1) French government has changed dramatically over the last few decades. What is the current outlook for French government? Will this outlook strengthen or weaken French national identity?
2) What problems has unification caused Germany? Given the current struggle to unite East and West, what must happen to keep Germany the vibrant democracy it is today?
3) In Japan, much has changed in the post-war period, especially in regard to the role of women in the workplace. What has changed for women during this time? How and why are these changes positive or negative? What will be the larger impact of these changes?
4) With Russia’s recent invasion of Georgia, Putin’s reputation comes under question. Though he has made great strides to move Russia firmly from Communism to capitalism, what struggles will future leaders face given Russia’s new reputation?
I believe the current outlook for the French government is reserved. Their economy has been stagnant, but is beginning to show signs of modest growth. The French people have generally shown reluctance or resistance to bold reforms, so the government is cautious and perhaps even slow to make the changes needed to advance France as a global competitor and strong member of the European Union. In many ways, it is a time of uncertainty in France and I believe this also makes it impossible to predict the future of the French national identity, especially as their identity is tied to the national debate over universalism and multiculturalism. With almost half of French people viewing Muslims as a threat to the French national identity, it is uncertain how the French will view themselves in the future. Based on current events such as legislative measures to remove Islamic symbols from public life and increasing anti-Semitism, it appears the French people are invested in retaining a nation of racial “purity.” This may become their national identity.
Unification has not been an easy process for Germany. The East German infrastructure needed to be rebuilt, which was costly. The East German standard of living remains below the West German standard of living. The West has and continues to largely subsidize the East. (Although more recently, the Eastern German economy has shown signs of recovery.) Unifying the East and West has been a struggle, given the differences in politics and culture. However, to maintain their democracy, Germany must continue to support and fund the policies that brought about their hugely successful rise from destruction to vibrant democracy. They must continue, even strengthen, their efforts to unify the East and West, as well as take steps to expand their presence in the EU and globally. Finally, they must address the growing income inequality in their country, as well as counter the impact of extremist groups and parties.
A number of dramatic reforms changed life for women in Japan. Among these were the equal rights clause to their 1947 Constitution and the revised Civil Code of 1948. They gained the right to vote in 1946 and their position in workplaces was strengthened by the 1986 Equal Employment Opportunity Law. Women also gained access to higher education and many took advantage of the opportunity. These changes, along with cultural changes, caused an unprecedented number of women to enter the workforce. This event has had both positive and negative impacts, as it has in virtually every other country experiencing the same events, including the United States.
Gainful employment and education has empowered women, yet they are also burdened by additional demands not expected of men: * The care of children and elderly parents; Japanese culture expectations strongly value women who stay at home. * Maintenance of the home, which conflicts with long working hours and required overtime. * Child care; Japan has a critical shortage of such facilities and long waiting lists * Inequality in wages; the largest in the OECD.
Like working women of other countries, their careers are delayed or damaged by time away from the workplace due to either family responsibilities or childbirth.
While the historical role of women in Japan as caregivers and homemakers may perhaps make them especially vulnerable, they face the same future challenges and questions shared by women across the world. Why are workplaces not family-friendly? Why women are alone held responsible for household duties and the care of babies, children and the elderly? Why do women encounter pay inequality? How might women enjoy the same career opportunities as men, while giving birth to and caring for newborns? What is the impact on children raised in child care? How can those who choose to stay home to raise their families prepare to be financially self-sufficient later in life? Will our culture support working women, especially mothers?
As these events are relatively recent, I believe the long-term impact of these changes is not yet known. Perhaps the better question to ask is how can the potentially negative future impacts be mitigated NOW?
Russia invaded Georgia five years ago in 2008 and more recent events have affected the reputation of Vladimir Putin, such as his visit last month to Abkhaz, his activities regarding Edward Snowden, his stance on Syria and efforts to deny civil rights to gay people. He has also overseen the growth of Russia’s economy, improvement in Russian living standards and has enjoyed remarkably high approval ratings within Russia. Still, the perception of Putin by Westerners and opposition groups within Russia is one of corruption, election fraud, disregard for human rights and dictatorship. Putin’s relationship with the former Soviet states is tense and varies significantly with other countries.
I am uncertain if “future leaders” in this question refers to future leaders of Russia or future leaders of other countries in their relationship with Russia. I will assume the former. Future leaders of Russia may not enjoy the same popularity enjoyed by Putin and that popularity has caused citizens to overlook political and industrial corruption. A new leader cannot expect the same and will also be tasked with continuing to grow and stabilize the economy. Unfortunately, Russia’s economy relies heavily on oil and gas. Experts have estimated that corruption and inefficiency mean that the Russian budget will not balance unless oil prices stay around $100 a barrel—which, given the grim global outlook, they are not likely to. A new Russian leader will be faced with the challenge of either continuing this fragile relationship between government and industry (which relies on corruption for success) or forging a new economy based on more typical capitalist models. This leader will also be burdened by the hardline stance Putin has taken with his enemies and often his allies.