Russia Will be the worlds next superpower.

Its a fast-growing economy, energy superpower and has a large military.

As well as having been one before.

I negate: Russia Will be the worlds next superpower.

Contention I. China will be the worlds next Superpower.

A) China controls Global Trade. China has created a deficit with every major power in the world. The US, Russia, and the EU. The dominate global trade, by having 70% exports and 20% imports. Also, they have a grip on Russia's oil supply, making much of the income being created by it. They have the largest global market; it has the ability to end a country's market, or liven it up.

B) China is on the leading edge of Military prowess. According to NewsWeek, China has the most rapid growing army, as well as getting to the most advanced. A war between Russia and China is a blow out, Gina would win easily. Therefore, with both China and Russia looking to become the next Superpower, China may resort to military action.

*I reserve the right to add any new arguments in the 2nd round

Russia is often considered to be an energy superpower and a nuclear superpower due to its vast amounts of natural resources and large nuclear arsenal mostly leftover from the former Soviet Union.

The oil industry of Russia is one of the largest in the world. Russia has the largest reserve, and is the largest exporter, of natural gas; the second largest coal reserves, and the eighth largest reserve, and is the second largest exporter, of oil.

Russia possesses the largest stockpile of nuclear weapons in the world.
If Russia went to war against china they could just unload on them...

"Russia is often considered to be an energy superpower and a nuclear superpower due to its vast amounts of natural resources and large nuclear arsenal mostly leftover from the former Soviet Union."

My Response: Good observation, however the Russian government is controlled by criminals and mafia. This has led them to inefficiency with this stockpile of natural resources. Also, as I have brought up, China controls a portion of those resources.

"The oil industry of Russia is one of the largest in the world. Russia has the largest reserve, and is the largest exporter, of natural gas; the second largest coal reserves, and the eighth largest reserve, and is the second largest exporter, of oil."

I agree, however link my first response to this too. Also, Russia is the 2nd largest exporter...compared to OPEC, who dominates the oil industry. Sand is the cheapest to drill, drilling in Russia's rugged terrain is expensive, and Russia is looking to CHINA for more money to drill.

"Russia possesses the largest stockpile of nuclear weapons in the world.
If Russia went to war against china they could just unload on them..."

My Response: This is indeed false. Rank in order: 1) US, 2) Russia, 3) China (Countries with most nuclear weapons). Also, Israel has taken lots of Soviet Weaponry during the Cold War. Furthermore, Russia possesses nuclear weapons, but most of which are outdated and non-functional. This is in due part to the Salt Talks, etc.
===============================================================================

My opponent has yet to respond to my 2 contentions, so extend them for the remainder of the round.

First I would like to address the correct order of active nuclear warheads by nation. It is Russia, USA, France, United Kingdom, then... china, although like you said Israel might have some... maybe even more than china?

http://thebulletin.metapress.com...

In response to A, Russia has been experiencing a boom in capital investment since the beginning of 2007.Capital investment showed record growth in June, rising 27.2 percent over June of last year in real terms (adjusted for price changes), to 579.8 billion rubles(Currency of Russia), with construction industry leading the way. That is a rise of 58 percent in nominal terms and a better showing than in China. Modern Russia has never before seen such a growth rate.

It is believed that Russia will start surpassing China in various economic fields by the end of 2008. Russia also has influence over other nations economy just look at its neighboring countries. 8 countries were part of the formal soviet union which Russia still keeps some control over.

In response to only the last part of B, Russia and China aren't enemy's as they once where and have found a common enemy. that enemy is of course us, the united states.

I have already answered part B entirely. Russia's armed forces is more advanced than china's. The PRC is currently Russia's largest customer of imports needed to modernize the People's Liberation Army.

Lastly the government of china is suppressive and totalitarian. Russia is a Federal Republic. While the PRC is a Communist State with only one party and like Ive stated is very totalitarian.

"In response to A, Russia has been experiencing a boom in capital investment since the beginning of 2007.Capital investment showed record growth in June, rising 27.2 percent over June of last year in real terms (adjusted for price changes), to 579.8 billion rubles(Currency of Russia), with construction industry leading the way. That is a rise of 58 percent in nominal terms and a better showing than in China. Modern Russia has never before seen such a growth rate."

My Response: My opponent apparently doesn't understand my argument. Yes, Russia has seen growth in investment. However, my sub-point A dealt with global trade, not domestic economy. China controls almost every economy in the world. Why? Because it is the largest exporter of goods in the world. Also, China lends the most capital to major powers, like US and Russia, therefore increasing those countries deficits. However, looking at the idea of domestic economy, China has the fastest growing stock market, next to Dubai. Russia, isn't even on the map when it comes to the Stock Market Exchange.

"It is believed that Russia will start surpassing China in various economic fields by the end of 2008. Russia also has influence over other nations economy just look at its neighboring countries. 8 countries were part of the formal soviet union which Russia still keeps some control over."

My Response: First off, my opponent doesn't provide any source for this point. However more importantly, according to the Economist, China will have the strongest economy at of every country (Predicted 2030), and will be the new superpower. Also, those 8 countries have no economic status at all.

"In response to only the last part of B, Russia and China aren't enemy's as they once where and have found a common enemy. that enemy is of course us, the united states."

My Response: They indeed are. China and Russia have both threatened military action because of border disputes, like Manchuria. Also, China is an economic ally with the US.

"Lastly the government of china is suppressive and totalitarian. Russia is a Federal Republic. While the PRC is a Communist State with only one party and like Ive stated is very totalitarian."

My Response: So, Nazi Germany was an oppressive regime, yet they almost became the major superpower by conquering Europe. Only until the US joined, was that halted. Being oppressive means nothing about getting the global title of "Superpower."
===============================================================================

This is a clear negative vote. Being a superpower lies within how strong a countries hold on the global market is. China is just that. Therefore, China will the be the world's next superpower.

I urge a negation of the resolution.

Thank you ladies and gentlemen.