The nation of Sweden opened her doors to tens of thousands of immigrants from Iraq and Somalia respectively, however, today many people are questioning this policy.  At first, Sweden welcomed many Iraqi nationals, many who were Christians fleeing Islamic violence, but after taking in more than 40,000 from the former Iraq alone, and from other nations, then now tensions are emerging.  So will Sweden tighten up her laws in order to maintain greater social unity or will a multi ethnic state develop?

To be fair to Sweden it is clear that her population is only small and her economic power is based on being unifed and focusing on high quality education.  Therefore, her society developed amongst the secular traditions of this nation and culture united the people, and of course high technology abounded in this high tech nation.  However, her resources are limited and her welfare state was designed to be a safety net and not based on maintaining a huge immigrant population, many who are fleeing terrible persecution.

Now strains can be seen within the capital of Sweden and other major cities, therefore, questions are now being raised about immigration, culture, religion, and the negative sides of immigration.  To make matters worse, some immigrant groups are less likely to fit in within the cultural traditions of Sweden and this is also leading to tensions.  Also, domestic welfare spending is increasing and this is creating socail pressures and the government is now re-thinking their many policies on this subject.

Of course, other Swedish people believe that the government is being too hasty.  While others fear that the government is pandering to nationalists, therefore, the nation is divided on this issue.  Yet some negative sides of immigration are emerging, irrespective if this is financial, or higher crime rates, or a loss of identity.  Given this, the leaders of Sweden are now soul searching and trying to find an answer to this complex issue.

However, can they find a simple answer to this complex issue?  Will tightening immigration laws work anddoes it fit in with the secular traditions of Sweden.  Also, you have the positive side of immigration, so will Sweden miss out?   These questions, and many others, are now being debated seriously and of couse the government must listen to the Swedish people.

Lee Jay Walker Dip BA MA

If we look at the region of Northeast Asia then it is more than apparent that this region is very diverse and varied.  This applies to geography, economics, politics, religion, ethnicity, and many other factors.  Added to this diverse reality is the nuclear dimension and the fact that many major global military powers are based in this region.  From this point of view it is abundantly clear that tensions will exist within the body politic of Northeast Asia.

The nuclear dimension alone is more than fascinating because America, China, the Russian Federation, and North Korea, are all nuclear powers and of course Japan is a nuclear power de facto because of her protection by the USA and because of past policies, whereby they allowed America to use nuclear submarines in the Sea of Japan.  Also, on the horizon and within the geopolitics of China, you have India and Pakistan.   Given this, the nuclear dimension is extremely complex and this factor increases the importance of Northeast Asia.

If we look at the geopolitics of China then it is clear that they overlap in many parts of Asia.  For example Central Asia, Northeast Asia, South Asia, Eurasia, the Mekong region and South China Sea region.   This vast area is very diverse and China faces multiple challenges with regards to expanding her influence and defending any weak areas within her geopolitical reality.  Her main challenge may appear to be Taiwan but this issue is contained within a small geographic region; therefore, her relationship with America is of major concern.

If we look at trade investments between America and China, then just like China and Taiwan, wesee enormous economic linkages and mutual ties and respect.  However, in the field of hegemony then China worries about certain aspects of America`s foreign policy.  After all, the USA have her military based in Japan and South Korea respectively and they are developing Guam in order to increase their leverages.  Also, the USA have bases in other parts of Asia and her relationship with Australia is another added dimension.

Therefore, China is concerned about this American reality and they also fear a possible nationalist Japan in the future and India, because Chinese-Indian relations are still fragile despite all the smiles.  So China is right to worry about vast areas of her geopolitical space and this nation also fears radical Islam entering China via Western China.   This reality is pushing China to move closer to the Russian Federation and Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS).  In recent times this can be seen via the growing importance of the Shanghai-6 political bloc and recent military excersises with the Russian Federation, and anti-terrorist excersises with nations from the CIS.

Also, if we focus on military spending then it is clear that America spends around 90% more than China and other nations, for example India, also spend more than China.  This merely proves the point within the inner circle in China because it is clear that China is merely protecting her national interests and they are no different from other regional powers.  Given this, her political and military leaders desire to modernize her military forces in order to meet the challenges of the 21st century.   Therefore, surely China is right to increase her military budget?

