Agora Swot Anlysis Competitive Advantage

Agora the brand name of Rahimafrooz Group is the first super shop chain in our country launched in 2000. The mission was to fulfill the everyday shopping needs of the urban peoples through fair price, right assortment, and best quality. The success was immediate as there was a demand for such business in the local market. And over time the number of outlets increased and currently there are nine outlets at Dhaka and one outlet in Chittagong. Many people thought that the name of the company is Agora. But actually, Agora is just the brand name. Agora is a Greek word, which means a marketplace where the people would meet together and talk. Company thought the environment at Agora should be nice and clean so that people will not only shop there but also want to stay and meet with other peoples there. And so they named the shops Agora. Their logo has a very interesting appeal and it contains the benefits being offered to the customers. The name is written in green color which is the color of freshness. A woman presumably a homemaker has happily finished all her shopping from under one roof is seen too. The statement says everyday quality shopping. It is very well thought out and gives a summary of what Agora is all about. SWOT Analysis of Agora: A SWOT analysis of Rahimafrooz Superstores Limited will show the internal and external factors. Some of these factors affect positively while some of them effects negatively. Important decisions can be taken after SWOT analysis. Strengths: 1. Established brand name. 2. Pioneer in the industry. 3. Concerned about quality factor than other super shop (Competitive advantage). 4. It is the largest retailer, both by local sales and by domestic market share. 5. Experienced top level management. 6. Wide product range. 7. Quicker and accurate costing process. 8. Effective and reliable supply chain. 9. Successful implementation of SAP (Standard Application Software) ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) the modules are: Financial and Controlling, Material Management and Selling and Distribution. 10. Effective training modules for employees, suppliers. 11. Agora is committed to sustaining and growing as the most trusted, loved and frequented retail chain 12. Agora believes in providing very good service to its consumers. 13. The technological development is very frequent. Weaknesses: 1. High price of products. 2. Poor financial position. 3. Less number of shops. 4. No or very less advertising. 5. Lower amount of CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) activities. 6. In the mid-2000 Agora faced many cost problems associated with not properly integrating it’s purchased chains of store. 7. Still lack of competitive strength. Mainly in placement. 8. Supply and distribution of foreign products are very poor and so people can’t get unique foreign products in Agora but can be found in other mega shops like Meena Bazar, Lavender etc. 9. Customer Service technology is less attractive . 10. Market development in other cities is relatively poor as only Chittagong has Agora outlet. 11. Poor reliability of data, and plan predictability. 12. Counter management system relatively poorer than competitors. 13. Sometimes they gave offer to capture the General Customer bt they cant do that for their Bad system or service. 14. Struggles with preparing budget which was not very effective and management wants budget that would give better results. Opportunities: 1. Providing sponsorship to emerging agricultural business. Ex: strawberry was grown in Panchagar and Agora took all the responsibility for sales and it made a profit. . The largest retailer in Dhaka leaving behind PQS, Meena Bazar, Nandan Mega Shop, Pacific, Pick and Pay, Etc, Shop & Save, Lavender and others. 3. They created a life style trends by offering various types of products to its customers while maintaining high quality. 4. Big growth in developing market with nine outlets in Dhaka and one in Chittagong 5. New USP (Unique Selling Process) is the care for the quality has given Agora a big competitive advantage. 6. Agora conducts research and modifies their strategy according to the actions of competitors. 7. Agora provides product and service according to the seasonal, weather and fashion influences. For example, they provide chemical less fruits packages for summer season, provides instant made hygienic â€Å"Pitha† in winter and also provides CP chicken inside Agora as it’s been a trend now a days. 8. Recently bought PQS, one of its competitors to capture the customers those are interested to buy products from their nearest place. 9. Agora now comes together with bKash with a state-of-the-art payment platform that allows transactions via mobile phones, such that customers will not need cash or credit cards for payment at Agora points of sales. 0. Agora constantly launches attractive promotions like Bazimat, Value Week or Super Value Offer or Diamond Ring Offer. And a regular discount and points system attracts the customers to be more loyal. 11. With the SAP software system, there would be the capacity to enter newer products in the system. This would enable Rahimafrooz S uperstores to increase their product line, which they have wanted to do for a long time, because they were losing customers to their competitors and other big shops. Threats: 1. Fierce and unhealthy competition. 2. Threat of new competitors. 3. Surprisingly some popular local products and new products to arrive in the market, both foreign and local were not available. 4. Political instability in the country (continuous hartals). 5. In the recent years Agora had to be careful about delivering formalin free fresh food from the suppliers. 6. Many online stores are now entering the market. 7. As agora is primarily concentrated on food, it can be easily effected by the seasons and weather within the country. 8. Is faced with the need to increase the number of outlets throughout the country. 9. Agora must integrate more products according to the needs of its increasing number of onsumers keeping in mind their changes of lifestyle and preferences. 10. The competitors have responded to wide range of products and lower price. 11. Counters are not sufficient in shops so huge line occurs in the pick hours. 12. Some competitors are now in the market with more advanced Information Technology. 13. Agora can’t fulfill the demand of foreign and unique vegetables for the customers. 14. No home delivery system for loyal customers. Competitive Advantage: The relationship between a firm's environmental opportunities and threats on the one hand, and its internal strengths and weaknesses on the other is the competitive advantage. This traditional logic suggests that if Agora use their internal strengths in exploiting environmental opportunities and neutralizing environmental threats, while avoiding internal weaknesses, are more likely to gain competitive advantages than other kinds of firms. Agora super shop has one main competitive advantage. It is explained bellow: Agora was the first ever chain shop in the country which seceded in changing the people’s behavior towards the traditional shopping experience. Being the pioneer in its field, it has the trust and loyalty of its early consumers. It also has more experience in the field than its competitors. It has a strong brand image and therefore can charge higher price from the consumers in exchange of better quality products and better shopping environment. Agora on the other hand is constantly advocating about quality. The subtitle for Agora is â€Å"Enriching Lives with Your Trust†. The reason for asking a little higher price from the customer is the quality factor, which they are so concerned about. We think this care for the quality has given Agora a big competitive advantage. This is somewhat a unique selling approach taken by Agora. Bibliography: 1. SAP AG: To manage business operations and customer relations. Retrieved from: http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/SAP_AG 2. About Rahimafrooz: aspirations, vision, values, quality policy. Retrieved from: http://www. rahimafrooz. com/tabid/65/Default. aspx 3. Agora – Supermarket Chain & Superstore in Bangladesh. Retrieved from: http://www. reportbd. com/articles/149/1/Agora—Supermarket-Chain-amp-Superstore-in-Bangladesh/Page1. html 4. A report of agora. bd Rahimafrooz Superstores Ltd. Retrieved from: http://bdmoneyidea. wordpress. com/2010/08/04/a-report-of-agora-bd-rahimafrooz-superstores-ltd-created-by-bubt-student-part-01/ 5. Agora BD super shop. Retrieved from: Online Dhaka Guide : http://www. online-dhaka. com/1_8_17507_0-agora-bd-super-shop-dhaka-city. html 6. Competitive Advantage. Retrieved from: http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Competitive_advantage 7. Agora- A new way to shop. Retrieved from: Bangladesh Inside, http://bdinside. net/? p=50 8. Agora-Facebook. Retrieved from: https://www. facebook. com/Agora. Rahimafrooz 9. Rahimaafrooz Superstores. Retrieved from: http://www. rahimafrooz. com/OurBusinesses/Companies/RahimafroozSuperstoresLtd/tabid/112/Default. aspx

