Category: Essentials of Economics: Ch 15
In a new book, Will Hutton, the editor of the Observer and well-known economic commentator, has argued that we have overstated the economic threat from China. He argues that their economic model is flawed and that extensive corruption in the system is distorting economic growth in the country. The article below from the Guardian is an edited extract from his new book that considers many of these issues.
Power, corruption and lies Guardian (8/1/07)
Questions
| 1. |
“….. the transition from communism remains fundamentally problematic”. Discuss the extent to which these problems are likely to affect the pace of development in China. |
| 2. |
Explain what Will Hutton means by ‘Leninist corporatism’. Why does he believe this to be a problem for China? |
| 3. |
Assess the likely impact of corruption in China on long-term development and the rate of economic growth. |
January 1st 2007 saw further enlargement of the EU with Romania and Bulgaria joining. This brings the total number of members to 27. So what will be the impact of this expansion on the EU and the new member countries? The links below offer a range of views and information on the enlargement.
Q&A: EU enlargement BBC News Online (1/1/07)
Romania and Bulgaria join the EU BBC News Online (1/1/07)
New EU citizens ‘will benefit the UK’ BBC News Online (1/1/07)
EU hardens tone on enlargement BBC News Online (15/12/06)
Bulgaria: Key facts and figures BBC News Online (21/12/06)
Romania: Key facts and figures BBC News Online (30/12/06)
Today’s European Union is 27 states in search of a story Guardian (4/1/07)
Clubbing together Guardian Blog (1/1/07)
Questions
| 1. |
What are the likely benefits to Bulgaria and Romania of membership of the EU? |
| 2. |
What are the likely costs to existing EU members of Bulgaria and Romania joining the EU? |
| 3. |
Assess the likely impact on the EU budget of Bulgaria and Romania joining the EU. |