The document discusses characteristics of Second World nations based on themes from Austin Kruisheer's book "The Second World". Second World nations have characteristics of both First and Third World countries and balance power between major powers. The European Union absorbs a country on average every year and has become a successful superstate. Russia's economy relies heavily on its largest energy company Gazprom which is owned by the wealthy elite. Brazil has developed from a Third World to Second World country and helped form the G20 coalition. Vietnam has maintained independence despite being invaded by China and is developing its economy with American and Asian support.

1. Themes From The Second World By Austin Kruisheer

2. Second World Nations Second World nations are between first and third world countries with characteristics from both. They prove to be the “weights” that balance the power between the United States, European Union and China. The countries where geopolitics and globalization clash and where the future of global order is written.

3. The European Union Absorbs an average of one country per year. The many nations have become the only superstate in the world. Expansion purposely makes the EU poorer yet more stable. The most popular and successful empire ever.

4. Russia: freedom paid in gas Gazprom, Russia’s largest energy company, accounts for 1/3 of Russia’s economy. Gazprom is Russia’s largest urban and rural landowner. The rich rule Russia and live above everyone else. “ Russia is a free country”…. “Because you paid more, you earned it”

5. Brazil: Shaping the Second World Brazil is South America’s natural leader. Went from a 3 rd to 2 nd world country and proved that 2 nd world countries could stand up to 1 st world countries as seen in the creation of the G-20 coalition. Through extensive trade with China, Brazil has become the “captain” of the second world trade axis. Brazil embodies the second world with huge sprawling cities bordering run down favelas.

6. Iraq: Falling to Pieces Every faction within Iraq is fighting for something different; there is no fight for Iraq. Most Iraqis felt better off with Saddam ruling. Iran has a heavy influence within Iraq using Iraq as a puppet in battling Sunni opposition. Kurdistan,as an unified nation, exist to a greater degree than Iraq. With government departments and signs of statehood, Kurdistan will eventually be a free country.

7. Vietnam: Holding It’s Own Vietnam is the only country China has invaded but didn’t conquer. Anti-Colonial but not Anti-Capitalist Japan and China have looked to Vietnam for future profits in Vietnams fast growing economy. With American help, Vietnam has prevented Sino centrism while moving forward in the global economy.