Practice Of Defensive Medicine Health And Social Care Essay

Tort Reform and Defensive Medicine are the major concerns that lead to drive up cost containment in wellness attention. Tort reform does little to cut down costs and Defensive Medicine instead avoids liability than to profit the patient. In this paper will supply the differences between the two and how cost can be control every bit good cut downing cost when it comes to malpractice charges.What is Tort Reform and Defensive Medicineâ€Å" Defensive Medicine is normally ( and, we believe, right ) defined as the ordination of interventions, trials and processs chiefly to assist protect the doctor from liability instead than to well foster the patient ‘s diagnosing or intervention † ( Hermer & A ; Brody 2010, pg 4- 12 ) . â€Å" Tort reform by itself will make little to cut down costs. But unless liability concerns are successfully addressed, it is improbable that most doctors will be willing to follow the systemic schemes needed for cost control † ( Hermer & A ; Brody 2010 ) .Major PointsThe major point that is being argued strongly from doctor is that defensive medical specialty is driving up wellness attention cost and rising prices. Doctors believed they must pattern defensive medical specialty to cut down case hazard in the U. S. They argue that the civil wrong reform must come into understanding to cutting down a batch of expensive surveies and processs, because they feel it add billion to wellness attention costs per twelvemonth. In surveies of studies found in the old ages from 2005 and 2008 that high hazard doctors or specializers from different provinces reported practising defensive medical specialty. These provinces were found in Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts practising defensive medical specialty. A sum in Pennsylvania were 93 % and Massachusetts 83 % of doctors. It besides found that significant cost could be associated with defensive medical specialty in both of these provinces. Much of these surveies were 20 % to 30 % that physicians confirm that were being study in movie X raies, MRI, CT scans, and ultrasound that were being order to pattern for defensive medical specialty. This is normally being argued by doctors through the study for practising defensive medical specialty.Professionals and Cons of Tort Reform and Defensive MedicineProfessionals and cons of Tort Reform and Defensive Medicine as consequence of the Tort Reform, Defensive medical specialty will non disappear, but the cons side of th e Tort Reform without its reform doctor is willing to accept cost control action being influence on the patterns of defensive medical specialties. Tort Reform helps cut down defensive medical specialty patterns and others that are subscribers to its quantification. It is indispensable but missing factor to be control. Regardless of the malpractice system that inflicts a toll on doctors it is enormous uneffective. The negligent act to harming patients and prompt cases cost are much tremendous. The frights of cases have no grounds that it will cut down or avoid medical mistake on leaders, quality development on mistakes of single doctors for bettering patient safety. In world of the civil wrong reform would be necessary if the cost of medical attention were earnestly reduced in the United States. But because the cost were non reduced or command it necessitate doctors to cut down high-cost trials and interventions that do non profit the patients. In benefits to the patients at that place have to be an understanding with the doctors and the patients in equal in believing high cost and engineering attention to take downing cost in supplying good attention. If the doctors refuse to follow with cost control it will in no manner expose them to liability hazard. Some hazards cut downing civil wrong liability for doctors can be a linkage necessary for cost containment. In Defensive Medicine is driving up cost along with other subscribers and the causes for unneeded cost. One of the inordinate costs of attention by higher reimbursement to civilization pattern is driven by process and engineering direction and other factors. These costs have occurred for inordinate major malpractice reforms in the province of Texas ( Hermer & A ; Brody, pg 37 ) . Another factor is germinating clinical criterions. In to boot to these factors doctors are able to order non-beneficial trials because of defensive medical specialty. These trials have become integrated into the criterion of the community for attention. But in fact civil wrong reform would non ensue in decrease for the figure of trials being ordered. In harmonizing to the defensive patterns reform may non give if economic effects to being sued so removed.The Implication of civil wrong Reform, Defensive Medicine, quality and wellness attention costs.In deduction of civil wrong reform, defensive medical specia lty to quality and wellness attention costs. If cost is cut down for medical attention in the U.S. The civil wrong reform will necessitate doctor to cut down the usage of high-cost trial and interventions to profit their patients. In understanding to the patients and doctors to take downing cost of engineering attention to supplying good attention to their patients and the doctors that refuses to follow with the cost containment steps will non be expose to liability hazard.The Author ‘s Position on Tort ReformFirst, we will specify defensive medical specialty and place jobs in quantifying the pattern. We will so analyze and measure the strengths and failings of the places expressed by many doctors and wellness policy analysts by sing the available grounds refering the function of defensive medical specialty in raising wellness attention costs, the ability of civil wrong reform to command defensive medical specialty patterns, and alternate subscribers to the job. We will so dis course why we believe that civil wrong reform, despite the incompatibility of the grounds back uping its ability to meaningfully incorporate wellness attention costs, is a necessary constituent of cost control. In understanding with the writer place of the Tort Reform is to command defensive medical specialty patterns and assist cut down cost control in the civil wrong reform. Another ground because of the careless act to harming patients and case has become a immense consequence in the medical field. The ground for stating this is because many infirmaries in today society have many cases due to improper attention of their patients. Some involved non minding to the patient medical records in supplying the incorrect medical specialty. In infirmary these have been seen many of times to patients being publish the incorrect medical specialty. Besides if a patient does non hold wellness insurance being sent to other infirmary for attention and the patient wellness is non in good status to being reassign another health care installation and more wellness jobs extended non being decently cared for the status in the first topographic point. All infirmary suppose to care for their patients irrespect ive of the type of insurance or being uninsured. The medical staffs have taken an Oak to supply for their patient regardless of race, ethic, insurance company or noninsured. Their Oak is to supply the attention of their patient ‘s safety.The StakeholdersThe three major stakeholders that are involved in Tort Reform are Physicians, High Cost, and Studies Survey. Doctors are one of the stakeholders that are a concern to the Tort Reform. Physicians are psychological inflicted, Malpractice system is useless, Neglectful act that injury patients and the results that prompt cases to tremendous cost. They function is to forestall medical mistake and better quality for patient ‘s safety. Another stakeholder is Cost Control is to take a firm stand doctors to cut down their usage of high cost trial and interventions that does non profit their patients. High engineering attention to lower cost in supplying good attention and physicians non being expose to increased liability hazard. The cost containment is needed to cut down the hazard of civil wrong liability for doctors. Surveies Survey are describe a high happening of such practicesn that consistent with worldview of the mean practician, criterion of doctors behaved, and methodological analysis. One of the consequences of surveies the costs of defensive medical specialty. In a survey by Kessler and McClellan that by 10 % of the wellness attention cost could be cut down was cited from other civil wrong reform every bit good as proposition for federal harm caps. Another survey consequence that mortality and morbidity rates and medical outgos in all the other provinces for diseases ( Hermer & A ; Brody ) It comparing to all provinces to malpractice reforms was non found. Defensive medical specialty went off and malpractice were introduced that lead no increased to mortality or morbidity. In decision because Tort reform does little to cut down costs and Defensive Medicine instead avoids liability than to profit the patient. The concerns that lead to drive up cost containment in wellness attention were the major cost due to malpractice liability hazard.

Defining the Scope Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Defining the Scope - Essay Example There, however, comes a time when there is need to have some changes to the scope, and this automatically brings challenges to the operations. Scope changes, no matter how overwhelming, are always going to happen. The schedule may be one area in which scope changes affect the goings-on of a project. This then affects the schedule laid out at the beginning of the project, which in turn may affect the projected objectives and goals. Furthermore, the quality of the project may be affected if the situation is not salvaged quickly and efficiently. Quick fixes are often seen in this phase, thus; eroding the quality of the entire project. Unfortunately, there is also the issue of morale. People working on a project when faced with changes can become frightened and confused. People often plan ahead when it comes to projects, but sudden changes may affect the anticipated direction leading to low morale (Schwalbe, 2013). Handling these changes may be difficult, but it has to be done. One of the best ways to handle this would be to keep calm and stay in control. Once panic is present, then the entire project may be doomed. Change control mechanisms are crucial at this point, which may point out what direction to take to reach the intended objectives. Different people may have different control mechanisms so it is vital to understand what best works for the project team. One thing that is a fundamental part of this control mechanism is communication. It is vital at this point in the project phase because people need constant reassurance about their capabilities and the importance of project completion (Schwalbe, 2013). This is without compromising the quality of work

Cybersecurity Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words - 1

Cybersecurity - Coursework Example Portability is regarded as a key facet of mobile computing (International Association of Medical Science Educators, n.d.). This paper intends to provide a discussion about mobile computing. The discussion comprises recognizing the significant cybersecurity vulnerabilities and related threats associated with mobile computing for the users. The other aim of the study would be to describe the procedures and policies that can effectively facilitate to manage the level of associated risk. The affect on customer satisfaction due to the implementation of policies and procedures would also be evaluated. Significant Cyber Security Vulnerability and Aassociated Threats in Mobile Computing From the previous two eras the status and significance of laptops and notebooks have been increasing day-by-day. The sales of laptops, notebooks, tablet computer, smartphone, and personal digital assistants have increased in different countries as compared to the sales of desktops, which are going down increa singly because these devices provide the users an option of portability. The mobile computers such as tablet computer provide better facilities for storing the data in abundance than the desktops along with providing an option of portability. However, with the numerous benefits associated with mobile computing devices there raises certain critical vulnerabilities that require to be addressed. Mobile computing vulnerabilities can be classified into three major categories which are physical vulnerability, system vulnerability and network access vulnerability. A description of these vulnerabilities has been provided below: Physical Vulnerability Tablet computer, smartphones and notebooks among others are mobile devices which are taken by professionals and also different individuals when they are travelling or are used them at home. These devices or products can be lost or stolen anywhere. Physical vulnerability is associated with lots of discrepancies such as the loss of information an d data which are important and the loss of hardware is also a vital element resulting in vulnerability. When laptops are kept open as well as unattended, physical vulnerability can occur as different relevant data becomes exposed to threat and network access can be done by others using the device. Thus, it is important for the system administrators to make the users aware of this mobile computing threat and to observe that the information which a user is receiving are kept safely without being exposed to others and the rooms should be locked when the users are not in touch with their belongings (Asllani & Ali, 2011). System Vulnerability Laptop or mobile computing systems are vulnerable like any other computing system in an organization. A review has been made recently on the vulnerability and it is recognized that the vulnerabilities can occur when the security patches and updates are missing, when the patches become obsolete or applied in a wrong way, the

Statue of liberty Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Statue of liberty - Essay Example This poem captures precisely what the features of the statue symbolise; it emphasises that America is the land for all and that it constitutes a state that will take all from around the globe and accept them as Americans. Written in 1886, America was a great nation in the making, a scarcity of people meant that such literature was of great effect in tandem with the statue in inviting and encouraging people to come help build a great nation in the making. Standing at a colossal height, the statue oversees the American people and is looked up to by the American people as a mother to their society and the carer and educator of their lives; her colossal height and empowering height acts as a symbolic reminder of the awe-inspiring makeup of a great nation and her piercing eyes represents the convictions of the American people but, importantly, also acts as a God-like inspirer and guider to instil faith and remind the people of their responsibilities at times where moral and social corruption plagues the American society. The torch she carries ignites and fires into the sky the notions of freedom and liberty, the flames being seen and felt by citizens and guest alike (whether in proximity or not), and through its scorching heat defends against, and attacks, the plague of oppression and tyranny. At the same time, the chains at her foot represent Liberty crushing the chains of slavery. Yet the principles embodied within her are not exclusiv e only to the American people; the general appearance of the statue's head is reminiscent of the Greek Sun-god Apollo who dressed in a similar robe and having on its head a radiate crown with seven spiked rays of the sun's rays. Indeed, the seven spikes are representative of the world and its nations, reinforcing the statue's image as host to all around the world and guests of America and reinforcing America's position as the land of the free and leader of the world as the seven spikes on the crown represent the Seven Seas (Arctic, Antarctic, North & South Atlantic, North & South Pacific, Indian) and seven continents (North and South America, Europe, Asia, Africa, Antarctica, Australia). Indeed, together with the scorching flames of the torch, the statue, located in the middle of the Hudson river, reinforces its characteristics as a statue for all (water and the ocean generally encapsulates the concepts of liquidity and freedom). To hear the Statue is to travel to it by ferry and hear at the height of her dictating posture the howling wind which

