BRIC Nations

BRIConomicsM A G A Z I N E

As the developed world becomes a thing of the past, the developing world becomes a thing of the future. This issue focuses on the BRIC nations, the upcoming world powers: Brazil, Russia, India, and China.

B R I C N A T I O N S

Introduction to the BRIC Nations

BBrazilrazilGaining its independence in 1822, Brazil is the largest and most populous country in South America with over 190 million inhabitants. With a land area a little smaller than the United States, Brazil offers the world its lust agriculture and superior natural resources. As Brazil continues to grow economically, politically, and powerfully in the world, it becomes apparent that Brazil may hold a significant role in the future, provided its internal issues are solved, and turned into success.

Economy--------------------------------------------------------------

With the world’s 15th largest economy and an increasing Gross Domestic Product (PPP) of $2.025 trillion in 2009, Brazil is making a name for itself as a leading contender in the future. Its economy accounts for one half of the South American territory’s economic production and is the most productive industrial base in the southern hemisphere. It has important industries in automobiles, steels, petrochemicals, computers, and aircrafts and is the largest producer of ethanol and sugar cane. Over the years, strong exports converted Brazil’s trade deficits into trade surpluses, creating a 5% growth in the economy in 2004. Since 2003, strong improvements have been made to improve macroeconomic stability that helped build up foreign reserves, reduce debt, adhere to inflation targets, and commit to fiscal responsibilities.

Due to these actions, consumer and investor confidence revived and GDP growth grew upwards. After record growth in 2007 and 2008, the economic crisis devastated the thriving economy with two quarters of economic decline. However, Brazil rebounded and for 2010, it forecasts growth of 5% of GDP. (see page 6 for GDP charts)Luckily, Brazil has an abundance of resources as well as different methods of obtaining income to help boost their GDP growth. Agriculture accounts for 6.5% of GDP, Industry is 25.8%, and Services are 67.7% of GDP. In addition, Brazil has a 7.4% unemployment rate and 26% of the population is below the poverty line.Economically, Brazil seems to be trending upwards and moving in the right direction towards reform and creation of new methods to obtain income.

Brazilian Trade and GDP

Shows the Trade Balance between imports and exports

Shows the change in GDP from 1975 to 2000 Comparison between Brazil, South America, and the world for GDP Per Capita

GDP per sector for Brazil in 2000

---------------------------------

Brazil has large, well-developed agricultural, mining, manufacturing and service businesses that help support the economy and foster growth. Among its natural resources are bauxite, gold, iron, ore, timber, petroleum, phosphates, tin, uranium, and manganese. Exporting high levels of these materials contribute to the 5% GDP growth yearly.The picture to the right shows Brazil’s economic activity, according to its GDP sectors.

ResourceResourcess

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------Through Brazil’s highly prosperous economy lies an

abundance of social issues. However, with its extra capital, these social issues are becoming more apparent and solutions are becoming top priority.

First, Brazil has high levels of poverty. With a misery rate of 18.57%, Brazil has millions of men, women, and children who rarely eat or drink, bathe in polluted rivers and streams, drink contaminated water, and live in favelas, a Brazilian word for slums. 1/3 of Brazil’s population is poor and 20% of the poorest people in Brazil are par with the richest 20% in China. However, to help contain this issue, Silva, the president of Brazil, established the Bolsa Familia, an anti-poverty program that gives money directly to impoverished families.

Second, there is serious crime in Sao Paulo and Rio De Janeiro. About 24 homicides per 100,000 residents occur in major cities, not include muggings, robberies, kidnappings, and gang violence. Police brutality and corruption in law enforcement do not help the issue.

Education is another issue that Brazil faces, however, economic status plays a significant role as wealthier people tend to get higher quality educations than those of lower incomes who receive lower quality of education.

In addition, child labor takes away children from schooling as some children are forced by their families to begin work at the age of 10. President Silva is also tackling this problem through his Bolsa Escola program that gives money to parents who keep their children in schools.

