i remember reading articles some years back now about the emerging power of the so called "BRIC" countries, namely Brazil, Russia, India and China, due to their abundance of natural resources and large labour markets.

I agree, i can see resources playing a significant part in future world politic, these countries have both the resources, landmass and populations to work their their land as well as labour to obtain, refine, consume and exploit the said resources.

The "have and have nots" as you say den will see the gulf between them play a more significant part i feel.

The political will to develop and move forward must also be factored in as the countries of the BRIC nations are not as westernised as the current economic powerhouses

Interesting points made also with regard to the continued importance and influence of the multi national corporations, yes it could be argued that these are already way more powerful than many governments.

Indeed anyone who has read the book "the corporation" the pathological pursuit of profit by Joel Bakan it could be argued that this is already the case.

good points raised den, it seems that we are indeed living through interesting times, thank you