Consumers and Markets Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Consumers and Markets - Coursework Example Table of Contents Executive Summary 2 Table of Contents 3 Introduction 4 PRESTCOM Analysis 5 Political 5 Regulatory 6 Economic 6 Social 7 Technology 7 Competitive 8 Organisational 8 Marketing 9 SWOT Analysis 10 Strength 12 Weaknesses 12 Opportunity 13 Threat 13 Conclusion 14 References 15 Bibliography 16 Introduction The computer games market in the entire world is worth about 27 billion USD in a year and it is experiencing a rapid growth. Sony entered into gaming market in the year 1994. The concept of PlayStation was originally discovered by joint partnership of Sony and Nintendo in late 1980s. However, when they wanted to announce their new hardware, Nintendo re-read the earlier contract and found the agreement to be unsatisfactory. Thus, Sony Corp. began working on their previous research and developed the PlayStation. Hardcore gamers are the major customers of PS3. The PS3 targets customer, who are usually 15 to 30 years. As the PS3 support the Blu–ray, secondary customer s are also interested in PS3 because of its HD video quality (Brainmoats, 2008). PRESTCOM Analysis PRESTCOM analysis of Sony will help in analysing the external factors of their business. It helps to understand the new legislation and regulation of government, various business restrictions, and laws relating to tax, VAT, social change and technological factors. It is also used for market analysis. This will help the company to run the business properly. Company can develop new strategies according to the changes in business environment and develop productivity as well. The company can advertise their products and promote their brand. PRESTCOM analysis helps the company to predict the near future condition of business by using political, regulatory, social, economic, technological, competitive, organisational and marketing factors (Maqsood, 2010). Political Political factors consist of the laws of government and pressure group. It affects the company and company’s business in a provided market environment. The policy and rules of government can affect the productivity of Sony Corp. Sony Corp. must need to take permission from the government of a country where it is manufacturing its products. Sony Corporation must develop new innovations to stay ahead of its competitors. Many global policies and laws can affect the company’s regular operation. Government of any country can change or enact various trade restrictions which can make it difficult for products of Sony to survive in the industry. It can change the way Sony works. Government can raise various tax rates such as VAT, Sales tax, Income tax, minimum wage rates, which can hamper the company’s sales. Therefore, the company must prepare for any kind of circumstances (Maqsood, 2010). Regulatory There are various rules and regulations which can affect the company’s productivity. These are: Trade and Business restriction, Returning of product and Warranty regulations. Employment law is also an important factor. It can determine the cost of the product in a specific country. Appreciation of currency plays a significant role in company’s business. For example Sony’s hardware sales decreased because of appreciation of

Market Analysis of Starbucks Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Market Analysis of Starbucks - Research Paper Example Its expansion has been based on foreign direct investment and also acquisitions of rival coffee houses. Starbucks’ success from the late 1990s onward has been to its dedication in providing consumers with a gourmet coffee experience, a means of differentiating the company and also establishing pricing that was higher than industry norms per cup of its products. This high pricing model is supported by advertising and the comparable, tangible quality of its products that continue to satisfy consumers that are willing to pay this extra price for the Starbucks experience. Description of International and Domestic Markets Starbucks does not target specific market groups, rather it has adopted a mass market advertising strategy positioned always on quality compared to competing coffee houses. However, the domestic market consists generally of high income consumers, professionals, and those with above-average household and discretionary income. There are also psychographic elements o f Starbucks’ positioning strategies, appealing to those who find ostentatious consumption to be important as it relates to their social reputation. â€Å"Beyond signaling of quality, there is some status symbol effect to what coffee you are drinking† (Aronin, Fetterman, Liu & Peng, 2004, p. 3). ... These two markets make up approximately 10-15% of the American population and are usually associated with white collar career-minded individuals. The international market is scattered and does not fit any specific personality, lifestyle, or income profile. Starbucks operates in collectivist cultures where tradition and family are valued and also individualist countries that promote social self-expression, finding favor in both in terms of profitability and consumer following. In China, marketers for Starbucks stand outside of Starbucks facilities, using a handheld clicker each time they achieve new traffic (Boone & Kurtz). Market research identifies that it is the younger, more fashionable cultures that frequent the organization. In Austria and Canada, it is generally the teens, tourists and young adults that favor Starbucks coffee (Boone & Kurtz). SWOT Analysis of Starbucks To understand the market potential of the company it is necessary to understand where Starbucks excels and whe re the business is lacking in key areas. Strengths Considerable cash capital that provides opportunities for expansion and a high credit worthiness for lending purposes or foreign investment. Backed by years of quality positioning and quality-focused advertising that has established a well-recognized brand and considerable consumer following. High pricing model that contributes to higher capital growth. In-store innovations such as its Coffee Master program that teaches customers about the subtleties of coffee, referred to as the â€Å"cupping ceremony,† similar to wine-tasting seminars (Helm, 2007). Partnerships with foreign coffee producers that express its commitment to corporate social responsibility that gains market attention and loyalty and also

Free Energy Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Free Energy - Research Paper Example Renewable sources of energy are those sources that can be replenished. Making a transition towards more renewable forms of energy would result in independency from local sources of energy and a more decentralized production of energy that is less vulnerable to supply cutoffs. Solar energy can be harnessed by concentrating solar power (CSP) or photovoltaic (PV) technology. The economic potential in industrialized countries, and the shift towards more renewables-intensive industry in both the US and China, is an optimistic sign for solar energy. Sustainable development is a hot topic in the world of politics today. The reason why it has attracted so much attention signifies a looming crisis and the repercussions it would have on people and the environment both. Numerous summits and conferences have been conducted and hundreds of organizations all over the world have met and discussed solutions to the predicament the world faces if it continues to use its energy sources the way it is doing now. The contours of the reason for taking such steps are worth pointing out. The population of the world is increasing at a rapid rate and has tripled over the past seven decades. It had reached an alarming figure of 6 billion at turn of the twentieth century. The rapid increase in the population does not come without its share of problems. Mankind is plunged into a yet deeper abyss of poverty, scarcity of resources and shortage of non-renewable energy reserves. Stocks of resources are being depleted swiftly. Where people in many developed countries have taken energy for granted, the developing countries are facing the brunt of the global energy crisis. The environment is deteriorating due to deforestation, increase in the greenhouse gases, extinction of species and climate changes. Increasing population has caused a dearth of food in many poor countries, where thousands do not have access to clean drinking water and are suffering from

Self Disclosure Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Self Disclosure - Essay Example Self disclosure is a major decision on the part of the personal as its sharing is liable to make the person vulnerable. There are different types of situation that may warrant self disclosure of confidential information. According to Fisher, an eminent psychologist, 'Pick someone you can trust... Try to gain enough understanding and objectivity that you can then develop a strategy for further disclosure" (Fisher, 1994). The most important is the sharing of intimate details of one's personal health and family history with the physician or doctors or counselors who need the information to diagnose the medical illness. Patients afflicted with HIV/AIDS, mental illnesses, substance abuse and other sexual diseases, generally do not prefer to share this information with heir friends and relatives for fear of being treated as social pariahs. The social stigmas attached with the diseases makes people wary of sharing this vital information which is not only dangerous for the person concerned b ut it also threatens the well being of the people associated with it. It is therefore, important that such people disclose this information with their friends so that both of them can take appropriate precautions while maintaining their relationship. Another area where self disclosure becomes important is the marriage or part... But it is equally true that self disclosure is not risk proof and may become counter productive and adversely effect the relations. But overall, self disclosure, within the marital relationship, is considered to be a bonding factor and encourages trust building that helps overcome their differences. The advent of internet has redefined the communication and has become one the most powerful tools of information. While easy access to information through internet has been hailed as the most radical process of dissemination of information, the lack of effective control over the same has become a cause of great concern with the increasing cases of variety of cyber crimes. Identity theft and identity fraud are cyber crimes that have serious repercussions on the society as people's identity and their confidential information is used by the cyber criminal to committed different types of illegal activities. Hence, discretion is self disclosure is advisable. Conclusion One can therefore conclude that self disclosure that leads to sharing of personal information amongst the friends and acquaintances is not always a straight option and might involve huge adverse ramifications for the person. The self disclosure of confidential information makes people susceptible to blackmail by vested interests and people must use their discretion and divulge information that is necessary and pertains to the issue in question. Reference Fisher, D. (1994). A psychiatrist's gradual disclosure. New York State, Office of Mental Health, OMH News, 6(9), 16. Available from: [Accessed 19 February,

Lewins Model of Organisational Change Essay Example for Free

Lewins Model of Organisational Change Essay Example of repositioning Another current example is McDonalds who has lost touch with consumers and global changing needs of consumers (health issue) and are trying to reposition themselves capitalising on their competencies like store location and convenience to update their brand offerings. A brands market share and profitability may be strengthened by repositioning. Repositioning can be accomplished by: physically changing the product changing the price changing distribution changing image through promotional efforts aiming product at a different target market Repositioning When a product or brand’s position creates an unfavorable circumstance, the company’s marketing team may seek to reposition it. Repositioning is the process of changing consumer perceptions of a brand relative to competitors. It involves a sweeping process that must be implemented at the strategic level, thereby affecting every part of the company. It cannot simply be a marketing ploy, which might arouse the suspicions of consumers. Repositioning is the process of changing consumer perceptions of a brand relative to competitors. In the positioning map shown in Figure 5.9, Nissan did not have an advantage with regard to either safety or speed. The marketing department, after seeing the results, might try to reposition Nissan on the variable of safety. Repositioning would involve improvements in the safety features of the automobile (in the design and manufacturing departments), a promotional campaign to inform consumers of these changes (marketing), public relations releases announcing the results of new safety tests when they favor the company, and an overall company focus on safety. Such a strategy includes informing all employees about the new approach and rewarding those who suggest innovations and improvements related to safety of the automobiles.  If successful, a future positioning map would show Nissan moving up on perceptions of safety. The Hyundai example from earlier in this chapter serves as an example of effective repositioning. The company moved from perceptions of being cheap and low quality to a new position based on improved consumer perceptions of quality. Product re-positioning Sometimes during its existence, a company may notice that its products image is outdated, or can be improved. Then the company starts re-positioning its products in customers perception. Re-positioning consists in identifying a new, unoccupied market position and promoting the product based on the new criteria. Re-positioning is suitable for minimizing companys own products competition. The business is trying to make a difference in the way the consumers perceive the similar products they furnish. Re-positioning requires a sustained promotional campaign and bring forward many risks.