Another problem faced is class struggle. Recently, in the year 2008, Brazil had the greatest class struggle with more land occupations, stronger women’s movements and deeper political student movements. The Brazilian class system is based upon skill, knowledge, and occupation: those that are skilled or are “know-how” people will make money. There is no competition between wealthy land owners and poor peasants. During the 1960s and 1970s there was a surge of upwards mobility and production greatly increased. Today, the middle class continues to grow and remain dominant.

Finally, the role of women is increasing in Brazilian society. Their influence in politics increased as 1/11 Justices of Supreme Court are women, 9/81 are senators, 43/513 are Federal Deputies, and currently, two states are governed by women.

Social Issues

Environmental Issues

-------------------------------------------------------------------Brazil faces a large array of environmental issues. Over the past century, Brazil has been destroying the Amazon Basin, trying to extract its exotic resources to make a profit. However, the Amazon accounts for 30% of all remaining tropical forestland which provides shelter to 10% of all plant and animal species. This destruction of the Amazon Basin is destroying many animal’s habitats and endangering a multitude of indigenous plants and animal. Between 1900 and 1950, 60 species of birds became extinct due to deforestation. During the 1970s and 1980s, each year, Brazil destroyed 15% of the forest, by burning the forest and killing all the animals in its path.Water and air pollution also devastates the environment. Due to improper mining practices, rivers near urban centers are polluted by mercury, toxic materials and untreated wastes. Brazil lacks fertile soil for agriculture due to this type of soil erosion. Other issues Brazil faces are wetland and land degradation, desertification and high energy consumption: Brazil is the 3rd highest energy consumer.

A m a z o n B a s i n

Causes of Deforestation in the Amazon

Shows in detail the Amazon Basin

Tackling Deforestation in Brazil

Brazil: Go Green

Brazil “going green” is almost an understatement. By now, Brazil has far advanced its “green” methods and surpassed the United States in its efforts to keep the Earth “green,” making it the 2nd fastest clean energy growth in the world. Of the millions of cars on Brazilian roads, 200,000, or about 20% of the cars in Brazil, have a flex fuel option that allows drivers to drive on gas, alcohol or a combination of both. In the future, Brazil plans to build a natural gas version to reduce stress on ethanol. In addition to automobiles, Brazil produced the world’s first fully run ethanol power plant. Tourism is also going green with its new Eco-lodges.

International Relations-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

---Brazil seems to be a relatively friendly country with other nations around the world. It has strong relations with many Western countries and has re-strengthened relations within South America. Brazil’s biggest allies and trading partners are India, Russia, China, South Africa, and the United States. China has become Brazil’s third leading export destination, based primarily on products like soya and iron ore. However, Brazil dislikes the Central African Republic, Honduras (coup d’etat), Kosovo (not an independent state), and the Republic of China.

Brazil and America have always remained relatively close. Many children have been taken from the USA into Brazil, however, the Brazilian government has always allowed these children to return back to the USA. Overall, Brazil and America share military strategies, economic ideas, and similar political beliefs.

Military

--------------------------------------------------------------------With 371,000 troops, Brazil has the largest military in South America. The military has primary roles in education, health care, and civic programs. Luckily, Brazil has never fought with one of its neighboring countries. Like China and Russia, Brazil borders 10 different countries. After the Iran-Iraq war, the Brazilian Army collapsed. However, the army started to regain strength and in 2008, Brazil signed a treaty with France and Russia to trade military technologies.

RRussiussiaaCovering 1/9 of the Earth’s land, Russia is by far the

largest country on the planet. With the world’s largest mineral reserves, forest reserves, and energy resources, Russia offers the world an abundance of resources and opportunities. With a 99% literacy rate, highly educated citizens, and the largest stockpile of nuclear material, Russia is a huge force that is growing and expanding dramatically. Many issues still linger in Russia’s views and need to be cured to maintain or expand on their incline towards being the world’s next superpower.