Lee Jay Walker Dip BA MA

The vastness of the Russian Federation is enormous and this nation is clearly Eurasian in terms of landmass and ethnicity.  Therefore, the security concerns of this nation is also vast and complex.  In recent times the leaders of this nation have been worried about both NATO expansion and the rise of radical Islam in parts of southern Russia.  However, other major concerns also exist, therefore, what are the main security concerns for the Russian Federation?

One major internal concern applies to the rise of radical Islam in parts of Southern Russia and in other parts of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS).  In the 1990s a lot of special attention was put on Chechnya and the surrounding region.  The bloody civil war which erupted in Chechnya was clear evidence that this was a genuine threat because the green flag of Islam was raised.  This rebellion led to many deaths and the military armed forces of the Russian Federation were clearly tested.  To make matters worse, Chechen Islamists also used terrorism in order to threaten the Russian Federation and they spread their version of Sunni Islam to other parts of southern Russia.

Also, in Tajikistan, the green flag of Islam challenged the central government and this naiton only survived because of the role of the Russian Federation and combined forces of the CIS.   While other nations, notably Uzbekistan, have had serious problems with radical Islam, therefore, the leaders of the Russian Federation clearly understand the importance of unity within the CIS.   Given this, the armed forces of the Russian Federation have to be prepared at all times.

A completely different threat comes from NATO and this organization desires to expand throughout the geographic space and influence of the Russian Federation.  Therefore, ex President, Vladimir Putin, was often at loggerheads with NATO and he demanded a stop to NATO expansion.  Therefore, Vladimir Putin, and now the new leader, Medvedev, are trying to keep both the Ukraine and Georgia out of NATO.  Also, the Russian Federation is worried about nations within Central Asia and they are seriously worried about the intentions of America in this strategic region.

One major area of success, however, is Russia`s advancement in Asia and this applies to very strong ties with China, India, and Iran, respectively; and of course the same applies to strong relations with all the Asian nations which belong to the CIS.  In the past relations were extremely cordial with India during the Soviet Union period and today the same applies since the demise of the Soviet Union.  However, relations with China have reached new heights and President Medvedev also made a point of visiting China rather than any other major global power.

Therefore, the Asian borderlands with diverse nations is relatively stable because of cordial relations and this means that the Russian Federation can focus on other strategic regions.  Also, the role of Russia`s military equipment and technology is the cornerstone of both the armed forces of China and India.  Of course this will be reduced in the future, however, ties and military sales will still be potent.  Another binding card is the need to stop or prevent American hegemony, therefore, China, India, and the Russian Federation have a lot to gain from strong military and political ties.

Another recent major factor applies to energy politics because the Russian Federation is increasing her regional power via energy.  Also, the European Union, and nations like Germany, understand the importance of Russia`s influence.  Given this, the Russian Federation have enticed Bulgaria, Greece, and Serbia, to agree to an alternative energy pipeline and this in turn will strengthen the power of the Russian Federation.  The European Union also understands the importance of energy politics and this issue is certain to be raised many times in the future. 

Energy politics is also important in Asia and within the next 20 years Northeast Asia will get at least 30% of all energy supplies from the Russian Federation.  So it is clear that the influence of this nation is increasing and it will continue to do so in the near future.  Other nations, notably America and Japan, must understand that times are changing and it is better to work alongside the Russian Federation rather than always being hostile or passive, at best.

Overall, the Russian Federation is now going to focus on modernizing her armed forces because of the oil and gas boom.  At the same time, the Russian Federation is using energy in order to boost international influence.  Another major are of growth applies to relations with India and China, and the Shanghai 6 and CIS organizations also strengthen Russia`s influence throughout Central Asia.  Of course negative areas remain, notably radical Islam in southern Russia, relations with America, demographic factors, NATO, and other factors; despite this, the future looks bright for the Russian Federation providing economic growth can be maintained.

Lee Jay Walker Dip BA MA

http://journals.aol.com/leejaywalker/uk/

The North Atlantic Free Trade Association (NAFTA) was founded by three nations but these nations differed greatly and inequality was a stark reality from the start.  However, unlike the European Union (EU)  which is based on equality and human rights, NAFTA was always focused on economics and it was outside the political and social scope.  Therefore, is NAFTA based on exploiting cheap labour from Mexico or can it evolve in the near future in line with the EU?

