Ten Nations, Ten Economies

China, USA, Japan, Germany, the United Kingdom, Mexico, Russia, Brazil, India and Indonesia - these forecasted biggest economies by 2050, in no particular order, as predicted by PwC, seem to have the largest populations as well, apart from the UK and Germany.

Three of them - USA, Russia and China - also have sizeable warfare capability.
At the same time, the current USA administration views China as a competitive threat in various fields, whether they be high tech, trading, political systems, economic capacity and more.

The USA has a strong network of military bases around the world but domestically its people deserve renewal and expansion of public infrastructure. China has currently only one military base on foreign soil and within and without China itself, has built up impressive transport links, including High Speed Rail links, contemporary bridges and new highways.

China spends much effort and funding on improving itself, thrives on its Confucian based educational system and emphasises on social order - while the USA is a huge arms supplier, does not renew for the future by replacing its core industries and has lots of freedom of expression.

The population disparity of the USA when compared with Russia and China adds to another dimension of analysis when more people have rising incomes. This implication echoes in market purchasing power, less reliance on overseas buyers, flexibility in economic growth and cultural pride.

Leadership in these three nations is determined differently - yet this is is a critical factor as to how the USA, China and Russia bear out in navigating their future path. The USA is a relatively young nation and was built by immigrants, when compared with the richer cultural and nationalistic traditions and heritage of Russia and China.

How will each of these three nations balance the all important pattern of strength of economy and power of political systems?

Germany seems to continue to be the financial leader of Europe in the 21st century. Historically, Europe has been a dramatic stage point of fierce militaristic contention. Russian, French, German, Austro-Hungarian and British forces have helped draw out the boundaries of the sub-continent today. The Middle East has influenced Europeans not only in the Rennaisance, but exported its religious, philosophical, scientific and cultural influences in a very regular and effective way.

How Germany deals with Russia as both economies lead this region in 2050 is important. Russia currently has a higher level of natural resources, economic growth potential and population than any other European country. Germany is a powerhouse of technology, scientific advancement and political leadership.

Yet Germany also finds itself at the interface between Christian and Muslim influences as it continues to enjoy its relatively better economic prosperity.

The UK is a shade of its once glorious dominance, which commenced when the sun set over its once world wide colonial empire. Still, it has developed a London centric financial hub, perhaps neglecting the economic future of the countryside, but attracting the skilled young from so many countries. The Royal Family provides a reliable institution to mesh with the checks and balances of its Westminster parliamentary system. 

Perhaps the stongest feature of the British economy is its relative openness to foreigners and foreign influences. This trait may be reduced when and if Brexit becomes a reality. Will Britain break up as a result of the consequences of Brexit? More certain is an economic downturn for Britain on its divorce from the EU.

Immigrants from its former colonies have added to the colour and vibrancy of its economy in the cities. The Industrial Revolution and the proceeds of colonial era trade laid very strong foundations tor the British economy. The important question is what the nation is investing for its future. Is it higher education, high tech or a reliable place to park and grow money?

Brazil will continue to be subject to socio-political instability risks as its demographics enjoy better wealth. How democracy can be modified or improved is yet to be seen even with better per capita incomes. Will the indigenous people within Brazil get a better life? The various demographics who live in Brazil will experience more expectations in the quality of life, as what we saw in China in the past three decades.

If history is to be repeated, better economic growth in Brazil can see more decimation of the forests, more upsets in the ecosystem and more financial inequities. Yet this is the opportunity for Portuguese speaking Brazil to provide a positive example to Latin American nations, even if the neighbours speak Spanish.

Mexico will be the powerhouse of Latin America. The nation has always been cast as the poorer cousin in North America, but has a pool of people more passionate to improve their lives. Crime, corruption and a big income gap have colluded to economically oppress the masses, together with a volatile and varying governing leadership. 