Challenges and Opportunities for India

Challenges and Opportunities for India INTRODUCTION Background There have been profound scientific, strategic, technological, economic, political and diplomatic changes in the twentieth century and the early part of the twenty-first century which have altered the strategic orientation of nations the world over. There has been a sea change in the way nations perceive themselves and each other in the international system. The world is fast moving towards a knowledge based economy. China has emerged as a global economic power house, and closer Indo- US ties balance the power in Asia. Also a tie up between India America could contribute to a security paradigm for the global environment especially Asia. However Americas view on new world order is questionable. They view that with the fall of erstwhile USSR in the 1980s the world turned unipolar with the USA merging as the sole super power. The free will of executing the US agenda was evident in the 1990s like Invasion of Iraq. Once Russia resurrected under Vladimir Putin the US Europe nexus or the NATO and its expansion has threatened the existence of the most successful security organization like the United Nations. Later the world saw the US presence right at the doorsteps of Russia i.e. in Poland and the fight for the Arctic. Unnoticed initially , but noticed later by all, there came the third world countries like India, Brazil, South Africa, China and a few developed ones like Australia, New Zealand which formed a group which cannot be wished away. The IBSA (India- Brazil- South Africa forum) RIC (Russia India- China forum), Shanghai Cooperation etc cannot be wished away in todays world. So what is the new world order? The power houses change so rapidly, moreover the so called power houses like Europe and USA are today on the economic downturn. The subprime crisis of the USA and the unemployment situation is considered to be the worst since 1930s. So are these perceived power houses today in a shape to project their power outside their national boundaries? Does the new world order belong to the new power houses like India and China who have proved to be fairly insulated from these economic crises? But the ever increasing conflicts and the under development of nations especially those like in African continent, which cannot be ignored by the world community, is relevant. To add on, these are the Pandoras Box of richness that is gold, diamonds, minerals and the very green oil. However, it is prudent that these countries need assistance economically and materially and it is those countries which provide assistance who will control the resources. The US, European nations and China have been proactive in their approach and have been exploiting the resources of the African nations for decades. India though sharing a historical and traditional relationship with the African continent has failed to capitalize this relationship to further its economic and political goals. Africa other than being a repository of natural resources is also a conglomerate of fifty two nations with a large standing in all political organizations including United Nations. Statement of The Problem Utilizing the emerging situation in the world, with constant change of concentration of powers, it is imperative that India be proactive to have its share of the pie, specially being supported by the booming economy and its recognition worldwide. Hence this dissertation shall seek to analyse the emerging new world order, the growing opportunities for India in Africa and the changes required in its foreign and economic policies to exploit these opportunities. Justification for the Study In the fast changing world order, the opportunities presented to any developing country are enormous. Whether it is to restructure its own economy and bring up the standard of living of its population, or to enhance its clout in the global environment. Therefore it is imperative to analyze the changes required in Indias foreign and economic policy especially with respect to the African continent. The requirement of resources of a fast developing India is ever increasing and the demand is expected to outpace the supply in the near future. Africa is the repository of mineral resources that is already recognized by the world and the major players of the world have already taken a lead in exploiting the opportunities provided by the various African countries. With the emergence of India as a global player , it is pertinent that India takes corrective measures to ensure that the traditional and historical relations with the African nations is given further impetus to further the nations i nterest at an urgent basis. Scope In the backdrop of above, the study on Emerging new world order and challenges and opportunities for India will essentially attempt at providing an integrated framework of national policy towards Africa. The study will specifically focus on the following issues:- (a) Emerging World Order with respect to Africa (b) Indias role in the emerging new world order. (c) Growing opportunities in Africa. (d) Exploitation of the growing opportunities in Africa by the major global powers. (e) Indias involvement with Africa in the present context. (f) Scope for Indias involvement with Africa with respect to defense, economy, politics and the foreign policy. (g) Changes required in Indias foreign and economic policy. Method of Data Collection The primary source of data collection has been through books, periodicals and newspaper, Articles, however an attempt was made to tap some material on the internet and relevant issues have been included in the text. A bibliography of sources has been appended at the end of the dissertation. CHAPTER I EMERGING WORLD ORDER WITH RESPECT TO AFRCIA It has been clear for the past two decades that a global power shift from the â€Å"Euro-Atlantic â€Å" West to an Asia centered East has been in progress. This has far reaching implications not only for the nature of the international order as it emerges in the coming decades and great power relations, but also for the security environment. The shift has profound implications for the emerging world order due to the following reasons:- (a) Sustained high growth of economic and military power of China leading to perceptions and concerns about the â€Å"Rise of China†. (b) Robust economic growth of India under a resilient democratic political system. (c) Economic recovery of Japan after the stasis of late 1980s and 1990s. (d) Economic and political recovery of Russia and its renewed urge to play a global role along with its increasingly closer ties with China. (e) Rising prices of oil along with the prospects of beginning of its depletion in the next quarter century affecting energy security of developing as well as the developed world. (f) Emergence of a global financial crisis bringing to fore the limitations of unregulated market structure, warranting greater intervention by the state in regulating the financial system. In reality a diffused multipolar international order has been evolving into a polycentric system with six major players the USA, China, Japan, India, the EU, Russia impacting the future strategic environment[i]. At the same time economic development patterns in, Africa have become increasingly diverse over the last decade, with more and more success stories; Since the mid-1990s, 19 Sub-Saharan countries have had annual GDP growth of 4.5 percent or higher. The rise in the world price of oil is certainly a major factor at play for some of these countries. One-third of the worlds resource-dependent economies are in Africa. Yet even excluding the oil-rich countries, the fastest growing group of African countries (total 15 countries) has had an average growth rate of at least 4.5 percent. These countries host 34 percent of the regions people. By contrast, the 13 slowest-growing economies in Africa have seen less than 3 percent growth on average, with some having near zero or negative growth[ii]. These countries, many either engaged in conflict or having recently emerged from conflict, account for 20 percent of the regions people. The countries in Africa experiencing strong growth outside the oil- producing nations have been buoyed, in part, by global price increases in other primary export commodities. With the exception of raw materials, whose prices have been relatively stagnant, other commodities, including metals and non-oil minerals, have experienced noticeable increases in their price levels. This worldwide rise of com modity prices has been engendered in large part by the rapid growth of Asian developing countries, especially China and India. They contributed close to 40 percent of global import growth for precious stones, 30 percent for crude oil, and 20 percent for metallic ores. Their demand for these commodities is likely to grow, or at least not change from current levels, in the foreseeable future. Still, a number of countries in Africa are diversifying their exports, no longer relying solely on the export of a few raw commodities. Exports are increasingly composed of light manufactured goods, processed foods, horticulture, and services such as tourism. Some countries—such as Nigeria and South Africa—have been increasing their shares of exports in technology-based products. In fact, they are moving up the technology ladder and exporting low- to medium-technology products in sectors where Asian countries are increasingly putting less emphasis The ever increasing significance of the African continent is highlighted by the following turn of events. In 2008, several high-level meetings were organized with Africas concerns high on the agenda. In April 2008, the India-Africa Forum Summit was held in New Delhi with 14 Heads of State and Government and representatives of regional bodies. A comprehensive Africa-India Framework for Cooperation was established, covering economic cooperation in such areas as agricultural development, political cooperation, science and technology, social development, tourism, infrastructure, energy and environment, and media and communication. A joint plan of action and implementation mechanism is to be developed within a year. One of the stated aims of the framework is to reinforce South-South cooperation to enable Africa and India to have greater leverage in international forums. In May 2008, the fourth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD-IV) took place in Yokohama, with representatives from 51 African countries, including 40 Heads of State and Government as well representatives of African organizations and from many Asian countries. Japan pledged to double its official development assistance (ODA) over the next five years, focusing on infrastructure and agricultural development. The first Turkey-Africa Cooperation Summit was held in Istanbul in August 2008 with the participation of representatives of 50 African countries, among them several Heads of State and Government. Turkeys trade and investment relations with Africa have increased dramatically over the past few years and Africa is a major market for Turkish contractors. Turkey has also formalized relations with AU and with AfDB. In October 2008, a ministerial conference on economic cooperation between South Korea and Africa was held to discuss major economic development issues and share South Koreas economic development experiences with African partners. Other middle-income countries such as Brazil are also intensifying their economic and diplomatic ties with Africa. These developments are taking place against the recent backdrop of high growth in Africa, increasing demand for commodities, especially in emerging economies, and the search for low-cost locations for investments in simple manufacturing. They have helped halt the trend of Africas declining share of world trade and foreign direct investment (FDI) flows[iii]. __________________ Security Environment in 2025:Indias Interests and Strategies Air Commodore Jasjit Singh,AVSM,Vrc,VM, (Retd) USI JOURNAL JANUARY- MARCH 07 2 Africas silk road Harry.G.braodman. 