The nation of Armenia is very rich in culture and history, however, her recent history is blighted by the Armenian genocide of 1915.  This event led to the massacre of more than 1 million Armenian Christians and other Christian ethnic groups also were slaughtered, for example the Assyrians and Syrian Orthodox believers.  Therefore, her independence after the demise of the Soviet Union offered a fresh start, however, convulsions would soon erupt in Nagorno Karabakh, therefore, are recent events threatening this nation state?

Currently you have a very dangerous situation within the political structures of this nation and the recent election is dividing the people of Armenia.  For supporters of Levon Ter-Petrosian do not believe the declared outcome and they demand to be heard.  However, he, and the President, Serge Sarkisian, are calling on all sides to decrease tensions after many were killed.

Both the President,Serge Sarkisian, and Levon Ter-Petrosian understand that Armenia can not afford to turn against themselves.  Because their co-religionists and co-Armenians in Nagorno Karabakh face danger.  Therefore, both sides need to solve the current political crisis in order to maintain the status quo with Azerbaijan.

However, Azerbaijan and her key supporter, Turkey, sense a possible opportunity to re-take Nagorno Karabakh which lies within the nation of Azerbaijan.  Also, times have changed because recent economic growth in Azerbaijan means that her armed forces have more state of the art equipment and her military build up continues.  So the status quo may change in the near future if Armenia is faced by internal convulsions?

Once more the role of America is very murky because on the one hand, the pro-Armenian lobby is strong within America, however, on the other hand America is supporting Azerbaijan in the military field and energy sector.  This policy is indeed murky because how can they protect Armenia when they are undermining this nation via Turkey and Azerbaijan?  Also, given the sizeable ethnic Azeri community in northern Iran and her energy resources, then Armenia faces a serious threat via her American policy.

Despite the economic blockade by Tureky which is causing economic pain, the nation of Armenia continues to maintain very good relations with both the Russian Federation and Iran. Therefore, she is not isolated within the region but her economic future and political future remains threatened by hostile regional nations.  So it is vital for the political leadership in Armenia to forge a national salvation government or to work together in order to reduce tensions within Armenia.

Recent events prove this because several people died in clashes between Armenia and Azerbaijan in the disputed Nagorno Karabakh region.  It could just be that Azerbaijan and Turkey are probing to see the capability of Armenia?  Or it could just be another flare up which happens from time to time?  But one thing is certain, if Armenia turns on herself then another war will break out in Nagorno Karabakh and maybe this time the result will be different because of internal divisions?

Lee Jay Walker Dip BA MA

The United Nations often likes to see itself in noble terms and it espouses high and lofty ideals.  However, is the United Nations a mere talking shop and an organization which is open to big power manipulation?  Also, what is the role of democracy in this undemocratic institution? 

Firstly, it is clear that democracy was never a goal of the United Nations despite all the hype because look at its past history.  For example both the Soviet Union and China under despotic leaders had veto rights, and clearly during the Cold War all major powers abused their power.  So how could leaders like Mao Zedong have veto power even during events like the Cultural Revolution?

On the other side, how many times did America violate the United Nations?  Obviously they violated the charter many times and many American invasions of other nations were never backed by the United Nations.  Despite this, the USA could easily bypass this organization and do what they desired and this of course undermined the United Nations.  Given this, all superpowers abused this organization and often it was just a talking shop and even this was tainted by political motives.

Even since the demise of the Cold War its weakness remains.  After all, America ignored the United Nations when they bombed both Yugoslavia and Iraq.  More alarming, democracy still does not matter and nations like China still have veto powers.  Also, other nations like Saudi Arabia, for example, clearly violate the rights of many citizens and all non-Muslim communities.  While on the other extreme, Israel ignores many resolutions which have been held against this nation and clearly it doesn`t matter either way.

So why continue with this flawed organization in the 21st century?  Well for some people it is the only hope despite its many flaws and it is better than nothing.  Also, for optimists they believe that it can be reformed via gradual powers which enshrine democracy and religious freedom.  However, surely this idealistic organization will always remain to be tainted by power politics and self interest?  Therefore, why not either make complete reforms based on real power or just eradicate this moribund organization?

