Rent-seeking behavior is when someone makes money by exploiting a system or advantageous position, rather than by creating something of real value. It’s essentially extracting profit from an existing resource without adding productive work. Simple Example Imagine you own a bridge that’s the only way to cross a river. You don’t maintain the bridge orContinue reading “Rent-Seeking”
Tag Archives: politics
Manchurisation during Manchus ruling China-Qing
Initial Incorporation into the Eight Banners The Han Eight Banners were officially created between 1637 and 1642, comprising primarily native inhabitants of Liaodong (modern Liaoning) who had surrendered to Nurhaci and his son Hong Taiji. These included former Ming dynasty officers and soldiers who defected, such as: Li Yongfang – Ming frontier commander, inducted intoContinue reading “Manchurisation during Manchus ruling China-Qing”
The Xinhai Revolution 辛亥革命(October 1911 – February 1912)
The Xinhai Revolution (October 1911 – February 1912) The revolution began on October 10, 1911, when military forces in Wuchang (Hubei province) staged an armed uprising against Qing rule. What started as a mutiny quickly spread across the country. Within weeks, multiple provinces declared independence from Qing control, effectively dismantling the empire’s administrative authority. TheContinue reading “The Xinhai Revolution 辛亥革命(October 1911 – February 1912)”
Economic Logic of Colonialism
How colonialism was fundamentally extractive rather than developmental. Britain didn’t want to develop India; it wanted to extract from India. Britain chose extraction because it was more immediately profitable. You might think: “India has cheap labour, so factories should have been built there.” But colonialism isn’t about rational economic efficiency—it’s about power and control. ReducedContinue reading “Economic Logic of Colonialism”
Taiwan Strait- Taiwan is strategically vital
Taiwan sits in the middle of one of the world’s most important shipping routes. If China controls Taiwan, it would control these shipping lanes and could potentially block or restrict U.S. and allied trade. This makes Taiwan’s independence strategically vital for U.S. economic and military interests. $5 trillion worth of goods pass through the TaiwanContinue reading “Taiwan Strait- Taiwan is strategically vital”
The U.S. Allies
Factor Israel Taiwan U.S. diplomatic recognition Fully recognized as a state; U.S. embassy in Tel Aviv Not officially recognized; no U.S. embassy; unofficial relations only Formal alliance Official ally; mutual defense treaty since 1952 De facto ally; no formal treaty; “One China” policy complicates status Aid category Foreign Military Financing (FMF) grants (free weapons) ForeignContinue reading “The U.S. Allies”
Normalisation with China in 1972 Nixon
This was driven by several strategic motivations: Triangular diplomacy was the primary driver. By establishing ties with China, Nixon and his National Security Advisor Henry Kissinger aimed to exploit the Sino-Soviet split—the growing rift between the Soviet Union and China. Playing the two communist powers against each other gave the US leverage in Cold WarContinue reading “Normalisation with China in 1972 Nixon”
Board of Peace vs. UN comparison
Enforcement Mechanisms: Board of Peace vs. UN Aspect Board of Peace UN Primary enforcement tool Financial leverage: Withholding reconstruction funds and donor money from non-compliant parties Security Council resolutions: Can authorize sanctions, military intervention, or diplomatic isolation Who decides enforcement Trump (Chairman) has sole authority to interpret violations and decide consequences; no independent judicial bodyContinue reading “Board of Peace vs. UN comparison”
Cold War (from 1947 to 1991 roughly 44 years)
The term “Cold War” is a contrast to “hot war”: Type Meaning Hot War Direct military combat between nations; actual shooting and fighting Cold War Tension, rivalry, and conflict without direct military combat between the two superpowers The U.S. and Soviet Union never directly fought each other militarily. Instead, they competed through: Proxy wars (fightingContinue reading “Cold War (from 1947 to 1991 roughly 44 years)”
Controversies of China’s permanent veto seat in the UN
The Situation from 1949 to 1971 Year Who held the UN seat Who controlled mainland China Situation 1945-1949 Republic of China (ROC/Nationalist) ROC controlled mainland Normal situation 1949-1971 Republic of China (ROC/Nationalist) People’s Republic of China (Communist) Mismatch: The seat holder didn’t control the territory it claimed to represent 1971 onward People’s Republic of ChinaContinue reading “Controversies of China’s permanent veto seat in the UN”
