Apr 30 2008
Russia and the WTO
In the next few days we will discussing the state of Russia today. For years (since 1993 to be exact) Russia has been working to join the World Trade Organization. I would like you to read the following article: Russia WTO Deal This Year, “Inshallah” I would also like you to visit the WTO website’s main page (see link in “Helpful World History Sites”) and view the list of members. Obviously we need to learn a little more about Russia’s history to get a full picture, but at this point do you observe any reasons why Russia has been denied WTO admission? Are you surprised by any of the countries that made the list ahead of Russia?
Secondly, what is the Jackson-Vanik amendment? Use the internet to look up some additional information.
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things like this should really be announced in class for those of us who are incompotent.
The site was almost entirely in Russian…
Well, the obvious reasoning behind Russia’s disclusion is that, only two decades ago, Russia was a communist nation, and considered “the bad guys” by many of the other countries in the WTO, and, of course, their economy wasn’t suited to the free market trading. However, I am somewhat surprised that countries such as China and Vietnam were granted membership, and Cuba was one of the original members to sign, as they’re also communist countries with a history of friction against many other countries. Then again, America, Britain, and France aren’t the only countries on Earth, and three other countries that are still communist are members… so, retrospectively, I can’t really say why Russia hasn’t been allowed to join.
And, to answer your question, the Jackson-Vanik amendment was an amendment that denied normal trading with countries such as Russia with non-market economies and restricted.
It seems that most of the world hates the U.S. and then those who don’t hate the U.S. hate Russia.
??? I fail to comprehend what is going on???
The Russians simply haven’t been allowed to join because they are addicted to power. The Russian Government is filled with smug politicians who believe that their armies are unstoppable and the only reason they haven’t been allowed in is that they think they have a voice which they don’t. Who is going to listen to a country who is still fighting a somewhat quiet civil war with communist radicals. The fact is the Russian Government is unstable and an unstable government means an unstable market.
The Cubans have been allowed in because they are stable and are on good terms with everyone except the U.S. which still hasn’t lifted the trade embargo. If we lift the trade embargo we raise hopes of a democracy in Cuba but until then there will be none.
Valid points to be sure, but hold off on solidifying your opinions…next week we’ll be discussing some problems that Russia is facing that may justify some of Putin’s undemocratic actions. Maybe you will conclude that these are merely excuses in much the same way that Hitler built concentration camps initially to house “enemies of the state.” Or perhaps in the wake of 9/11 you will be sympathetic to Russia’s plight. Just keep an open-mind for a few more days.
Homeland Security is just a capitalist name for KGB
I saw all the Russian and I got extreamly discouraged and I didn’t read it because I wanted to keep some of my self confidence.