Boosting the 12th largest economy by nominal GDP ($2.116 trillion), the 7th largest by PPP ($15,100), and the 5th largest by nominal military budget, Russia continues to grow economically, and join the leading superpowers, even surpass others. Over the past nine years, Russia was fortunate to have 7% growth of GDP and in some years, experienced as much as 8.1% growth. By sector, Russia’s economy is mainly supported by services (57.9%), then Industry (37%), and finally by agriculture (5.2%). Much of its growth is attributed to non-traded services and goods for domestic markets. In 2007, the unemployment rate dropped to 6%, down 6.4% in 1999. Many factors are helping Russia expand and earn trade surpluses. First, Russia is rich in many energy products. It is known as the energy superpower with the largest natural gas reserve, 8th largest oil reserve, 2nd largest coal reserve, 4th largest electricity generator and nuclear energy producer, and 5th largest renewable energy producer.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------In addition, it has a well-developed hydroelectricity production plant and was the first country to develop the civilian nuclear reactor and the first nuclear power plant. Each year about $42.7 billion are allocated for energy purposes only. Second, Russia has many industries in mining, coal, oil, gas, chemicals, and metals and has most arable land for cultivation and agriculture. Their main agricultural exports are grain, sugar beets, sunflower seeds, vegetables, fruits, beef, and milk. Oil has also impacted the Russian economy. In 1999, earnings allowed Russia to increase its foreign reserves from 12 billion to 597.3 billion.Through all of Russia’s successes, the nation still faces many challenges. According to the World Bank, Russia faces problems like diversification, building human capital, modernizing infrastructure, aging businesses and population, and improving corporate governance.

EEconomyconomy

Graph above shows the breakdown of Russia's technical, industrial, tourism, and free economic zones.

Graph below shows the GDP (PPP) after the fall of the Soviet Union

Economic Charts

SSocial ocial IIssuesssues----------------------------------------------------------------------------Russia faces a variety of social issues like poverty, ethnic cleansing, aging population, alcoholism and poor health care. 14% of the Russian population falls below the poverty line, earning very little per year, eating barely nothing, and living in terrible, unsanitary conditions. In addition, Russia’s population is decreasing due to alcohol poisoning and poor health care. Each year 40,000 men and women die due to alcoholism. However, its health care system is corrupt and bribery is needed to get a doctor just to look at the patient. Russia also faces problems in welfare, social security, retirement, refugees, racism, prostitution, nutrition, corruption, AIDS, and destabilization of families.

Social Issue Charts

Adults per capita alcohol consumption Russian wages: Monthly

Russian Total Midyear population - decreasing

Women --------------------------------------------------------------------------The women in Russia are protected under the law as equal citizens, however, are still looked upon differently. Women make up 46.9% of the working population. Of the 46.9%, 85% of these women are in health care, 81% in education, and 78% are in finance. Men are generally paid higher than women. There are laws that protect women against dangerous or creepy jobs, heavy lifting, and midnight hours. Also, women are generally paid for maternity leave and receive pensions at the age of 55 years old.

Social Structure ----------------------------------------------------------------------

-----In Russia, social mobility is limited. Generally, the higher your education, the higher your social class. Member of the working class typically live in small, cramped apartment complexes, and spend hours waiting in line, trying to buy food, water, and clothing. Agricultural workers make up the bottom of the Soviet class system. They receive the least amount of pay, and have the smallest opportunities for social advancement. The capitalists make up the highest portions of the Russian social system. They drive beautiful Western cars, have expensive clothing and jewelry, and work as restaurant owners, businessmen, or club owners. Many say the most successful men and women in Russia have criminal connections.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Among the 4 BRIC nations, Russia seems to have the worst environmental issues:First, Russia misuses their resources. Twenty years ago, the Russia government believed that they had too many resources, so the government burnt, killed, slaughtered and obliterated many of its resources. Due to these actions, 40% of Russia, about 75% of the size of the USA is under moderate to high ecological stress. Second, Russia has very high levels of air and water pollution from radioactive contamination, soil erosion, desertification, chemical contamination and vehicular pollution. Much pollution came from nuclear testing, creating radioactive land and killing plants and animals under the radioactive cloud. In addition, only 15% of the Russian population breathes good air. Vehicles contribute 1/3 to the air pollution. Russia has extreme and widespread land degradation. Due to toxic chemicals, 74 million hectares of land have been contaminated. In response to these environmental factors, Russia has created programs and treaties to prevent and ban nuclear testing, reduce pollution, and the misuse of natural resources like the International Tropical Timber agreement and the convention on International Trade in Endangered Species.

