http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7636989.stm
Sure, you here all sorts of different countries boosting their ties with each other. However, what are their reasons for doing so? Their reasons are surprisingly enough, not much different from why we establish relationships and make new friends. We can use communication theories to better understand why people, from individuals to whole nations, choose to establish or dissolve a relationship.
Venezuela has a huge reserve of oil.In my opinion, this deal is a good example of the exchange theory in relational formation and development. The article states that one of the aims of the deal is for better cooperation between the 2 countries in the energy sector. Venezuela has large reserves of of natural resources such as oil and gas. But it is the Russian oil firms who have the technical know-how and resources to abstract the oil for maximum efficiency. Thus, strengthening the relationship between these 2 countries in the energy sector will provide economical benefits for both sides. Venezuela will definitely give Russia a discount on its oil extracted or some other perks.
A Russian strategic bomber - a show of force!Another example of the exchange theory is the fact that Venezuela is an important customer of the Russian defence industry. By boosting ties, Venezuela may be able to purchase more high-tech military hardware from Russia at greater discounts. Russia on the other hand, is able to receive more money from its sale of military hardware. Both countries will benefit from this sale of military equipment. The competence theory may also be relevant here. Venezuela chooses to purchase military equipment from Russia because Russia is one of the best producers in the world when it comes to military products.
The last part of the article mentions the similarities between Igor Sechin, the Russian deputy prime minister, and Hugo Chavez, the president of Venezuela. Interestingly enough, they are both anti-American. This brings into mind the similarity concept in relational formation and development. Having the same attitude against the United States would no doubt, be beneficial to both parties. This is because each country would be able to understand each other better and thus, easier to come to an agreement on policies and related matters.
All in all, each country has its own reasons on boosting their relationships. We can see how communication models stay relevant from the individual scale to the global scale. In this case, one of the more subtle reason is to limit the power and influence of the United States in the South American region and to re-establish Russian presence in South America after the Cold War ended. What do you people think? Is the world gearing up for a second Cold War?
5 comments:
gone are the days when relationships were forged due to intrinsic similarities; 2 strangers chatting at a cafe because they noticed each other reading the same book.
now, relationships are calculated to achieve the most efficient personal gains. a girl decides to date a guy owing a car for transport reasons, a guy dating a girl as the father is rich and powerful, befriending the nerd for tuition purposes... the list goes on.
in this dog eat dog world that we live in, we see many things happening around us which we may not agree with, but let us keep this in mind: we cannot save the world, but we can save ourselves by not becoming the people we despise.
Yes the exchange theory may show a sad state of some people, who will only get to know you to use you, rather than, like zed said, for more intrinsic values like chatting due to common interest. But isnt wanting a good chat still wanting something?
I think all relationship do have some sort of exchange theory involved, it is whether the things we want are more 'pure' or more manipulative.
in the grander scheme of things that is politics, the exchange theory indeed plays an important role. sometimes countries may break a relationship with another to gain something from a 3rd country too.
and of course, similarity plays a big part too, you wouldn't want to befriend someone who is totally different from you would you? not unless the differences are complementary anyway.
Zed took the words from my mouth. The world has indeed become a colder, more calculative place. Can we really blame our changed thinking though? We are being forced to work and push ourselves so hard everyday to survive, and one must inevitable hardened in order to survive in this harsh unforgiving world.
In the end, all we are trying to do is be more efficient and get ahead of the other. Yes, Zed has said that is is no excuse to let go of our human decency, but many people evidently choose the wayward path. They have determined that their material rewards would be worth the personal sacrifices that they would make in moral terms. This is how many of us have chosen to live our life, sadly enough.
Interesting read!
In cases of relationships, it is indeed sad if people are just in it due to its benefits one can receive. I highlighted what true love is myself on my blog. However, in the world of politics, I'm sure exceptions are made, when a country has to make decisions not solely on what it feels like, but also to be thinking of the greater good, of its people, and of what is right/wrong.
Regards,
Shawn Lee Wei Bin
Post a Comment