3 United Nations Economic Commission Report on Africa, 2009 CHAPTER II INDIAS ROLE IN EMERGING WORLD ORDER INDIA RISING The centre of gravity of the emerging international order and strategic affairs is increasingly shifting to the Asian landmass (and contiguous island territories). The 21st century is likely to be Asia-centred due to some of the reasons outlined below: (a) Asian landmass is where the most far-reaching social, economic and political changes are taking place. How these countries manage change will largely influence the course of world events in the coming decades. (b) The region still has extensive un-resolved disputes extending from issues of sovereignty to ideological issues which are often constructed on religious extremism. (c) By 2015, seven out of ten largest economies would be Asian countries (including three out of the four top being Asian, the other country being the United States with its deep and extensive interests in Asia). (d) Seven out of nine nuclear weapon states are located in Asia (including the United States which has strategically shifted forward into the Asian contiguous oceans, has deployed nuclear weapons in Asia, and will remain an â€Å"Asian† power). (e) Worlds energy â€Å"demand heartland† composed of Japan, Koreas, China and India is in Asia. And so is the energy â€Å"resource periphery† extending from Siberia, Central Asia, Persian Gulf, North Indian Ocean, South China Sea, and East China Sea. Future needs and availability of energy resource base are likely to further emphasise the Asia-centred world order while enhancing the role of major centres of power. India as the worlds largest democracy is now on the move in economic and technological terms. It has successfully progressed in what can only be described as the human historys most ambitious experiment of transforming a traditional society into a modern one, of transforming an agrarian-based economy into a comprehensive industry-service sector- agricultural economy, rapidly increase social mobility transforming the country into a class-less society, and so on, all through processes of consultative politics. The World Bank estimates that India will possess the fourth largest economy in the world by 2020. Since independence India has made rapid strides and now has the worlds second largest pool of highly competent scientific and technological expertise while its software strength is likely to play a major role in the coming years. Indias economic growth, not as dramatic as that of China or the East Asia â€Å"Tigers† has nevertheless shown increasing rate of growth in every de cade since the late 1960s. Indias geostrategists have a changed perception vis-à  -vis the third world and other NAM countries, which the country was historically aligned to[iv]. India has used both â€Å"soft power† and â€Å"hard power† options to increase its influence on third countries. This perception is based on the following assessments: (a) India discontinued its government to government development cooperation with all but six bilateral donors (DFID, EC, Germany, Japan, USAID, and Russian Federation). Instead donors could assist NGOs directly. (b) India has gradually changed from a recipient of aid and assistance to a giver of aid. Minister of state for external affairs Rao Inderjit Singh stated in April 2005: â€Å"Our technical and economic cooperation programme ITEC [to 156 states] is almost four decades old. a rough monetary value to the wide range of training and other facilities that we have shared with our friends from Africa, I am sure he would estimate it at well above a billion dollars†. [32] (c) India Development Initiative (IDI) dedicates a $1.5 billion soft credit fund over five years through the Exim Bank for supporting development projects mainly in Africa. (d) India has leased an air base in Ayni in Tajikistan which it argues is for non- military purposes, but others see this is as part of Indias move towards increasing its strategic depth in central Asia. (e) India has assisted Afghanistan in projects that range from roads to hospi- tal building as a way of maintaining its influence in the region. It has extended more than $100 million in credit to the outlawed Myanmar regime, including for upgrading their railway. India has thus emerged as Myanmars second largest market, absorbing 25 per cent of the countrys exports. (f) India maintains its influence in several south Asian states like Nepal, Maldives, Sri Lanka, as is well known. In this context India has gradually dis- engaged from the large southern groups that it once partnered and has played a key role in forming new groups like the G-4, G-15, G-20 and G-33. India has become part of many regional groupings, like India-Brazil-South Africa (IBSA), Asia- Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) and the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi Sectoral Technical and Economic Coopera- tion (BIMSTEC), as a more direct way of promoting South-South Cooperation as well as establishing a stronger political and economic relationship. This gradual but significant disengagement with the third world is driven by Indias great power perceptions. Its aid policies follow the intentions of the west in the creation of markets for Indian capital. The concept of â€Å"soft power† policies remains part of the neo-realist framework, where the interest of the state is primary, regardless of the impact on citizens. __________________ 4 CHENOY Kamal Mitra, CHENOY Anuradha M * From Economic and Political Weekly September 1, 2007. CHAPTER III GROWING OPPORTUNITIES IN AFRICA As the ‘dark continent, Africa has typically been painted with broad-brush strokes, as a place of uncivilized people, as savage and superstitious, as tribalistic and nepostic. Africa is a vast and exotic continent of about 900 million people in 54 independent countries. It has a total area of over 30 million sq. kms, about three and a half times the size of the United States and 10 times the size of India. It is the second largest continent in the world after Asia. It stretches from the shores of the Mediterranean in the north to the Cape of Good Hope in the south. Africa is rich in mineral and natural resources with large parts of its terrain teeming with wild life and magnificent plant life. It possesses 99 percent of the worlds chrome resources, 85 percent of its platinum, 70 percent of its tantalite, 68 percent of its cobalt and 54 percent of its gold, among others. It has significant oil and gas reserves. Nigeria and Libya are two of the leading oil producing countries in the world. Africas enormous agricultural potential is vastly untapped. Africas vast mineral wealth and strategic significance have encouraged foreign powers to intervene in African affairs. African oil constitutes 8% of the worlds oil resources. Political Importance of Africa is further compounded by the fact that it comprises the 54 votes that African Union (AU) maintains in the General Assembly. With world markets in turmoil, an unexpected and overlooked continent may benefit from its very isolation. Opportunities The continent has witnessed a trend towards democratisation that is visible in multi-party elections across the continent and the emergence of a democratic South Africa. It is also visible in the launch of the New Partnership for Africas Development (NEPAD) through the joint efforts of South Africa and Senegal. This action plan promises to remove the tag of the Hopeless Continent. Yet all this has been accompanied by a steady drumbeat of optimism about the continent, and confidence in its prospects. Despite of the problems, the 48 countries of sub Saharan Africa (hereafter referred to as plain Africa) are, by several measures, enjoying a period of unparalleled economic success. And despite the turmoil in the worlds financial markets, international investors still think they can make money there. In 1990-94 annual GDP growth was a weak 0.9%; since then, growth has averaged closer to 5%. Before this autumns financial meltdown, the IMF was predicting GDP growth of 6.6% this year; now it is predicting only a slightly lower rate. Annual GDP growth per person was 1.1% in the late 1990s; from 2004 to 2006 it was around 4%. In 1990 47% of Africans lived in poverty; in 2004 41% did and, if present trends continue, only 37% will by 2015. Zimbabwe apart, most African countries have been bringing inflation down, even if the trend is now creeping up again, in line with the rest of the world. Many countries have been helped by better macro-economic management and big inflows of Western aid, investment and debt relief-as well as by more unquantifiable investments from Asia, particularly China, and the Middle East. The surplus petrodollars of the Gulf States have been flowing into East Africa. The IMF estimates that foreign investment and loans to Africa rose from $11 billion in 2000 to $53 billion in 2007. Much of this has stemmed from the commodities boom. Oil- producing countries such as Angola and Nigeria, and even war-torn Sudan, have supplied the soaring growth s, and much of the foreign investment has gone into extractive industries. Economic development patterns in Africa have become increasingly diverse over the last decade, with more and more success stories. Ghana, Africas first nation to win its freedom from Europe, recently celebrated its 50th anniversary of independence. This is both cause for reflection on the past half-century and a reminder of how young African nations are. In the past seven years we have seen the end of seven major conflicts: in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Cote dIvoire, North-South Sudan, Ethiopia-Eritrea, and Angola. We are on the verge of a peace deal in northern Uganda. Although conflicts are still ongoing in Darfur and Chad, and the peace is fragile in several other places, the trend in Africa is toward the resolution of conflict. More importantly, the capacity of African nations to deal with conflicts has risen dramatically. African peacekeepers are increasingly active not only in Africa but around the world. Most starkly, Africa is going through a very real economic resurgence. Economic growth is estimated at around 6.5 percent last year, the highest in memory, while inflation is in the single digits. High growth and low inflation are projected to continue this year despite a global economic slowdown. This success is not just in oil countries; about two dozen sub-Saharan African nations are enjoying real growth rates in excess of 5 percent. Only one nation Zimbabwe is really going backward quickly, a direct result of President Mugabes scorched earth policy of clinging to power at any cost. That sad nation is entering its ninth consecutive year of a shrinking economy, and inflation is now well over 100,000 percent. The striking thing about Africa today is really its massive economic potential[v]. After half a century of very low growth, combined with the colonial legacy which chopped up the continent into so many small countries, the economies of Africa are still tiny: Baltimores economy is about ten times the size of Ghanas, and more than twice the size of Nigerias. Only South Africa is larger, and not by much. The positive economic picture we now see in Africa is being driven by a host of factors, including a boom in commodity prices. But economic reforms inside Africa are also a big part. Macro-economic reforms undertaken over the past decade, with international assistance and encouragement, have brought down inflation and improved the investment climate. Countries are now turning to micro-reforms to make it easier to open, operate, and grow small businesses the true engine for turning poor countries into rich ones. We are also seeing growing foreign investment in Africa[vi]. This is obviously led by oil, gas, and mining, but there are exciting trends in other sectors, such as telecommunications, agribusiness, and business services. Countries such as Ghana are starting to build specialized back office services like India has done so successfully. We are also seeing more interest from private equity firms, hedge funds, and other non-traditional investors that bode well for Africas economic integration into global financial and business networks. Indicative of this interest, Africa was recently featured on the cover of Business Week for the first time ever. Another very encouraging trend is the returning of African professionals. Bankers who have gotten experience in New York and London are now going back and setting up their own investment firms and banks. We can see this clearly in the banking boom in places like Nigeria and Ghana. Africa is clearly on a positive trajectory in terms of conflict, democracy, and economic prosperity. But all of these are extremely fragile. 2007 was one of the best years in recent memory for the continent. __________________ 5 World Bank Report, â€Å"Can Africa Claim 21st Century†,2000. 