Emigration has offered a channel of relief, especially to other territories with a richer lifestyle and where people also speak Spanish. What the USA does is critical but the Mexican population, although less than that in the USA, is growing faster than their neighbour north across the border (Also reflect on Indonesian and Australian population parameters.)

Mexico relies on industries such as peteoleum, car manufacture, tourism, food, iron and steel plus consumer durables like clothes. It relies hugely on trade with the USA, Canada, Spain and Brazil. The country has to lift itself out from this profile as its economy grows - and it can be done with good leadership.

India does speak a variety of languages, including English, but is subject to nationalism risks and socio-political vulnerabilities. The nation is said to soon exceed the population of China, but how does the government harness the promise and talent of each individual? 

There is a significant diaspora of Indians, not only in south east Asia and south Africa, but also in the Western societies of the UK, Canada, the USA, Australia and New Zealand, plus in miscellaneous territories in the Caribbean and the South Pacific. Will this other talent pool also add to India's gigantic economic growth?

India has not developed the high degree of public infrastructure that China has. Whilst contemporary China downplays the role of religion, Indians place faith and prayer as part of every day life. 

India as a nation is a federated entity created by the departing colonials, and its variety of different cultural entities can be as varied as in Europe.

Japan was the original non European Boy Wonder in the 1970s, with its disciplined society, fascination and ability to implement effective processes, its powerful links between business and Government, a focussed educational system and a collective will to recover from its failed imperial military excesses. It is now a very mature economy, only with different work habits and attitudes from the Americans, but do share some of the positive charactetistics of the Germans.

Japan remains one of the few modern societies resistent to having large numbers of immigrants, apart from China, Pacific Ocean nations and several African states. It has prospered on maintaining a homogenous and unique culture and society. An aging society is forcing a rethink on such a policy, together with high pressures on the young in education and at work.

The economic growth of Japan has occured under the defence and military umbrella provided by the USA. When and if such arrangements end, the vulnerabilities of the Japanese islands can resurface. Japan's geopolitical position between the strategic and economic interests of China and the USA can be a two edged sword.

The rise of China has had ripple effects on Japan, when both cultures and nations has had intertwining relationships historically, in trade and in competition.

The mystery question for me is Indonesia, with an outsized population compared to its neighbours and subject to social and religious risks plus a huge income divide. Indonesia spreads across an archipelago of islands with room to grow in personal wealth and quality of life.

There are huge natural resources to utilise for thee masses instead of just for the just privileged and connected families. Risks of radicalisation continue to counter weigh against the benefits of growth. The military, religious leaders and a national consciousness are critical in propelling an optimal path for a growing economy.

Brazil, Mexico and India do not face the issues of declining populations in the next 30 years. The population size is only but one of the several factors promoting economic growth. Technology, governance stability, having strategic advantages, avoiding the damage from warfare, having insightful and progressive leadership, possessing unique natural and man made resources plus a political system that encourages innovation do help.

Korean and Japanese Culinary

Fish and Tonkatsu broth for the Ramen at Gumshara, Haymarket, Sydney NSW.

There can be a camaraderie of the cave when dining the cuisine of north-eastern Asia.    Whether it is due to the colder weather, the cultural imperatives or the nature of the food, one feels warmer inside and it is like a return to the sanctity of the village you know with your heart.



There is an emphasis placed with hot temperatures on the stove.   The Ramen stock soup must be sufficiently hot, and it is a breach to serve lukewarm.   The coals under the hot plate at your table are kept a constant watch by the Korean restaurant staff as you place the sheer thin slices of beef or belly pork to get them going.  Teriyaki requires a hot plate that provides texture and seals in the flavours of the slices of marinated meat.   The warmth  of the cooking is matched by the warmth of the wood, decor and design of the layout of the place you eat in.  And then you embrace the warmth of the company at your table.....

Thinly sliced delights ready for the grill - Madang, Sydney NSW.  The Samgyeopsal, or unmarinated pork belly, in the foreground, assures of a good cut from the butcher.