Environmental Issues

Go Green---------------------------------------------Medvedev wants to decrease energy consumption by 40% in 2020. He proposes to use atomic bomb plants to make eco-friendly energy sources. To help in this effort, Russia is looking to Germany for financial support and for an ally on the issue of energy. In the future, Russia wants to use nuclear energy and convert it to power homes, cars, buildings, etc.

Russia has a great advantage over many competing nations: Russia is rich in energy and resources. This helps Russia gain surpluses as it can export more than it imports. In 1999, Russia exported $99 billion, which jumped to $105.1 billion in 2000, selling a range of commodities, petroleum products, natural gas, wood and wood products, metals, chemicals, and military manufactures to Ukraine, Germany, United States, Belarus, the Netherlands, and China. On the contrary, Russia's imports fell from $48.2 billion to $44.2 billion by 2000 from countries like Germany, Belarus, Ukraine, USA, Kazakhstan, and Italy. One major contributor to enhancing trade performance was the devaluation of the ruble, which lowered inflation and skyrocketed exports. The United States and Russia historically had rocky relations especially during the Cuban Missile Crisis and the arms race. It was the closest to a nuclear war in history. However, tensions began to fade away and at the 2009 G20 Convention, President Obama and President Medvedev, “struck a warm tone.” They both agreed on the treaty to limit and reduce stockpiles of nuclear weapons, and both signed and agreed to the New START program. Also, the United States agreed to put a GM plant in St. Petersburg, which helped create jobs for the Russians.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------With a budget of $33 million on military spending, Russia has 3.7 million troops and four Russian Navy fleets: The Baltic, Pacific, Northern and Black Sea Navies. Each year, military spending is increased by 1/3. The military also has 3909 nuclear weapons as well as 28,000 tons of nuclear material.

International Trade

Graph shows the major exports to Russia from USA from 2000-2006

Russia increases Trade

IIndindiaa

As the 2nd most populous country in the world, after China, India is the world’s largest democracy, with over 1.18 billion people. Today, like the other BRIC nations, India is growing at a steady, but fast pace, leaving many of its competitors behind. Still, India suffers from many problems from an array of social issues to many environmental problems.

Environmental Issues----------------------------------------------------------------------------

------India is trying to keep pace with a rapidly growing economy. Unfortunately, the environment is taking abuse from India’s need to support this lifestyle. Its environment is suffering from extreme levels of land degradation, resource depletion, loss of biodiversity, loss of resilience in ecosystems, poor water supply, poor sanitation, overpopulation, uncharacteristic and more severe natural disasters, overexploitation of groundwater, and noise, air, land, and water pollution. In order to conserve biodiversity and help save the environment, India has enacted programs and plans to protect forests, land, animals, and wildlife. Today, India has 14 biosphere reserves and 25 wetlands registered under the Rammsar Convention.

Pollution in India

Economy--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------With the 2nd fastest growing economy, India is up and coming as a leading power. It has the 11th largest economy nominally, $1.367 trillion, and the 4th largest by PPP of $3.862 trillion. However, through extensive regulation, protectionism and public ownership, India experiences high levels of corruption. Some of India’s major industries are telecommunications, textiles, chemicals, food processing, steel, transportation equipment, cement, mining, petroleum, machinery, and information technology. In addition, some of its major agricultural products include rice, wheat, oilseed, cotton, jute, tea, sugarcane, potatoes, cattle, and poultry. It has a GINI index of 38.8%, with 37.2% below poverty line. India has exports of $155 billion to countries like USA, UAE, and China. India also has imports of $232.2 billion to countries like China, and Saudi Arabia, and the United States.