6 Released on March 18, 2008 Source: U.S. Department of State, Bureau of African Affairs CHAPTER IV EXPLOITATION OF THE GROWING OPPORTUNITIES IN AFRICA BY THE MAJOR GLOBAL POWERS POISED LIKE PANTHERS THEY STAND, JERKING LIKE LEOPARDS THEY[vii] POUNCE BRUTAL AS HELL THEY ACT, TACTICAL AS HARE THEY WITHDRAW NOT SEEN IN ACTION, WE ARE LEFT TO NURSE WOUNDS INFLICTED BY CLAWS UNSEEN WITH BUT CRIES FROM DISTANT LANDS OF HOW â€Å"THEY HAVE FINISHED THEMSELVES FOR THEY ARE UNCIVIL† LATER WE SEE†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE, PEACE NEGOTIATIONS, PEACE KEEPING OPERATIONS ICC INDICTMENTS, ARRESTS AND DETENTIONS, OF THE BEMBAS, TAYLORS, NOT OF OTHERS FOR TIMES BEFIT NOT WE HAVE SEEN RESETTLEMENT, NGOS STAFFED WITH SPIES, EXPLORERS SEARCHING FOR MAGICAL RICHES, OPPORTUNITIES OF ACCESS: GEO-MAPPING, MINERAL PROSPECTING, LAND EYEING IN WAYS AND BY MEANS BEYOND ORDINARY EYE. WE HAVE SEEN AND NOT SEEN, OUR DESTINY IN OUR HANDS OUR WEALTH BY , FOR OURSELVES,BLACKS AS KINSMEN, COMPATRIOTS, COMRADES AFRICANS SWUNG INTO ACTION AGAINST INFILTRATING EXPLOITAERS, SOWERS OF DISARRAY OUR SIGHT BLINDFOLDED WE LAMENT, AGAINST OUR PROGENITORS, CHIEFS THEMSELVES VICTIMS OF GLOBAL MISCHIEF KNOWERS OF TRUTH STRATEGICALLY PERPETRATE SABA- RWENGABO MAY 2007 The twin phenomena of a new 21st century global scramble for Africas strategic energy and mineral resources and the on-going global economic slump are admittedly taking a heavy toll on the continent s nascent democracy and security. This was the poignant conclusion of a high-level meeting of African experts and practitioners Convened by the Africa policy institute in Pretoria, South Africa in July 2009. The world economic slowdown, now ravaging African economies, comes on top of the global race for the continents resources crucial in the global political economy and security, especially mineral and energy resources. The new rush for Africa has increasingly drawn in cold war protagonists of Europe and Russia and more increasingly newcomers mainly China, and to a lesser extent, India, Brazil, South Africa, Korea and Malaysia. With the cost of food and fuel spiraling, commodity boom turning into bust, remittances from the African Diaspora falling, investments drying up and climate change taking its toll, questions remain about the implications of the new scramble for Africa and the both the swirling recession on the stability of the continents democracy and long-term security. The new scramble for Africa has unfolded against the backdrop of globalization in the post-Cold War era, which galvanized acute demand for African resources and the consequent integration of its economies into the global political economy. . With Africas relatively weak markets and unskilled labour pool playing a marginal role in the knowledge-driven global economy, the new race for Africa has targeted strategic mineral and energy resources such as oil and gas which have immense strategic importance in the global political economy and security calculations of major powers. But despite integration of African natural resources in the global economy, the African labour has become even more marginalised, with studies indicating that the â€Å"new scramble appears to be diminishing rather than increasing the prospects for employment of African labour and undermining the foundation of African livelihoods† . The trend by neo-liberal globalization to divorce the African from his resou rces is spawning new dynamics of intensified internal conflicts and creating a new fault line of conflict between Africa and the global order[viii]. Secondly, the demise of apartheid in 1994 marked the complete liberation of the continent with South Africa becoming a key leader in what has been enchanted as ‘African renaissance. However, as a result of rampant poor governance, corruption and internal wars from Somalia to Darfur (Sudan) and Kenya to Zimbabwe, African leaders failed to use the continents immense natural resources to ensure effective and pro-poor development. As such, while the newly liberated South African powerelite spearheaded the creation of a complex governance and security architecture within the aegis of the African Union to stabilize the continent, civil wars, poor governance corruption and unemployment intensified in the context of the new scramble for continents resources In turn, this has reinforced political instability and democratic crisis. The new scramble for Africa s natural resources, especially oil, is therefore, supported and sustained by the predatory African elites who are the major benef iciaries, while majority of the poor Africans at the periphery of the economy continue to be more marginalised from the economic benefits of the new scramble. Thirdly, the emergence of new economic powerhouses in the former ‘south including India, Brazil and, more saliently, China increased global competition for energy and refocused world attention on Africa as a new frontier in the search for alternative source of fossil fuels and land for growing bio-fuel and food crops to supply domestic and global markets, thus triggering the new scramble for Africa. The entry of China and other new players into the African scene increased competition with western powers for oil and mineral resources, but the jury is still out regarding the impact of the interests and strategies of these newcomers on Africas fledgling democracy and overall security. But Chinas policy of â€Å" not mixing business with politics† or the see- no-evil, hear-no-evil† policy on governance has collided with the West s emphasis on governance and human rights as a precondition for engagement with Africa, leading to non-cooperation between the two and intensifying the race for spheres of influence on the continent[ix]. Finally, in the last two years the continent has experienced the full weight of the raging global financial and economic recession which has shattered its economic growth and development prospects, threatened its economies and fostered a climate of political instability. The current global melt-down has intensified Africas serious socio-economic and political challenges relating to endemic poverty, unemployment, rising inequality, debt over-hang and the knock-on effects of climate change. But the effect of the global recession on the scramble for Africa and their implications on Africas democratic crisis are not patently clear. The current scramble for Africa is markedly significant in two ways. First, it is a scramble Challenges and Opportunities for India Challenges and Opportunities for India INTRODUCTION Background There have been profound scientific, strategic, technological, economic, political and diplomatic changes in the twentieth century and the early part of the twenty-first century which have altered the strategic orientation of nations the world over. There has been a sea change in the way nations perceive themselves and each other in the international system. The world is fast moving towards a knowledge based economy. China has emerged as a global economic power house, and closer Indo- US ties balance the power in Asia. Also a tie up between India America could contribute to a security paradigm for the global environment especially Asia. However Americas view on new world order is questionable. They view that with the fall of erstwhile USSR in the 1980s the world turned unipolar with the USA merging as the sole super power. The free will of executing the US agenda was evident in the 1990s like Invasion of Iraq. Once Russia resurrected under Vladimir Putin the US Europe nexus or the NATO and its expansion has threatened the existence of the most successful security organization like the United Nations. Later the world saw the US presence right at the doorsteps of Russia i.e. in Poland and the fight for the Arctic. Unnoticed initially , but noticed later by all, there came the third world countries like India, Brazil, South Africa, China and a few developed ones like Australia, New Zealand which formed a group which cannot be wished away. The IBSA (India- Brazil- South Africa forum) RIC (Russia India- China forum), Shanghai Cooperation etc cannot be wished away in todays world. So what is the new world order? The power houses change so rapidly, moreover the so called power houses like Europe and USA are today on the economic downturn. The subprime crisis of the USA and the unemployment situation is considered to be the worst since 1930s. So are these perceived power houses today in a shape to project their power outside their national boundaries? Does the new world order belong to the new power houses like India and China who have proved to be fairly insulated from these economic crises? But the ever increasing conflicts and the under development of nations especially those like in African continent, which cannot be ignored by the world community, is relevant. To add on, these are the Pandoras Box of richness that is gold, diamonds, minerals and the very green oil. However, it is prudent that these countries need assistance economically and materially and it is those countries which provide assistance who will control the resources. The US, European nations and China have been proactive in their approach and have been exploiting the resources of the African nations for decades. India though sharing a historical and traditional relationship with the African continent has failed to capitalize this relationship to further its economic and political goals. Africa other than being a repository of natural resources is also a conglomerate of fifty two nations with a large standing in all political organizations including United Nations. Statement of The Problem Utilizing the emerging situation in the world, with constant change of concentration of powers, it is imperative that India be proactive to have its share of the pie, specially being supported by the booming economy and its recognition worldwide. Hence this dissertation shall seek to analyse the emerging new world order, the growing opportunities for India in Africa and the changes required in its foreign and economic policies to exploit these opportunities. Justification for the Study In the fast changing world order, the opportunities presented to any developing country are enormous. Whether it is to restructure its own economy and bring up the standard of living of its population, or to enhance its clout in the global environment. Therefore it is imperative to analyze the changes required in Indias foreign and economic policy especially with respect to the African continent. The requirement of resources of a fast developing India is ever increasing and the demand is expected to outpace the supply in the near future. Africa is the repository of mineral resources that is already recognized by the world and the major players of the world have already taken a lead in exploiting the opportunities provided by the various African countries. With the emergence of India as a global player , it is pertinent that India takes corrective measures to ensure that the traditional and historical relations with the African nations is given further impetus to further the nations i nterest at an urgent basis. Scope In the backdrop of above, the study on Emerging new world order and challenges and opportunities for India will essentially attempt at providing an integrated framework of national policy towards Africa. The study will specifically focus on the following issues:- (a) Emerging World Order with respect to Africa (b) Indias role in the emerging new world order. (c) Growing opportunities in Africa. (d) Exploitation of the growing opportunities in Africa by the major global powers. (e) Indias involvement with Africa in the present context. (f) Scope for Indias involvement with Africa with respect to defense, economy, politics and the foreign policy. (g) Changes required in Indias foreign and economic policy. Method of Data Collection The primary source of data collection has been through books, periodicals and newspaper, Articles, however an attempt was made to tap some material on the internet and relevant issues have been included in the text. A bibliography of sources has been appended at the end of the dissertation. CHAPTER I EMERGING WORLD ORDER WITH RESPECT TO AFRCIA It has been clear for the past two decades that a global power shift from the â€Å"Euro-Atlantic â€Å" West to an Asia centered East has been in progress. This has far reaching implications not only for the nature of the international order as it emerges in the coming decades and great power relations, but also for the security environment. The shift has profound implications for the emerging world order due to the following reasons:- (a) Sustained high growth of economic and military power of China leading to