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| UAE President Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Photo credit: Wikipedia |
The UAE is spending millions to help the Joplin School District "think big," funding such initiatives as replacing the books (lost in the twister) with MacBooks. While Joplin received millions from the US government for disaster recovery, this is nevertheless an example of a shift in foreign aid disbursement.
From WaPo:
How does what's happening in Joplin reflect a shift in global power, and what types of power are involved? Is it a good thing that Joplin is taking money from the UAE to recover?Motivated by the same principal reasons that the U.S. government distributes foreign assistance — to help those less fortunate and to influence perceptions among the recipients — the handouts mark a small but remarkable shift in global economic power.
Read the article and share your (reasoned) thoughts in the comments for participation credit.
It is definitely very interesting to hear about the UAE's sudden interest in the recovery effort in Joplin Missouri, however I am not sure whether or not this reflects a shift in global power. Because the UAE is a member of OPEC, one cannot help but think that the UAE has some ulterior motive for this sudden generosity. When thinking cynically, I suppose that the UAE offering money to the grief stricken town of Joplin could be taken as an insult, as in the United States is not capable of aiding their own people, even though the article states that the U.S sent millions of dollars to aid in the recovery effort. Not to sound narrow minded, but the UAE is known more for who they are sponsoring in the Europa League rather than their philanthropic ventures. Perhaps this event simply one nation trying to extend good will towards another, but as we have previously seen in international relations, there is usually a catch. When thinking from the prospective of Joplin, international relations is probably the last thing on your mind after a tornado has all but wiped out your town. I can understand that if somebody offers you money during a time of desperation, you take it, but I think there is still a need to be somewhat hesitant in accepting aid in an nontraditional global ally. Although it is obvious that the United States isn't afraid to accumulate some debt, we should still be weary of foreign entanglements. This interaction seems to be rather unprecedented though, because we see a nation giving aid directly to a sub-state rather than to the nation as a whole. As in, the money had a specific purpose to pay for Macbooks and the rebuilding of schools. In conclusion, this particular case of foreign disbursement makes me a little uneasy even if it was a humanitarian act. Could this event mark the beginning of the end of the United States' Hegemony? I think that would be jumping to a rather brazen assumption.
ReplyDeleteI agree with David's comment that the United States will probably remain at the top of the unipolar system, however, I believe that the United Arab Emirates' donation to Joplin shows their exercise of economic power on an international stage. The UAE seems to be showcasing their state's ability to contend with other major world powers, like the United States, who also gives similar types of aid to other countries. I believe that Joplin's decision to accept the aid gives the UAE validation that their act of power was successful.
ReplyDeleteI think that overall it was needed for the children in the school and the community, but I wonder if the United States saw this as a threat to the public's view of effectiveness of their own state.
dj cummings
This article was interesting to me. First and foremost, it is encouraging to see other nations using their power to help those in need. Not only does this donation help the residents of Joplin undergo a quicker recovery, but hopefully has a positive impact on people's perceptions of the UAE. In terms of the state of the international system and the power held by respective nations, this seems like a tactical move on the part of the UAE. This donation shows that they are capable of humanitarian delegations similar to those of other powerful nations, such as the United States. The donation also (hopefully) contained advantages for the UAE; with the arrival of help necessary to rebuild Joplin, it is possible that the residents' perceptions of the Middle Eastern country will improve out of a feeling of gratefulness. However, I hope that the UAE keeps to its original intentions "to help those less fortunate and to influence perceptions among the recipients" and that the country does not return to this event in later years and use it as a type of leverage against the United States. This event does indicate the UAE has power and most likely wishes to expand that power internationally. However, while I do believe that the United States' position as a hegemon will come to an end at some point, especially due to their weakening level of power relative to the growing power of other nations, I highly doubt that the UAE will be the one to displace America of its power position.
ReplyDeleteElla MacKinnon
UAE is using their money as soft power to boost their morale and image. Normally US is the country coming to people's aid in the wake of disaster or promoting development to developing countries. Now, the UAE is doing this in America by helping NJ, NY, New Orleans, and Joplin. Now these cities and states will see UAE as not just a country run by wealthy royal families and oil tycoons, but as a country of people who care. Joplin should take the money because the government will not buy textbooks for their school system. The UAE is trying to do more than just replace their books but upgrade their books to MacBooks. This really shows just how caring the UAE can be, even if they have ulterior motives.
ReplyDeleteJessica Johnson
I believe that this article is a perfect example of a global shift in the international system. While the US is still the strongest state in the system, other states like UAE are starting to catch up in certain areas like wealth. They are trying to spread their power, via financial aid, in hopes of being recognized as a benign country. This is a brilliant and strategic move by UAE. They are helping out a community that was in grave need of financial aid, and are helping the youth in the community pursue their education.
ReplyDeleteThe aid of from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to assist the residents of Joplin is very interesting; however, I see it as a form of power politics. This action by the UAE falls under the category of intangible sources of power in that by providing assistance to the residents, the UAE is boosting its image and leadership. More specifically this can be seen as a form of soft power because the UAE are trying to attract others because of the legitimacy of their values. However, as with the story of the Zen Master and the Little Boy, in Charlie Wilson's War, this provision of aid from the UAE could prove to be detrimental in the future.
ReplyDelete