It can be an eye opener watching how the Korean staff handle the hot metal and containers holding the burning coals, all right in front of you.   The unavoidable smoke form the ambers and cooking is best handled sitting outside  - they evoke the rather harsh winters form the countries of source.   With a contrast of cold and heat, the people who gather instinctively huddle closer, with barriers broken down, deeper understanding gradually achieved and the food in front of them tasting better.



Omelettes, pancakes and potato noodles can be viewed as rustic food but offer all-in-one wonders combining aromatic ingredients.   They provide sustenance, enhance the flavours due to the pan fry approach and is street food on the go.  I often find my mates and I fail to finish this category of food on a dining or lunch table as our attention gets diverted to other offerings.  I must say wholesome food such as this is never to be under estimated, especially on cold days and when lots of physical exertion occurs.   The other practical dish is the Bibimbap, a bowl of every thing, including meat, veg and sauces.   I always love a quick lunch of the Japanese rice bowl or Don - whether with Tempura, Katsu or with grilled eel.



And how does a diner counter all this seeming heat and grill?   One can first think of the cold brews that best accompanies Japanese and Korean food - whether they have labels like Hite, Kloud or Sapparo, it is best to get these on tap or from a refrigerated store.   The drink routine is critical, for it sets the pace, frees up discussion and facilitates sharing moments.    The audio crescendo of the place rises with each drink consumed, but  the tone becomes more informal and relaxed as well.    How does an intern maintain composure, circumspect and manners as seniors provide an atmosphere not otherwise seen at work?


Shochu is fermented usually at 25 percent alcohol from various options like barley, rice, buckwheat, brown sugar or even sweet potatoes.    Hailing from Kyushu, the brew is weaker than vodka but provides more oomph than wine or Sake, which is made solely from fermented rice.  The Koreans have their own version called Soju.



The other mitigating factor are the cold serves that can come as entrees or sides.  Sobas in the Japanese islands and Naengmyeon in the Korean Peninsular may have a common origin, but the presentation is different, distinct and both delicious.    The Koreans stir mix a chilli based sauce on to the vermicelli, topped by hard boiled egg and cucumbers.    The Japanese view the noodles as the centrepiece and I reckon there is always a Zen like presence in served Soba   - brought to you on a wooden board, they signify minimalism like a garden of carefully designed stone layouts, with a most enticing egg in a side bowl.

Sashimi Bento selections, Shellharbour Stockland, NSW.

The significant component of raw items in northeastern Asian menus signal the importance of freshness in food eaten.   This was an early and strong manifestation of the slow food movement and the need to reduce the distance between source and consumption.    Long before the organic and simple foods campaigns of the past few decades,  the culinary style was concocted in a more natural world far from processing and manufacture, with the salmon and tuna were out there by the sea shore or riverside near the village.    The epitome of Korean freshness may be is the Sannakji, which implies having live and moving octopus on your plate!


The penchant for guests sitting beside a long bar counter not only mitigates the question of space in more crowded societies, but also allows the transparency of diners watching front up on how their food is prepared.   This available intimacy means one who consumes can relate better to the other human being who prepares and cooks.   It allows building up a relationship and so increases the chances of having regulars come back for meals.   It also echoes the nuance that eating is not an experience to satisfy the palate, but rather that it is part of a more holistic occasion to give eye contact, test the aromas, hold a conversation and enjoy the texture of food up close.

Naengmyeon is served with an iced broth;  slices of boiled egg, cold boiled beef, lightly pickled radish, Korean pear and cucumbers; red chilli paste; vinegar garnishing; spicy mustard oil or sauce; and thin noodles.