perceptions and concerns about the â€Å"Rise of China†. (b) Robust economic growth of India under a resilient democratic political system. (c) Economic recovery of Japan after the stasis of late 1980s and 1990s. (d) Economic and political recovery of Russia and its renewed urge to play a global role along with its increasingly closer ties with China. (e) Rising prices of oil along with the prospects of beginning of its depletion in the next quarter century affecting energy security of developing as well as the developed world. (f) Emergence of a global financial crisis bringing to fore the limitations of unregulated market structure, warranting greater intervention by the state in regulating the financial system. In reality a diffused multipolar international order has been evolving into a polycentric system with six major players the USA, China, Japan, India, the EU, Russia impacting the future strategic environment[i]. At the same time economic development patterns in, Africa have become increasingly diverse over the last decade, with more and more success stories; Since the mid-1990s, 19 Sub-Saharan countries have had annual GDP growth of 4.5 percent or higher. The rise in the world price of oil is certainly a major factor at play for some of these countries. One-third of the worlds resource-dependent economies are in Africa. Yet even excluding the oil-rich countries, the fastest growing group of African countries (total 15 countries) has had an average growth rate of at least 4.5 percent. These countries host 34 percent of the regions people. By contrast, the 13 slowest-growing economies in Africa have seen less than 3 percent growth on average, with some having near zero or negative growth[ii]. These countries, many either engaged in conflict or having recently emerged from conflict, account for 20 percent of the regions people. The countries in Africa experiencing strong growth outside the oil- producing nations have been buoyed, in part, by global price increases in other primary export commodities. With the exception of raw materials, whose prices have been relatively stagnant, other commodities, including metals and non-oil minerals, have experienced noticeable increases in their price levels. This worldwide rise of com modity prices has been engendered in large part by the rapid growth of Asian developing countries, especially China and India. They contributed close to 40 percent of global import growth for precious stones, 30 percent for crude oil, and 20 percent for metallic ores. Their demand for these commodities is likely to grow, or at least not change from current levels, in the foreseeable future. Still, a number of countries in Africa are diversifying their exports, no longer relying solely on the export of a few raw commodities. Exports are increasingly composed of light manufactured goods, processed foods, horticulture, and services such as tourism. Some countries—such as Nigeria and South Africa—have been increasing their shares of exports in technology-based products. In fact, they are moving up the technology ladder and exporting low- to medium-technology products in sectors where Asian countries are increasingly putting less emphasis The ever increasing significance of the African continent is highlighted by the following turn of events. In 2008, several high-level meetings were organized with Africas concerns high on the agenda. In April 2008, the India-Africa Forum Summit was held in New Delhi with 14 Heads of State and Government and representatives of regional bodies. A comprehensive Africa-India Framework for Cooperation was established, covering economic cooperation in such areas as agricultural development, political cooperation, science and technology, social development, tourism, infrastructure, energy and environment, and media and communication. A joint plan of action and implementation mechanism is to be developed within a year. One of the stated aims of the framework is to reinforce South-South cooperation to enable Africa and India to have greater leverage in international forums. In May 2008, the fourth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD-IV) took place in Yokohama, with representatives from 51 African countries, including 40 Heads of State and Government as well representatives of African organizations and from many Asian countries. Japan pledged to double its official development assistance (ODA) over the next five years, focusing on infrastructure and agricultural development. The first Turkey-Africa Cooperation Summit was held in Istanbul in August 2008 with the participation of representatives of 50 African countries, among them several Heads of State and Government. Turkeys trade and investment relations with Africa have increased dramatically over the past few years and Africa is a major market for Turkish contractors. Turkey has also formalized relations with AU and with AfDB. In October 2008, a ministerial conference on economic cooperation between South Korea and Africa was held to discuss major economic development issues and share South Koreas economic development experiences with African partners. Other middle-income countries such as Brazil are also intensifying their economic and diplomatic ties with Africa. These developments are taking place against the recent backdrop of high growth in Africa, increasing demand for commodities, especially in emerging economies, and the search for low-cost locations for investments in simple manufacturing. They have helped halt the trend of Africas declining share of world trade and foreign direct investment (FDI) flows[iii]. __________________ Security Environment in 2025:Indias Interests and Strategies Air Commodore Jasjit Singh,AVSM,Vrc,VM, (Retd) USI JOURNAL JANUARY- MARCH 07 2 Africas silk road Harry.G.braodman. 3 United Nations Economic Commission Report on Africa, 2009 CHAPTER II INDIAS ROLE IN EMERGING WORLD ORDER INDIA RISING The centre of gravity of the emerging international order and strategic affairs is increasingly shifting to the Asian landmass (and contiguous island territories). The 21st century is likely to be Asia-centred due to some of the reasons outlined below: (a) Asian landmass is where the most far-reaching social, economic and political changes are taking place. How these countries manage change will largely influence the course of world events in the coming decades. (b) The region still has extensive un-resolved disputes extending from issues of sovereignty to ideological issues which are often constructed on religious extremism. (c) By 2015, seven out of ten largest economies would be Asian countries (including three out of the four top being Asian, the other country being the United States with its deep and extensive interests in Asia). (d) Seven out of nine nuclear weapon states are located in Asia (including the United States which has strategically shifted forward into the Asian contiguous oceans, has deployed nuclear weapons in Asia, and will remain an â€Å"Asian† power). (e) Worlds energy â€Å"demand heartland† composed of Japan, Koreas, China and India is in Asia. And so is the energy â€Å"resource periphery† extending from Siberia, Central Asia, Persian Gulf, North Indian Ocean, South China Sea, and East China Sea. Future needs and availability of energy resource base are likely to further emphasise the Asia-centred world order while enhancing the role of major centres of power. India as the worlds largest democracy is now on the move in economic and technological terms. It has successfully progressed in what can only be described as the human historys most ambitious experiment of transforming a traditional society into a modern one, of transforming an agrarian-based economy into a comprehensive industry-service sector- agricultural economy, rapidly increase social mobility transforming the country into a class-less society, and so on, all through processes of consultative politics. The World Bank estimates that India will possess the fourth largest economy in the world by 2020. Since independence India has made rapid strides and now has the worlds second largest pool of highly competent scientific and technological expertise while its software strength is likely to play a major role in the coming years. Indias economic growth, not as dramatic as that of China or the East Asia â€Å"Tigers† has nevertheless shown increasing rate of growth in every de cade since the late 1960s. Indias geostrategists have a changed perception vis-à  -vis the third world and other NAM countries, which the country was historically aligned to[iv]. India has used both â€Å"soft power† and â€Å"hard power† options to increase its influence on third countries. This perception is based on the following assessments: (a) India discontinued its government to government development cooperation with all but six bilateral donors (DFID, EC, Germany, Japan, USAID, and Russian Federation). Instead donors could assist NGOs directly. (b) India has gradually changed from a recipient of aid and assistance to a giver of aid. Minister of state for external affairs Rao Inderjit Singh stated in April 2005: â€Å"Our technical and economic cooperation programme ITEC [to 156 states] is almost four decades old. a rough monetary value to the wide range of training and other facilities that we have shared with our friends from Africa, I am sure he would estimate it at well above a billion dollars†. [32] (c) India Development Initiative (IDI) dedicates a $1.5 billion soft credit fund over five years through the Exim Bank for supporting development projects mainly in Africa. (d) India has leased an air base in Ayni in Tajikistan which it argues is for non- military purposes, but others see this is as part of Indias move towards increasing its strategic depth in central Asia. (e) India has assisted Afghanistan in projects that range from roads to hospi- tal building as a way of maintaining its influence in the region. It has extended more than $100 million in credit to the outlawed Myanmar regime, including for upgrading their railway. India has thus emerged as Myanmars second largest market, absorbing 25 per cent of the countrys exports. (f) India maintains its influence in several south Asian states like Nepal, Maldives, Sri Lanka, as is well known. In this context India has gradually dis- engaged from the large southern groups that it once partnered and has played a key role in forming new groups like the G-4, G-15, G-20 and G-33. India has become part of many regional groupings, like India-Brazil-South Africa (IBSA), Asia- Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) and the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi Sectoral Technical and Economic Coopera- tion (BIMSTEC), as a more direct way of promoting South-South Cooperation as well as establishing a stronger political and economic relationship. This gradual but significant disengagement with the third world is driven by Indias great power perceptions. Its aid policies follow the intentions of the west in the creation of markets for Indian capital. The concept of â€Å"soft power† policies remains part of the neo-realist framework, where the interest of the state is primary, regardless of the impact on citizens. __________________ 4 CHENOY Kamal Mitra, CHENOY Anuradha M * From Economic and Political Weekly September 1, 2007. CHAPTER III GROWING OPPORTUNITIES IN AFRICA As the ‘dark continent, Africa has typically been painted with broad-brush strokes, as a place of uncivilized people, as savage and superstitious, as tribalistic and nepostic. Africa is a vast and exotic continent of about 900 million people in 54 independent countries. It has a total area of over 30 million sq. kms, about three and a half times the size of the United States and 10 times the size of India. It is the second largest continent in the world after Asia. It stretches from the shores of the Mediterranean in the north to the Cape of Good Hope in the south. Africa is rich in mineral and natural resources with large parts of its terrain teeming with wild life and magnificent plant life. It possesses 99 percent of the worlds chrome resources, 85 percent of its platinum, 70 percent of its tantalite, 68 percent of its cobalt and 54 percent of its gold, among others. It has significant oil and gas reserves. Nigeria and Libya are two of the leading oil producing countries in the world. Africas enormous agricultural potential is vastly untapped. Africas vast mineral wealth and strategic significance have encouraged foreign powers to intervene in African affairs. African oil constitutes 8% of the worlds oil