28,30, and NYT Article

    What chapter 28 is looking at is how confused some of the political leaders and heads of governments about how much they influence things such as economies and national societies.  Artists and illustrators have pointed out flaws such as these in political figures as of recently with an increasing amount of bitterness.  It also says that states used to be the masters of markets, although that has changed as of recently, with markets gaining increasing authority over states.  How I see this happening is that some larger markets have a more global reach than some states do, as well as a larger economic standard in some circumstances as well.

    Chapter 30 talks about the possible harm globalization has caused, and if its outdone the good factors.  The issue that stood out the most to me was how globalization has made it much more difficult for governments to provide social insurance.  This isn't saying that the government is the sole provider of this.  What I do think is that globalized markets shouldn't negatively impact to this degree the social insurance that should be supplied, and heads of government should be able to create alternate plans in order to give most people this opportunity.  Having a global institution impact an entire country in terms in social insurance standards is incredibly concerning.

The New York Times article discusses the border between China and Kazakhstan, and the importance it carries for China.  It's part of what's called the 'new Silk Road', one of China's premier efforts to increase global reach and overall economic stability.  The author of the article discusses stories about his experiences with locals, including a driver named Nunur.  He discussed that in order to provide for himself, he was forced to work in tractor repairs, becoming an expert mechanic.  While this may not seem like low-tier work to the naked eye, his parents had to work on a collective farm.  The article implies that there are serious political and human issues regarding globalization, one issue being human rights.  The new Silk Road promises prosperity, but hardly delivers on it.