World Superpowers
USA
China
Economic Growth
Initial Response to the coronavirus
Investigations into origins of coronavirus
The deteriorating trading relationship with Australia
Vaccine Rollout
Storming of the Capitol Building
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China's economic growth was extremely rapid, the fastest in history. China's GDP used to be similar to Zambia's, and 88% of their population lived in poverty. In 1978, a cultural revolution for China began, following the death of their previous ledaer in 1976. They then become the 2nd biggest economy, its share of the economy growing from 1.8% in 1978 to 18.2% in 2017.
Impacts as a world superpower: beneficial for the country - financial security, rapid economic growth elevates status, role model, threatening source of power
One theory about the origins of the coronavirus is becoming increasingly popular: a lab leak. People are beginning to believe this theory as the true origin is yet to be identified, and it is a possible option. It grew as Joe Biden called for an investigation into it.
Impacts as a world superpower: perceived as unreliable, unwilling to give information and help others, selfish, other countries will have lost respect, poor grip on country and people
China is Australia's largest trading partner, however their trade relationship has deteriorated since coronavirus. China began putting tariffs and restrictions on certain products, however not the largest exports, such as iron ore.
Due to Joe Biden's presidential win, Trump alleged voter fraud and filed law suits. Trump gave a speech at the Ellipse to his supporters, talking about going to the Capitol. Crowds then gather on both sides of the Capitol and riot, breaking into rooms and injuring law enforcement.
Impacts as a world superpower: perceived as a divided and violent nation, questions the USA's power and the voting system, points out the many flaws in the government, shows other countries what to and what not to do
There was very poor handling of the coronavirus in the beginning. At first, Trump blamed the media and Democrats for deliberately exaggerating COVID. He then blamed it on the Chinese government and WHO, halting funding to WHO and making a travel ban to China. COVID then exploded across the US, due to a lack of preparedness. There were national shortages of medical equipment.
Impacts as a world superpower: sets a bad example, encouraging other countries to make poor decisions, loss in faith and reliability, exposes poor health system
The US vaccine rollout was much more successful than their initial response to COVID. Although there were some negative aspects to the rollout, it was overall quite triumphant. There were openings of mass vaccination clinics, training of new volunteers, ramp-up in manufacturing, and the use of federal resources which were successes.
Impacts as a world superpower: impressive comeback, however, not as noticeable as their intial response to covid as many other countries have managed the vaccine rollout well, improved their reputation
Impacts as a world superpower: China considered a bully, less trade - affects economy, less influential and reputable