The ambiance of the hearth, the security of being around familiarity and the essence of reassurance perhaps can be best symbolised by the warmly served dumpling.   A gulp of the fillings, whether prawn, pork or veg, within the tenderly folded casings, once placed within your mouth,  makes one recall the gentle things in life, the touch of puppy fur and the exquisiteness of good fabric.   Gyoza and  Mandu are accompanied by carefully made sauces that are often soy based, tempered with slices of heartwarming ginger and which provide a dipping routine that does not over power the palate.   The mildness of this entree dish then gives way to the grilled effect of meats later on, or the sauciness of Shobu-Shobu, the Nippon hotpot, or the Korean Jeongol.


And then there is tea, with a whole complexity of intricacy if one delves into the sophisticated, allows the palate to explore and enjoys beyond the mere act of consuming the nuances of tea leaves.   The higher levels of tea sipping experience may seem to be complicated to an outsider, but each measured step, pause and proper lift of hand have meanings that soothe the soul, encourage the appetite and honour the culture.   Tea can be rice based and flavoured, as popular in Japan, or brewed with Ginseng, a root so much respected in Korea for its properties and meaning.



North-east Asian cuisine also can be as simple as deep fried seafood balls or Yakitori, or as sophisticated in making the vinegar flavoured rice for wrapping with the delectable slices of raw and carefully chosen fish, Sashimi.    North-eastern Asian culture encourages and nurtures partaking food on a communal basis.  Snacks to share together or eat one's self include  breads, which in Japan have fillings that range from melon, pork cutlets, red bean paste and curry sauce - Pan.    There are also stews, braises and desserts that are meant to get neighbours and family to sit down together.

• 
  

• 
  

The cultural and ethnic backgrounds of Japan and Korea do differ, although they can share common factors in their cuisine.   The freshness of salads from Western backgrounds contrasts with the pickles and preserves presented as Korean Banchan entrees (as in cabbage chilli preserved Kimchi) and Japanese sides  (think of Tsukemono or "fragant dish").   Japanese can be said to be more subtle in their food, due to the predominance of rather fiery taste chilli paste used in many Korean dishes.     Seaweeds, red beans and soybean are loved ingredients in both cultures.    Soups in Korea tend be beef or rib based or laden with a rice cake base,  whilst Japanese soups are favoured with Miso, Shio or Shoyu.     There is a Korean sausage roll called Sundae while the Japanese take pride in their Wagyu (which literally just means 'Nippon beef").    Korean noodles or Guksu tend to be served in three categories - hot, lukewarm and cold.    Apart from Soba, Japanese noodles are served piping hot, like Udon and Ramen.



The use of dainty chopsticks is an expected feature, although the traditional Korean ones are made of copper.   Japanese chopsticks are often more colourful but shorter than Chinese ones.   You can also observe that chopsticks in Japan have rounded ends, in China squared ends and in Korea more rough ended.   Koreans provide you with chopsticks and a metal spoon at the table, with no folks.    Aussies give you folks and knives, with no spoons.  Thais offer you both folks and spoons.   Small ladle spoons are given to individual diners  for Chinese meals, while it is all right to best show appreciation by drinking your Miso soup straight up the mouth.



The Japanese concept for a taste (as opposed to Western concepts of sour, sweet, salty and bitter) like Umami echoes the unobvious, the subtle and the unforgettable sensations on our palate which escapes definition.   It is akin to savoury, but that does not totally capture its intent in meaning.   Across from Kyushu island, the  Korean soy paste of Doenjang does capture this Umami flavour.




Both cultures do emphasise on presentation and layout for the customer.   Meat is sliced finely instead of being given a whole chunk piece on your plate.   The offering of freshly picked vegetables, especially lettuce and tomatoes, is accompanied by the Western habits of dressing like Mayonnaise.   You may smile at the guest seated on your right, whether along a counter bar or at the next tightly placed table.    We look for the green coloured mustard paste with Nippon food or the Kimchi at a Korean joint.   Staff like to adorn themselves with colourful aprons and headgear, engage in banter amongst themselves to create the effect of being down a village lane or in a Izakaya.    Your food is prepared with an earnest concentration.   You are truly at home, even if not every body knows your name.  
Kanpai!!!   Geon Bae!!!