Lee Jay Walker Dip BA MA

The disintegration of Yugoslavia and recent events in Kosovo are reminders that parts of Europe remain unstable.  This certainly applies to the nation of Macedonia because this state is faced with many serious problems.  Notably the ticking ethnic Albanian timebomb, the growth of Islam, and hostile overtones from Greece because of the name of this nation.  So can stability take place in Macedonia or will the gates of disintegration cause mayhem in the future?

The sizeable ethnic Albanian population does worry many Macedonians who are mainly Orthodox Christian in faith.  They look at Kosovo with aghast because they know that this game could also be played out in their nation.  Also, just like the mainly Christian Orthodox Serbs, the demographic timebomb is a reality.  Therefore, the future promises much for the ethnic Albanians because one day in the future they will become the majority. 

This demographic timebomb alone is causing deep anxiety within Macedonia and greater ethnic unity appears to be a pipe dream because both sides do not trust each other.  In many parts of Macedonia today the Macedonians are a minority already and the Albanian political party clearly favours her own community over the indigenous population.

Then we have the religious equation because most Albanians in Macedonia are Muslim.  However, most Macedonians are Orthodox Christian and religious tensions could increase in the near future.  Given this, nations like Saudi Arabia must be kept out in order to preserve a more moderate branch of Islam. 

Adding to the woes of Macedonia is Greece because in Greece you have a place already called Macedonia within this nation state and Greece believes that Macedonia must change her name.  Because of this the European Union dream (EU) and hopes of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) have been put on ice.  Both the EU and NATO hope to fully integrate Macedonia within their respective institutions, thereby preserving the independence of this nation.  However, Greece refuses to listen andbecause of this Macedonia is kept on the fringes.

Overall, it would appear that one major spark could destabilize this fragile nation and this is the problem, because this is indeed possible.  Therefore, a lot of pressure must be put on Greece and Macedonia to solve the "name issue."  If this can be resolved, then Macedonia can be strengthened via NATO and the EU.  However, the ethnic Albanian population is a genuine problem and if assimilation does not take place then one day you could have major convulsions in this fragile nation.  Therefore, this nation will continue to be hindered by many negative factors and it is important that the international community is wide awake at all times.

Lee Jay Walker Dip BA MA  

The long lasting leader of Zimbabwe, Robert Mugabe, continues to manipulate power and to slowly destroy this nation. All opposition outside the ruling party is crushed and inflation is beyond reason or understanding.  However, regional nations, and notably South Africa, have been quiet about this despot so why are African leaders ignoring this brutal regime?

For South Africa this question is even stronger because Zimbabwe shares the same geographic space and millions of people from Zimbabwe have fled to South Africa in the hope of a better life.  Yet what did they get, yes, they got mass exploitation, alienation, negative treatment, and they are treated with scorn.  Even worse, the government of South Africa even sent the police into a church to arrest nationals from Zimbabwe, therefore, the government of South Africa have failed their lofty "halo image."

When South Africa was despotic and you had white minority rule, then a host of nations and individuals did their utmost to help the marginalized in the old South Africa.  Mandela was "a rare light" and the ANC appeared to have noble values.  However, what have the ANC done for the people of Zimbabwe?  To be honest, not a lot, and of course they continue to talk and support Robert Mugabe.

Other nations in Africa also have not done enough and how can they talk about African unity when they allow a despot to destroy a nation like this?  The economy is in crisis and inflation is even higher than a five day cricket score.  But still little is done to challenge this brutal despot.  Therefore, the people of Zimbabwe feel betrayed and neglected within the institutions of Africa.

Given this, only an internal challenge within the ruling elite power structure can change anything.  Or of course the death of Robert Mugabe or ill health would certainly alter things.  But the question remains, why have other African nations ignored this brutal dictator?  Their silence not only destroys all hope within Zimbabwe but it also destroys all hope in Africa.  Either you support democracy and the victims or you turn the other way and do nothing? 

In the case of Zimbabwe then they decided to do nothing.  Therefore, the institutions of Africa have betrayed the people of Zimbabwe and of course the image of Africa is tarnished by this issue.  Will respective democratic leaders in the future emerge and challenge the status quo or will it be a slow death like usual via ignorance?

Lee Jay Walker Dip BA MA