resources. Political Importance of Africa is further compounded by the fact that it comprises the 54 votes that African Union (AU) maintains in the General Assembly. With world markets in turmoil, an unexpected and overlooked continent may benefit from its very isolation. Opportunities The continent has witnessed a trend towards democratisation that is visible in multi-party elections across the continent and the emergence of a democratic South Africa. It is also visible in the launch of the New Partnership for Africas Development (NEPAD) through the joint efforts of South Africa and Senegal. This action plan promises to remove the tag of the Hopeless Continent. Yet all this has been accompanied by a steady drumbeat of optimism about the continent, and confidence in its prospects. Despite of the problems, the 48 countries of sub Saharan Africa (hereafter referred to as plain Africa) are, by several measures, enjoying a period of unparalleled economic success. And despite the turmoil in the worlds financial markets, international investors still think they can make money there. In 1990-94 annual GDP growth was a weak 0.9%; since then, growth has averaged closer to 5%. Before this autumns financial meltdown, the IMF was predicting GDP growth of 6.6% this year; now it is predicting only a slightly lower rate. Annual GDP growth per person was 1.1% in the late 1990s; from 2004 to 2006 it was around 4%. In 1990 47% of Africans lived in poverty; in 2004 41% did and, if present trends continue, only 37% will by 2015. Zimbabwe apart, most African countries have been bringing inflation down, even if the trend is now creeping up again, in line with the rest of the world. Many countries have been helped by better macro-economic management and big inflows of Western aid, investment and debt relief-as well as by more unquantifiable investments from Asia, particularly China, and the Middle East. The surplus petrodollars of the Gulf States have been flowing into East Africa. The IMF estimates that foreign investment and loans to Africa rose from $11 billion in 2000 to $53 billion in 2007. Much of this has stemmed from the commodities boom. Oil- producing countries such as Angola and Nigeria, and even war-torn Sudan, have supplied the soaring growth s, and much of the foreign investment has gone into extractive industries. Economic development patterns in Africa have become increasingly diverse over the last decade, with more and more success stories. Ghana, Africas first nation to win its freedom from Europe, recently celebrated its 50th anniversary of independence. This is both cause for reflection on the past half-century and a reminder of how young African nations are. In the past seven years we have seen the end of seven major conflicts: in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Cote dIvoire, North-South Sudan, Ethiopia-Eritrea, and Angola. We are on the verge of a peace deal in northern Uganda. Although conflicts are still ongoing in Darfur and Chad, and the peace is fragile in several other places, the trend in Africa is toward the resolution of conflict. More importantly, the capacity of African nations to deal with conflicts has risen dramatically. African peacekeepers are increasingly active not only in Africa but around the world. Most starkly, Africa is going through a very real economic resurgence. Economic growth is estimated at around 6.5 percent last year, the highest in memory, while inflation is in the single digits. High growth and low inflation are projected to continue this year despite a global economic slowdown. This success is not just in oil countries; about two dozen sub-Saharan African nations are enjoying real growth rates in excess of 5 percent. Only one nation Zimbabwe is really going backward quickly, a direct result of President Mugabes scorched earth policy of clinging to power at any cost. That sad nation is entering its ninth consecutive year of a shrinking economy, and inflation is now well over 100,000 percent. The striking thing about Africa today is really its massive economic potential[v]. After half a century of very low growth, combined with the colonial legacy which chopped up the continent into so many small countries, the economies of Africa are still tiny: Baltimores economy is about ten times the size of Ghanas, and more than twice the size of Nigerias. Only South Africa is larger, and not by much. The positive economic picture we now see in Africa is being driven by a host of factors, including a boom in commodity prices. But economic reforms inside Africa are also a big part. Macro-economic reforms undertaken over the past decade, with international assistance and encouragement, have brought down inflation and improved the investment climate. Countries are now turning to micro-reforms to make it easier to open, operate, and grow small businesses the true engine for turning poor countries into rich ones. We are also seeing growing foreign investment in Africa[vi]. This is obviously led by oil, gas, and mining, but there are exciting trends in other sectors, such as telecommunications, agribusiness, and business services. Countries such as Ghana are starting to build specialized back office services like India has done so successfully. We are also seeing more interest from private equity firms, hedge funds, and other non-traditional investors that bode well for Africas economic integration into global financial and business networks. Indicative of this interest, Africa was recently featured on the cover of Business Week for the first time ever. Another very encouraging trend is the returning of African professionals. Bankers who have gotten experience in New York and London are now going back and setting up their own investment firms and banks. We can see this clearly in the banking boom in places like Nigeria and Ghana. Africa is clearly on a positive trajectory in terms of conflict, democracy, and economic prosperity. But all of these are extremely fragile. 2007 was one of the best years in recent memory for the continent. __________________ 5 World Bank Report, â€Å"Can Africa Claim 21st Century†,2000. 6 Released on March 18, 2008 Source: U.S. Department of State, Bureau of African Affairs CHAPTER IV EXPLOITATION OF THE GROWING OPPORTUNITIES IN AFRICA BY THE MAJOR GLOBAL POWERS POISED LIKE PANTHERS THEY STAND, JERKING LIKE LEOPARDS THEY[vii] POUNCE BRUTAL AS HELL THEY ACT, TACTICAL AS HARE THEY WITHDRAW NOT SEEN IN ACTION, WE ARE LEFT TO NURSE WOUNDS INFLICTED BY CLAWS UNSEEN WITH BUT CRIES FROM DISTANT LANDS OF HOW â€Å"THEY HAVE FINISHED THEMSELVES FOR THEY ARE UNCIVIL† LATER WE SEE†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE, PEACE NEGOTIATIONS, PEACE KEEPING OPERATIONS ICC INDICTMENTS, ARRESTS AND DETENTIONS, OF THE BEMBAS, TAYLORS, NOT OF OTHERS FOR TIMES BEFIT NOT WE HAVE SEEN RESETTLEMENT, NGOS STAFFED WITH SPIES, EXPLORERS SEARCHING FOR MAGICAL RICHES, OPPORTUNITIES OF ACCESS: GEO-MAPPING, MINERAL PROSPECTING, LAND EYEING IN WAYS AND BY MEANS BEYOND ORDINARY EYE. WE HAVE SEEN AND NOT SEEN, OUR DESTINY IN OUR HANDS OUR WEALTH BY , FOR OURSELVES,BLACKS AS KINSMEN, COMPATRIOTS, COMRADES AFRICANS SWUNG INTO ACTION AGAINST INFILTRATING EXPLOITAERS, SOWERS OF DISARRAY OUR SIGHT BLINDFOLDED WE LAMENT, AGAINST OUR PROGENITORS, CHIEFS THEMSELVES VICTIMS OF GLOBAL MISCHIEF KNOWERS OF TRUTH STRATEGICALLY PERPETRATE SABA- RWENGABO MAY 2007 The twin phenomena of a new 21st century global scramble for Africas strategic energy and mineral resources and the on-going global economic slump are admittedly taking a heavy toll on the continent s nascent democracy and security. This was the poignant conclusion of a high-level meeting of African experts and practitioners Convened by the Africa policy institute in Pretoria, South Africa in July 2009. The world economic slowdown, now ravaging African economies, comes on top of the global race for the continents resources crucial in the global political economy and security, especially mineral and energy resources. The new rush for Africa has increasingly drawn in cold war protagonists of Europe and Russia and more increasingly newcomers mainly China, and to a lesser extent, India, Brazil, South Africa, Korea and Malaysia. With the cost of food and fuel spiraling, commodity boom turning into bust, remittances from the African Diaspora falling, investments drying up and climate change taking its toll, questions remain about the implications of the new scramble for Africa and the both the swirling recession on the stability of the continents democracy and long-term security. The new scramble for Africa has unfolded against the backdrop of globalization in the post-Cold War era, which galvanized acute demand for African resources and the consequent integration of its economies into the global political economy. . With Africas relatively weak markets and unskilled labour pool playing a marginal role in the knowledge-driven global economy, the new race for Africa has targeted strategic mineral and energy resources such as oil and gas which have immense strategic importance in the global political economy and security calculations of major powers. But despite integration of African natural resources in the global economy, the African labour has become even more marginalised, with studies indicating that the â€Å"new scramble appears to be diminishing rather than increasing the prospects for employment of African labour and undermining the foundation of African livelihoods† . The trend by neo-liberal globalization to divorce the African from his resou rces is spawning new dynamics of intensified internal conflicts and creating a new fault line of conflict between Africa and the global order[viii]. Secondly, the demise of apartheid in 1994 marked the complete liberation of the continent with South Africa becoming a key leader in what has been enchanted as ‘African renaissance. However, as a result of rampant poor governance, corruption and internal wars from Somalia to Darfur (Sudan) and Kenya to Zimbabwe, African leaders failed to use the continents immense natural resources to ensure effective and pro-poor development. As such, while the newly liberated South African powerelite spearheaded the creation of a complex governance and security architecture within the aegis of the African Union to stabilize the continent, civil wars, poor governance corruption and unemployment intensified in the context of the new scramble for continents resources In turn, this has reinforced political instability and democratic crisis. The new scramble for Africa s natural resources, especially oil, is therefore, supported and sustained by the predatory African elites who are the major benef iciaries, while majority of the poor Africans at the periphery of the economy continue to be more marginalised from the economic benefits of the new scramble. Thirdly, the emergence of new economic powerhouses in the former ‘south including India, Brazil and, more saliently, China increased global competition for energy and refocused world attention on Africa as a new frontier in the search for alternative source of fossil fuels and land for growing bio-fuel and food crops to supply domestic and global markets, thus triggering the new scramble for Africa. The entry of China and other new players into the African scene increased competition with western powers for oil and mineral resources, but the jury is still out regarding the impact of the interests and strategies of these newcomers on Africas fledgling democracy and overall security. But Chinas policy of â€Å" not mixing business with politics† or the see- no-evil, hear-no-evil† policy on governance has collided with the West s emphasis on governance and human rights as a precondition for engagement with Africa, leading to non-cooperation between the two and intensifying the race for spheres of influence on the continent[ix]. Finally, in the last two years the continent has experienced the full weight of the raging global financial and economic recession which has shattered its economic growth and development prospects, threatened its economies and fostered a climate of political instability. The current global melt-down has intensified Africas serious socio-economic and political challenges relating to endemic poverty, unemployment, rising inequality, debt over-hang and the knock-on effects of climate change. But the effect of the global recession on the scramble for Africa and their implications on Africas democratic crisis are not patently clear. The current scramble for Africa is markedly significant in two ways. First, it is a scramble