Africa continues to be a country ridden with poverty. “Thirty-three of the 48 United Nations’ least developed countries are found in Africa. That means that almost 70% of the world’s poorest countries are located in this region competing over resources that could make a very big difference to individuals as well as nations and cultures (Penn State 2016).” These two sentences alone pack enough punch for anyone to understand that Africa is struggling, and the only way to create a better culture and economy, is by the influence and assistance of others countries.

Two Countries that continue to compete to have the most successful influence on Africa are the United States and China. Back in April of 2014, Barrack Obama invited all the African Leaders to the US-African Leaders Summit in Washington. Barrack Obama was the first US President to have all leaders in one meeting to discuss their regional struggles, and their current relationship with the US. The struggles that the US is having, is that China has already built strong relationships in China, to where many Chinese have relocated into China, and opened up local business in struggling areas to help contribute to areas of poverty, and do what they can to support people in need. In 2013, China had traded $200 Billion between Africa and China. The United States has commitments from US business that were willing to trade with African in the amount of $14 Billion. As you can see from these numbers, China had already created a relationship that is helping contribute to the African society and culture, and helping in bettering the lives in Africa, and attempting to lower the amount of poverty throughout African Nations. But their is a catch!

Their are big difference between the United States and China as they continue to compete for presence in Africa. The investments that China make might equal more in dollar amounts, but are often investments of poor quality, not benefit China more then Africa. However, the investments from the United States may not equal the dollar amounts of China, the US offers security to region in needs which is something that China cannot offer.

The question that needs to be asked is, What will it take for the US and China to work together developing and supporting Africa? If we work together, their culture, economy, business development, jobs, and everything else will grow, helping the overall economy of the world.

Everyone knows that the US and China continue to compete on the global stage to be the world Super Power. Both excel in certain areas that the other fails. China is innovative in technology and the development of global business, while the US is know for its Military Power. Both are known for other great things, but i just wanted to keep it simple as with just these 3 things, the US and China could help advance Africa into the current age, and grow its economy and bring the African people out of Poverty.

Dickey, L. (2014). China and the US Compete for Influence in Africa. Retrieved December 04, 2016, from http://thediplomat.com/2014/08/china-and-the-us-compete-for-influence-in-africa/

Canvaslearning management system. (n.d.). Retrieved December 04, 2016, from https://psu.instructure.com/courses/1802572/modules/items/21179152

Yvan Yenda Ilunga PhD Student, The Division of Global Affairs, Rutgers University. (2015). Eye on Africa: US and China tussle for economic influence. Retrieved December 04, 2016, from http://theconversation.com/eye-on-africa-us-and-china-tussle-for-economic-influence-37009

With our focus this week on Eastern Europe and Russia, the recent current even seems relevant for me to share and allow readers to look into. 

This is a picture to illustrate the US’s involvement in the build up with NATO on the Eastern Europe border to help counter an assertive Russia. The US Military will deploy 6000 troops, tanks, infantry vehicles, and combat helicopters to Eastern Europe. The planned deployment will happen in January 2017. The troops they will be sending are 4,000 troops from Colorado, and 1oth Combat Aviation Brigade that consists of 1750 Airmen that are armed with over 60 combat helicopters ranging from Chinnoks, Blackhawks, and Medivacs. The reason the US is sending in this military support to support the Eastern European Allies in a time of need.

Russia has had the world scared for many years now, and for good reason. “Recently Putin moved nuclear-capable missiles close to Poland and Lithuania. This week he sent an aircraft-carrier group down the North Sea and the English Channel. He has threatened to shoot down any American plane that attacks the forces of Syria’s despot, Bashar al-Assad. Russia’s UN envoy has said that relations with America are at their tensest in 40 years.” (Russia 2016).  These are just some of the most recent events that have lead to the US’s involvement in providing troops where necessary as the moves of this Dictator are unknowing, and life threatening to many.

As we discuss throughout the lesson and shared some of the links of Eastern Europe and Russia, this is the most important link in their modern history. The threat of a Russian Invasion on Eastern Europe, and the possibility of another World War. To some this may seem like a stretch, but to others it is a reality. The population of Eastern Europe lives in fear not knowing if Putin and Russia are going to attack their borders, launch a nuclear warhead, launch an aerial attack, or other means of war. The link between these two right now is the possibility of another way between them, that could change their culture and economy for the upcoming centuries.

Many did not have an opportunity to see this news article, and the amount of military power the the US is sending to support NATO and the border build up because of the most recent election which captivated the world. While some are fearful of our new president, many are also optimistic. Maybe with a new leader in place, Russia will be more willing to forge a relationship, and stop their threats against the world.

Ancient Greece and the Roman Empire Influence on today. 

     “Western Europe is the region of the world that typically includes the countries of Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Gibraltar, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, the Netherlands, Portugal, San Marino, Spain, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom” (PSU 2016). 

     Ancient Greece and the Roman Empire are said the be the birthplace of Western Civilization. I have a great fascination in both Ancient Greece and the Roman Empire. Throughout High school I took 5 years of Latin. There were numerous reasons to why I decided to take this language, and amongst those reason was the better understand the roots of the English Language, and to learn more about the rise and fall of the Roman Empire as it has great influence on the world today. 

