Independence and Dependence

The situation in Tibet is quiet reflective of the times that we live in. Aspirations of independence are now tempered with economic interests. Independence is suppressed due to the economic clout of a nation. China is the world's fastest growing economy, and the olympics will now be held in Beijing. The protesters have chosen an apt moment to focus their regions's plight, and also to highlight the 'Cultural Genocide' initiated by the Chinese. The problem, therefore, arises, that inspite of the crackdown, China will emerge unscathed, because all nations in the world are ao timid in issuing a strong opposition.

The timidity is simply explained by the 'E' word. Economics and business are the only two things, upon which foreign policy is based on. Human rights abuses are a simple irritant, one which can be suppressed even under piles of paper and footage in the media. There has been no country that has based their philosophy of diplomacy and foreign relations on humanistic principles. The rationale for this is due to the fact that this can be interpreted as a threat to sovereignity, and also careless meddling in internal affairs. These scenarios were witnessed in Burma last year, and now Tibet is the next in line.

Can an angle to boycott the Olympics in Beijing be even considered? Not a chance. The financial losses would be so high that countries would not even think of that option, only a few individuals in a million would consider it, but it would never be implemented seriously. This olympics will go ahead, and it will be a victory for all capitalists. Quiet ironic, considering that China is the People's Republic.