regions
 Immigration Pattern help shape Australia’s demographic landscape
 The diversity due to immigrants helped shape Australia to become a multicultural society
 Asian cuisine, music, and the like are evident in the influence of Australia

Technological
 Asia, specifically Japan is the number one country that comes to mind when it comes to
technology.
 Japan and Australia are huge manufacturers
 Weaker states such as the Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia, South Korea, and the like
provide raw materials. (Philippines” high-tech goods, hardware and development of
software, South Korea for transportation equipment, Indonesia for batteries of motr
vehicles, Thailand for engines)

Environmental
 The two regions, due to their geographical proximity, share almost the same
characteristics.
 Problems that they share are transboundary pollution and biodiversity conservation.

Legal
 The Asia-Pacific region is too broad to talk individually about each and every legal link,
thus I will only talk about general things
 Foreign Policy of Australia towards countries in the Asian-Pacific rim and vice versa are
the focus of the legal link between the two regions
 Dispute resolutions, extraditional treaties are created in relation with most countries in
Asia-Pacifica
 International Legal Cooperation is another aspect that links the two regions in a major
sense in the legal aspect; Japan is actually the 2nd major world donors of overseas
development

Military
 To reiterate, US Military protects the whole Asian-Pacific Rim
 The first military tie of Australia to Asia-Pacifica is their involvement in the ANZUS
Treaty, and then SEsATO, involvement in the Iraq War, and more.
 Today, Asia-Pacific security depends on Japan’s decision as to whether they will accept
being a leader of Asia-Pacific’s security or not
 This is a pressing issue because of Japan’s current policy towards Pacifism
 Constitutional Change, Budget Increase, Equipment and Training Increase are all needed
if Japan is to accept the leader status of Asia