India’s Per Capita Income Chart from 1950 to 2004

Social Issues------------------------------------------------------------------------------------India has experienced much religious violence, especially over the last few years, with many sharp attacks on Christian Indians. In addition, India suffers from terrorism from groups like Jammu and Kashmir, Naxalism, and the Seven Sister States, which spurs high levels of caste system violence. India’s caste system is based upon occupation, intelligence, and status. At the top are the Brahmins (who are teachers, scholars, and priests), then Kshatrivas (kings and warriors). The Vaishyas are (agriculturists and traders), and Shudras (artisans and service providers). At the lowest are the Dalit or the untouchables.

Poverty in India

Women------------------------------------------------------Women in India are allowed to practice in all activities from education and politics to science, medicine and law. Equal treatment of women is protected under laws that give women equal rights, equal wages, no discrimination, and equal opportunity. In fact, India has one of the richest women in the world, Lalita Gupte, an entrepreneur who runs the ICICI bank. She is on the Forbes list of the richest women in the world.

Military

--------------------------------------------------India’s military consists of 4.5 million soldiers and has a budget of about 32.35 billion dollars, which is about 2.6% of its GDP. For defense, India has began its development of missile defense shields, nuclear weapons, long range bombers, and ballistic missile defense shield programs. India boosted its military budget spending in 2009 by 21%.

International Trade

----------------------------------------------------------------USA and India has a bilateral relationship that shares an extensive cultural, strategic, military and economic relationship. During the Clinton and Bush administrations, relations with India strengthened due to the growing concern of Islamic extremism. After President Obama was elected into office, this relationship took a downturn as Obama wanted to renew and increase relations with China. However, this relationship between the United States and India seems to be relatively strong.

ChinaCovering 3.7 million square miles across

the planet, China is home to the 2nd largest land area. Even tough it is ruled by the Communist Party of China, today, China still remains as the country with the fastest growing economy. With its abundance of resources and an abundance of people, 1.3 billion people, China as much to offer the world. Unfortunately, it has many human rights, social, environmental, and international issues.

EconomyWith these successful companies, China found great triumph and has also found triumph in low cost labor and producers, good infrastructure, medium levels of technology, high productivity, favorable governmental policies, and a low exchange rate. China is the 2nd leading trading power, estimating $2.21 trillion/year ($1.2 trillion in exports and 1.01 in imports). China’s biggest trading partners are the United States, Japan, and the European Union. It is the largest foreign leader of United States public debt and holds about $801.5 billion in Treasury bonds. The class system in china consists of 5 classes. The lowest class is the peasant class that makes up most of the population. They generally work in fields or are unemployed. The working class is the next lowest class of urban state workers and urban collective workers, urban non-state workers, and peasant workers. The third class is a capitalist class, consisting of about 15 million people. Then, at the top are class of cadre (about 40 million) and quasi-cadre (about 27 million people).

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------As the world’s largest exporter and world’s 2nd largest importer, China is becoming a major power. With the 3rd largest economic nominally, $4.91 trillion, and the second largest economy PPP, China is experiencing rapid industrialization. Even with all of China’s prosperity, the nation is still criticized by violations by governments and non-governmental organizations. China does not believe in capitalism or private business, therefore, weakening its trading strategies across the planet. However, China has a mixed economy with many valuable industries and companies: it has the world’s most valuable bank, Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, the world’s most valuable oil company, PetroChina, as well as a the most valuable telecommunications company, China Mobile.