    Language is the one thing that all people throughout the world have in common. We do not all speak the same languages, but all use a form of language to communicate. As stated in our readings this chapter. English is comprised of both Greek and Latin. Then there are the 5 romance languages (Portuguese, French, Italian, Romanian, and Spanish). Between many of these languages, a majority of the languages across the world have been influenced by Greek or Latin. I find that to be very fascinating. 

      Another great influence Ancient Greece had on Western Europe culture, and now the world is democracy. As many may know, democracy is rule by the people. The United States of America is a democracy. People decide and vote on who their leader is going to be every 4 years. We just went through an election in which Donald Trump won. He overcame all odds, and the people decided he would be the next leader. A democracy allows for anyone to be offered a chance to be a leader, and lead this great country. 

There are some other great influences i would like to mention also that have lead to great advances and adaptions in our everyday culture. The Roman Empire has influenced the creation of law, influence on literature and art, and infrastructure and city planning. Washington D.C. is a great example where all these influences can be seen in one place. 

     Some of the great influences from Ancient Greece on the Modern World are Architecture, Sports and the Olympics, Mathematics and Philosophy, the Greek Arts, and the concepts for creating a map for guidance. These are some great influences that derive from Ancient Greece. 

This article is not as in depth as other blogs that i have shared. However, i wanted to put into perspective how much Ancient Greece and the Roman Empire influenced the world today .

Lesson 2 about Culture was really eye opening in the way we think about culture. Cultures can be extremely similar in some parts in the world, but the complete opposite in another part of the world. Cultures are made up of behaviors, symbols, economy, characteristics, and many other things. A culture is often something that is made up of the people around that live life the way they do.

Recently I was reading an article that talked about “globalization” and what it meant to the person writing the article. Their are many great points made throughout the article, but it is also based partially on opinions and how this individual viewed culture across the world. As we continue to live our everyday lives, many people have the same goals. Become rich, be successful, and own their own company that could be the future of their industry. Although these goals are not unachievable, it takes hard work, dedication, and an understanding of the world and the cultures around you. In the article Peiperl views globalization as “evoked the image of borderless flows—money, goods, and people moving unobstructed around the globe, forming a global society complete with a universal culture (based, I assumed, on largely American norms) and a universal business language (English, of course!).” I do agree with the overall statement that the world has almost formed a universal culture and language so that we can have global business partnerships. However, when dealing with different cultures in business across the world, there are going to be many struggles.

In Lesson 2 we learned about “Hofstede’s Dimensions of Culture”. “Hofstede’s research has identified 6 cultural dimensions: power distance, uncertainty avoidance, individualism/collectivism, masculinity/femininity, long-term/short-term orientation, and indulgence/restraint.”( PSU, 2016). The article that I have attached below also talks about how we have formed a global society, or a global business culture. Like many cultures across the world, it has basic characteristics that make it work. However, there are many difficulties with this global culture. Power Distance is one of those struggles. Power Distance refers “to the different attitudes about the way powerful or non powerful members of a given culture should be treated”(PSU, 2016). An example of this would be the current presidential race. Hilary Clinton has a clear understanding of politics, and how to interact, and respect other cultures and political leaders. Donald Trump has a different attitude about the way powerful and non powerful members should be treated. Example, building a wall to divide countries, disrespect to the military, opinions on muslims and Latinos, and many more examples. This shows that he believes he is more powerful, and has formed a culture around himself that he believes others should follow.

The article talks about the common interest that we share world wide to create the business culture of today. We may not share and be exact in the cultures we come from, but we do share common interest. “Common elements in global business practice: The customer comes first, Quality standards matter, Owners/shareholders deserve a fair return in the medium term, Legitimate businesses play by the rules”(Peiperl). The relates to Hofstede’s cultural dimensions- Long term/ Short term orientation, or the ability to focus on the past, the present, and the future. Many great companies and business often are short-term orientated. Meaning they try to use the past and present to better themselves year over year. Using previous years metrics, and just focused on beating them. Where companies like Lowe’s Home Improvement Centers has a purpose, “to help customer love where they live”. In order to do that they are thinking about the future customer clientele, and changing the way they operate their company to better connect to customers of the future. Lowe’s is long-term orientated.

I have only reference two of the six cultural dimensions, and could continue to refer them to everyday. I think it is safe to say that we are currently living in a business culture. Although it may not be perfect, there are basic core values that operate it, and help better the world and cultures we live in. As we continue to learn each others cultures and societies, we will better understand people, which in turn will help us better understand business, and how we need to work together to form a global culture in which all people can function and live.

Peiperl, M. (2012). Globalization: Bridging Across Cultures or Developing a Global Culture? Retrieved September 06, 2016, from https://www.fastcompany.com/1689868/globalization-bridging-across-cultures-or-developing-global-culture

Pennsylvania State University. (n.d). Lesson 02: Ethnocentrism: Values. Introduction to Leadership in a Global Context.
Retrieved from https://psu.instructure.com/courses/1802572/modules/items/21179054