The Horsemen Are Queuing Up: Welcome to 2009
Certainties Predictions for 2009:
1. Conquest
2. War
3. Famine
4. Death
1. Conquest
The global bullies of this world will continue to try to carve up the planet in the name of religion (Islamic fundamentalism), democracy (America + buddies), harmony (China), or none of the above (Russia). And they will happily enlist the support of minor despots in their quest for the largest slice of power pie, all the while denying their own culpability and pointing fingers at their global rivals. At the same time each will try to undermine the others strategically, militarily, economically, and diplomatically. If any of these apocalyptic quartet come to blows in a non-conventional sense, the games over; we’re all going to hell.
The China angle
No move on Taiwan as Beijing adheres to panda diplomacy and economic sweeteners. Elsewhere in the neighborhood, Burma will continue to dance in tune with China’s checkbook, so no invasion necessary. As for poor old Africa, expect more Chinese land grabs and immigration as the deals with dodgy dictators continue. Oh yes, and the Chinese navy is in the region now so we might see a conquered dingy or two.
Anyone depressed yet? Don’t be. Like the planet, I’m just warming up.
2. War
Well, this particular horse is set to work overtime – so much unfinished business around the world and only 12 months to get the job done. What a fucking mess, if you’ll excuse the vulgarity. Everyone seems to have a beef with someone and our friendly conquistadors have made damn sure that every grudge-bearing faction is tooled up with enough ammo for a decade of destruction (which is usually followed by more beef).
The China angle
China’s naval deployment does a little moonlighting to ensure the safe passage of boatloads of arms intended for (insert African despot of your choosing). The rest of China’s military is like a coiled cobra, eager to deliver a fatal blow should the CCP feel the need to play the nationalist card and manufacture a border dispute with one of its neighbors. Unlikely in all fairness, but if Hu and the boys are tempted by this strategy, my advice is to avoid Vietnam – you tried in 1979 and failed miserably.
3. Famine
An enduring mystery. Overcrowded though the planet is, she possesses the means to send every inhabitant to the obesity clinic twice a week. The corporate investor and the unscrupulous landowner will insist that it’s more complicated than that. But it shouldn’t be. Famine and his three amigos know how to fill their own plates and they are not in the business of filling anyone else’s. That would just spoil the party.
The China angle
China’s ability to feed its multitudes has been compromised by the acquisition, legal or otherwise, of farmland in the name of urban development. No matter, the boys at Zhongnanhai have plenty tucked under the mattress to buy up swathes of cheap acreage in Africa, South America, and elsewhere in order to satisfy the Middle Kingdom’s expanding waistlines. Therefore, no famine for China in 2009, but growing discontent in Africa as millions starve while watching their fertile land produce for export.
4. Death
It seems that horseman #4 has the job of mopping up the diseased, the weakened, and the maimed that trail in the wake of his esteemed colleagues. Another busy year, I suspect. No doubt the scythe carrier will slip in the odd natural disaster to really spice things up. In my dreams he miscalculates and brings total destruction to Mugabe’s regime (to name but one) and the ‘Dialogue’ studio at CCTV.
The China angle
Death and Chinese history go hand in hand. As an emerging global power with an alarming degree of moral irresponsibility pragmatism, 2009 looks set to see China continue the export of death to those regimes who like Beijing’s guns for killing their own people. On the home front, 70% of the government’s critics will be rounded up for ‘re-education’. The remaining 30% will be shot.
Overview
It could be argued, and probably will be, that China has endured enough conquest, war, famine, and death in its recent past to justify catching a break. So have many other countries, most notably the nations of Africa. Sadly, the only way to save us all from the Four Horsemen’s destructive visitation is if the calamity they bring with them is met with equal outrage, whether they befall our own nation or a people on the other side of world. It’s a tough ask. And I don’t see any current world leaders that are virtuous enough to be up to the task. My worry for 2009 is that the world will move yet further from this idealistic goal.
China has the capacity, but neither the moral leadership nor the political framework, to address such humanitarian issues. This is seriously troubling for a country with China’s clout. In order to change the situation I believe three broad steps are necessary. First, give China’s citizens unfettered access to information relating to their country’s global impact. This can be achieved both through the media and the curriculum. Second, allow the Chinese people to debate the moral issues arising from this information. And third, for their leaders to listen to the outcome of the debate.
And pigs might fly.
Which is one of the reasons I see 2009 being such a good year for the Four Horsemen. It would be lovely to be wrong.
Before I sign off on the year, special thanks to Ryan for his help in getting me up and running, not to mention those that commented (positively or negatively) on my posts. A word of gratitude too for those on my blogroll; I’m constantly amazed at the quality and intelligence of the writing out there – truly an education. Health and Happiness to you all in 2009.