Social Issues-------------------------------------------------------

---------------------------With China’s expanding economy, many of its social issues are now becoming more apparent and exploited internationally. China has a fragile social balance and an unstable social system. In cities, there is a large wealth gap between the poor and the rich, not only monetarily, but technologically as well. In addition, China suffers from overpopulation, creating weak social programs like a weak pension system, high unemployment, and terrible benefits. Second, China suffers from many crimes like corporate irregularity, gambling, prostitution, counterfeiting, corporate scandals, and corruption in the health care industry. In health care, there is a lack of modern equipment, poor sanitation, uncontrolled spread of AIDS and STDs, and low wages.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Third, China struggles to make ends meet with education. China over emphasizes entrance exams, eliminating many children from entering schools and obtaining their education. There is a lack of strong relationships between state-funded research and the private sector, lack of critical scholarship and monitoring of research quality, and a lack of multi-lingual abilities to compete in a globalize economy. Moreover, China struggles from other problems like deflated morality, loss of culture, elitism and discrimination, as well as a loss of Confucianism ideas.

Women Rights

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Before the adoption of Confucian ideas, men were considered the dominant power and women were considered the cause of the disorder. Still, women are discriminated in education and employment as they get paid 78% of what men get paid, and do not get jobs as easily even if they have degrees. 1/3 of women work in the fields of trade, industry, finance, and communication. Young women are hired at embroidery factories to have babies and still be able to work at home. In government, women’s influence has increased over the pass 50 years as the Gender Equality Law in 1949 gave them the same rights as men. Even though they are still discriminated, they are becoming more influential in government. Of the 192 people in the Communist Party of China, only 22 are women. Even though this seems like a small amount of women, this is a huge improvement from many years ago.

Environmental Issues-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------China suffers from a variety of environmental issues from air pollution, acid rain, and water scarcity, to the overuse of energy, overuse of land, and desertification. However, China is making significant improvements on its environmental issues. They are reducing air and water pollution, enhancing sewage and treatment facilities, accelerating the green belt, increasing natural forest planting programs, and increasing energy conservation initiatives and pollution control projects. In addition, they are investing $34.6 billion into clean technology, making them the world’s leading investor in renewable energy. They produce more wind turbines and solar panels each year than any other country. Moreover, to help protect wildlife, China has created many wildlife refugees, since the number of pandas were drastically decreasing. China is looking for new ways to help their environment and make them more eco-friendly from finding ways to control pollution to protecting forests to even reducing the amount of cars on the road.

International Trade-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

------------------------------------------China and the United States have complex and multi-faceted relations. They are neither allies nor enemies. The US government and military do not regard the Chinese as a threat. Instead, China is viewed as a competitor in some areas and a partner in others. After the Soviet Union fell, China and the United States relations became less tense as a common enemy fell, freeing all tensions in international trade. Today, this relationship between these two countries is seen as the world’s most important bilateral relationship of the 21st century. China has good relations with Pakistan, the European Union, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Nepal as they agreed with China to exchange goods, military tactics, and economic cooperation. Today, China is increasing trade with Africa. Currently, China is Africa’s 3rd largest commercial partner after France and the United States. Many western nations are hesitant to do business with China due to its communist background.

Military---------------------------------------------------------------------The PLA, or the People’s Liberation Army, is the People’s Republic of China’s military. This military organization controls all aspects of China’s air, land, and sea operations. As the largest military organization, the PLA has over 3 million members, with a 2.25 million person standing army. The PLA’s budget is $80.64 billion, which accounts for about 1.5% of GDP. Russia, Israel, France, and Germany supply China with materials to fight in combat, while China exports military goods to countries like Pakistan, Cambodia, and Sri Lanka.

