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China's rise to power has affected the United States not only economically, but increasingly militarily as well. 

article details widespread starvation in north Korea. It is apparently far worse than I imagined. Many people are dying and many familys live on one meal a day. Sources come from North Koreans who have recently escaped (only real source of news from within North Korea).

As OWS gains traction, it governs more and more support overseas, as similar movements spring up in many parts of Asia and turn violent in Rome.

It is interesting how there was a sign saying "Karl Marx was wrong". Protesters are upset at the rich for not sharing the wealth. The occupy Wall Street movement has taken up across the U.S. I saw signs and protesters in Walla Walla Washington and in Chicago advocating for more people to join the movement and unite against the upper class. It is also interesting how it is a time of major unrest and discontent with capitalism not only in the United States, but also in Rome and across the globe.

There was a huge protest in New Haven at Yale while I was there this week. They were chanting "We are the 99 percent." http://www.time.com/time/photogallery/0,29307,2094925,00.html These photos go with Jenna's point that these movements are all across the globe.

Much of Japan's reputation abroad is still heavily impacted by its actions pre- and post-WWII. China and South Korea are still at odds with Japan because they believe Japanese school books overlook the heinous crimes committed by the Japanese military during WWII. Yet, many other countries grew dependent on Japan following WWII. Following WWII and Japan's adoption of a more democratic constitution, it quickly gained some respect as a global aid donor and its booming car and technology industries made it a source of capital and credit for countries all over. Japan was able to make such a quick leap to the top following WWII thanks to the market bubble it could find in the U.S.; Japan maintained this productivity through its traditional social and employment hierarchies that have lead many people to work the same job their entire life. However, Japan's economic growth began to go in the opposite direction in 1990's with growing debt that multiple governments have failed to curtail. Currently, the population of Japan is rapidly aging, but the few young who are around are pushing for more Westernization and the Japanese government is even attempting to find a solution for its debt; not to mention, the Japanese government has made movements to amend the constitution to gain more military power in recent years.

This article provides basic facts and background information about Indonesia and it's culture.

This is the first time shots have been fired during this most recent Taiwan-China conflict. Knowing the nature of both sides' militaries, who will know what happens after this.

I've always been reminded every now in then of the conflict between these two powers that are so close together, mostly on the internet and in school. I remember when I first learned about how Taiwan considers itself independent from China and how tension has been raising throughout the years. It's crazy to see that this tension could lead to fighting between the sides and how other world powers such as the US will respond. Especially with how big trading with China is for us.

Interesting observations, Subby, Will and Duncan! Let's also remember that Taiwan was the official stand-in for "China" in the United Nations for 26 years! (1950-1976), during which the US denied China's existence and Taiwan sat in the United Nations representing all of China). Getting Taiwan back in the communist fold would represent an important piece in President Xi's geopolitical ambitions, along with subjugating the Tibetans and the Uighurs, claiming territorial rights around the human-made islands in the South China Sea, and expanding the Belt and Road initiatives all over Asia. It's a LOT.