Strictly in sense of political science the core doctrine of Geo politics is that neighbor is our greatest enemy and in contrast Geo Economics suggests neighbor is a state's greatest economic ally. The success of NAFTA, EU and then ASEAN definitely vouch for the doctrine of Geo Economics. Foreign policies of almost all nations today are guided by economic intentions more than any philosophical orientation. Latest in the series of happenings where philosophy made way for Economics is Myanmar getting the leadership of ASEAN. With troubled NAFTA and turbulent Europe ASEAN is the most vibrant trade block in the world, the most promising too. Myanmar, a nation isolated for over two decades now has finally got a role to play in international politics. Isolation was on account of violation of human rights and military rule. Reforms are on way but still the situation hasn't drastically changed. However, nations of the world today are eager to accommodate Myanmar on account of two reasons. The first being proven gas reserves of around 21.19 trillion cubic feet (at the end of 2007). When energy prices are soaring, this is a reason enough. However the second reason is there and it is to prevent Myanmar from sitting in the lap of China, a nation whose hegemonic ambitions make every other nation apprehensive. Even India started dialogues with Myanmar ignoring the human rights situation for these two reasons. There are views that this decision of ASEAN may backfire as Europe the largest export market of ASEAN is very strict about human rights violation. However, I personally believe that 21.19 trillion cubic feet of gas reserves are enough to keep any nation silent till Myanmar is at least showing intentions to reform.
Myanmar however is not the first in the series of nations whose isolation on account of human rights violation and undemocratic governance have ended due to natural resources and economic potential they poses. However what is worth noticing is that China seems to understand the economics of natural resources best. As it is the first to make its footprints in almost all such nations and other nations have to unwillingly follow to balance China out and have a share of the pie. So, as it looks now economics is the driving force behind foreign policy and Geo Politics if not given way has definitely added a new and dominant branch of Geo Economics.
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