Impact

Brazil: The rise of Brazil will impact the United States in a positive way because Brazil and the United States are allies, have good relations, and have similar ideals. Brazil would want to share its success with the USA because the USA is historically powerful and sharing new methods of renewable energy with the biggest, most influential power means that Brazil would be protected by the USA in case of attack. Russia: The rise of Russia will not affect the USA as much as the other BRIC nations because Russia is only rich in energy and resources and are foolish when it comes down to spending and using these resources. USA sees Russia rising, but only as a temporary leap to the next level of success.India: Like Brazil, the rise of India will impact the USA positively as well, since India and the United States are both democracies and share very similar beliefs. Relations are growing stronger and both countries counter each other, as India needs methods to control social issues, while the United States resources, that India has.China: Of all the BRIC nations, China poses the biggest threat due to its communistic power. Even though relations are currently strong, China wants to grow and become the leading world superpower. This brings up a disturbing question: do they want relations with the United States as a friend or to use them to regain power?

ANIMOTO

https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/docs/notesanddefs.html?countryName=Brazil&countryCode=br&regionCode=sa#2202 http://www.brazil-travel-guide.com/Brazil-Facts.html  http://knowledge.wharton.upenn.edu/special_section.cfm?specialID=42 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_issues_in_Brazil http://www.v-brazil.com/social/ http://www.sustainability.com/aboutsustainability/article_previous.asp?id=445 http://countrystudies.us/brazil/25.htm http://www.nationsencyclopedia.com/Americas/Brazil-ENVIRONMENT.html http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Foreign_relations_of_Brazil http://earthtrends.wri.org/text/economics-business/country-profile-26.html http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russia https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/rs.html http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0107909.html http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/513251/Russia http://www.hobotraveler.com/so_russia-social-issues.php http://www.eki.ee/suri/kongress/sanukov.html (HUMAN RIGHTS)http://www.questia.com/library/book/soviet-social-problems-by-walter-d-connor-anthony-jones-david-e-powell.jsp http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Economy_of_Russia http://www.economywatch.com/world_economy/russia/ http://www.bangkokpost.com/business/economics/176169/russian-economy-grows-4-5-in-first-quarter http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601095&sid=altfHnV6xfqg http://www.world66.com/europe/russia/economy http://www.entrepreneur.com/tradejournals/article/166584493.html http://countrystudies.us/russia/25.htm http://www.dni.gov/nic/special_russianoutlook.html http://www.russiansabroad.com/russian_history_104.html http://www.balticdata.info/russia/Other/russia_other_environmental_issues.htm  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Armed_Forces_of_the_Russian_Federation http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russia_and_weapons_of_mass_destruction

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/China https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/ch.html http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/18902.htm http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_issues_in_the_People's_Republic_of_China http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Economy_of_the_People's_Republic_of_China http://ce.cei.gov.cn/ http://www.economywatch.com/world_economy/china/ http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2007/08/26/world/asia/20070826_CHINA_GRAPHIC.html# http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Environment_of_China http://edition.cnn.hu/NATURE/9904/19/china.pollution/ http://wwf.panda.org/who_we_are/wwf_offices/china/environmental_problems_china/ http://www.fao.org/docrep/t4470E/t4470e0q.htm http://www.nationsencyclopedia.com/economies/Asia-and-the-Pacific/China-INTERNATIONAL-TRADE.html http://www.fas.org/sgp/crs/row/RL31403.pdf http://www.epi.org/publications/entry/bp188/ http://www.economywatch.com/international-trade/china.htmlhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/India https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/in.html http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/3454.htm http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Economy_of_India http://www.traveldocs.com/in/economy.htm http://www.ibef.org/economy/economyoverview.aspx http://www.theodora.com/wfbcurrent/india/india_economy.htmlhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Socio-economic_issues_in_India http://www.azadindia.org/social-issues/poverty-in-india.html http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Environmental_issues_in_India http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Effects_of_global_warming_on_India http://wwf.panda.org/who_we_are/wwf_offices/india/india_environmental_problems/ http://www.fsdinternational.org/ntlopps/country/india/environment http://www.nationsencyclopedia.com/economies/Asia-and-the-Pacific/India-INTERNATIONAL-TRADE.html http://www.economywatch.com/international-trade/india.html http://www.iitcworld.com/ http://business.mapsofindia.com/india-business/international-business.html http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1038/is_n5_v39/ai_18736469/