Very true, ISO...it is immensely gratifying to indulge in discussions free of gaalis and slurs and condescending remarks. Cheers to everyone involved in this thread for a civilized discussions, even though we may disagree a lot of times. Now, ISO wants some beer (ki A LOT??)...I am willing to pull the tab if everyone's willing to come over! Seriously, if any of you live in or around NYC, and would like to talk politics (global or Nepali) over some madak padaarthas...just shoot me an email! We must all remember that value of an opinion, regardless of who it comes from, is priceless. Some opinions may be uninformed, others well-informed, and yet others may be ill-informed; however, each one of them carry an EQUAL value with regards to it's contribution to the discussions. Unless, of course, one becomes condescending and/or starts to use gaali-galough as tools of his/her arguments. Well, ISO and others...we have discussed much at length about China's role in future global politics, and at times we seemd to divulge into the discussions about other states as well. I think I will start a new thread titled "Global Issues" where anyone interested can talk about anything related to international affairs. For now, sticking with China... ISO, I think I can surmise our debate as the following: 1.a. I say militarism has been playing a declining role in international affairs, and will continue to do so until one day economy will take over as the key to formation of alliances and the ability to influence. 1.b. You disagree and insist that militarism will contonue to play equal, if not more, role as economy in global politics. 2.a. Therefore, regardless of how poor China's military may be, it will rise as a superpower within our lifetime because of it's immensely influential economy. 2.b. You insist that China's backwardness on military affairs vis-a-vis US and Russia will prevent it from being throned as the superpower. One bonus comment for myself ;): I suspect that EVEN IF military will still play a very important role to the effect that poor military will be a significant obstacle to a nation's aspirations of becoming a superpower, with a sound and healthy economy, it shouldn't be difficult for China to rapidly modernize it's army. On that disagreable but friendly note, I suppose we can agree to disagree and drink more. (I only know Tsin Tao among Chinese beers!) Only time shall tell which one of us will be proven correct. All the rest, in the new thread! :D