Geopolitical Implications Of The Current Global Financial Crisis

摘要

Major economic upheavals do have geopolitical consequences. These are not necessarily enduring or irreversible. The geopolitical implications of a 'big bang' economic phenomenon may unfold over a longer period of time or may be quite dramatic. Much would depend on a complex range of both domestic and external political and social factors. Hence, it would be wrong to rush to any conclusion regarding the geopolitical implications of the current global financial and economic crisis. Further, the past need not always be a guide to the future, given the complexity of change that has already occurred or is underway across different parts of the world. Given all these caveats, it would be foolish to rush into judgement on the geopolitical consequences of the current global financial and economic crisis. The United States may yet bounce back or may slip into terminal decline. China may find itself more powerful, or more vulnerable. Nothing is inevitable. Much depends on the quality of political leadership, the 'learning by doing' effects, and the management of expectations. The challenge for policy makers is to anticipate events, learn from experience and shape expectations.