Abstract This paper looks at the political structure of Poland, including the country's history, its government structure, institutions, political processes and others aspects. The paper also includes an annotated bibliography.
Tags: labor, unemployment, GDP, terrorism, national security, parliament, Sejm, Senate, prime minister, democratic reforms, economy
Abstract This paper examines how anti-Semitism persisted in Czechoslovakia during the Communist era primarily because of the pervasive and troubling presence of anti-Semitism through European history. Because of negative European cultural attitudes about the Jewish people, anti-Semitism was manifested in nearly every aspect of life in Czechoslovakia and at every level of society.
From the Paper "In analyzing how Heda, Rudolf, and other Czechs experienced anti-Semitism between 1941 and 1968, it is evident that their experiences of oppression and prejudice reflected historic anti-Semitism in Europe. The Soviet domination of Czechoslovakia through the puppet leaders in Prague resulted in the oppression of all Czechs, regardless of their race or religion. But Heda, Rudolf, and other Jewish people experienced oppression between 1941 and 1968 not only because of politics and Communist ideology, but because of prevailing anti-Semitic attitudes in Central Europe. Essentially, anti-Semitism persisted in Czechoslovakia during the Communist era primarily because of the pervasive and troubling presence of anti-Semitism through European history."
Abstract This paper examines the Soviet KGB with the Russian FSB of the post-Cold War era. It is evident that there are significant differences between these two intelligence and security organizations, but also a number of similarities in terms of their primary national security responsibilities. The paper shows that as the post-communism successor to the KGB, the FSB was established in April of 1995 and inherited important former KGB tasks relating to foreign intelligence gathering, data analysis, and domestic counterintelligence, but it does not have the vast authority the KGB had to conduct unlimited internal security operations.
Abstract This paper discusses the political and economic factors that led to Poland's Solidarity Movement. Due to overnight increases in consumer prices, specifically meat, Polish workers mobilized to protest against the Communists governments' mismanagement of resources. The paper shows that over the years the movement transformed into a political party which gained popularity in the 1990's.
From the Paper "The collapse of communism in Europe was one of the most crucial international developments of the 20th century. The move towards adopting Western political and economic systems came after the failure and mismanagement of resources of centrally planned governments. The creation of market economies in post-communist Eastern Europe was an enormous undertaking due to the overwhelming nature of the task, particularly establishing markets where none had previously existed. Shifting governance from one of communism to a democratic state was involved and affected fewer people compared to the impact of reinventing a market economy in a post-communist state. The economy is the setting in which most adults in every country spend their working lives (Weschler, para. 1982)."
Abstract The paper examines the role that the European Parliament plays, shaping and changing the nature of European international politics and affairs. Specifically, the paper argues that the European Parliament as the legislative institution of the European Union is emblematic of the dissolution of national sovereignty that is occurring in Europe that dramatically affects the way that nations interact with one another.
From the Paper "The development of the European Union over the last fifty years has been met with both criticism and praise. Some perceive the increased political integration as evidence of a new kind of political structure, one that globalization will continue to facilitate throughout the world. This imagined integrated political structure for Europe is nothing short of a new kind of community. Europe, arguably, is one of the most politically fragmented regions of the world when examined historically. Despite a common Western heritage, the nations of Europe have long been in conflict. The idea of a integrated, and perhaps even federalist, Europe would have seemed fully implausible even a few decades ago and was probably seen as nothing more than a fanciful dream when the foundations of the EU were laid down in the 1950s."
Abstract This paper explains that the most noteworthy benefits of joining the EU, which the expansion of the EU would magnify, are the free movement of goods, services, people and capital; stable price structures and internal and external security as well as improved social conditions, employment prospects and industrial conditions for the citizens of member nations. The author contends that the desire of Eastern Europe to become a bigger part of the EU can hurt the EU because of the corruption, crime and poverty in Eastern Europe, which was created with the fall of communism in the 1990s. The paper relates that the old members of the EU are limiting the benefits to which new EU members are entitled and are moving toward a more selective membership into the EU as exemplified by the case of Turkey, which is discussed at length in this paper.
Table of Contents:
Birth of the European Union
The Pros of the Expansion of the EU
Cons of EU Expansion
Restrictive Admission to the EU
The Future Expansion of the EU-Experts Speak Out
Closing Thoughts on the EU
From the Paper "Because of Europe's history of war and destruction throughout the late 1800's into the mid 1900s, many European leaders believed that the best way to secure a lasting peace throughout Europe was to create an economic and political bond between her nations. In 1950, it was proposed that the coal and steel industries of Western Europe be united. In response, the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC) was formed in 1951 by Belgium, West Germany, Luxembourg, France, Italy and the Netherlands. Because of the success of the ECSC, its member nations formed the European Atomic Energy Community (EURATOM) and the European Economic Community (EEC) in 1957, with a goal of creating a common market (Europa-EU at a Glance). "
Abstract The paper discusses the "The World is Flat: A Brief History of the Twenty-First Century," where Thomas L. Friedman addresses how globalism has changed the economic and political framework of recent years. The paper looks at all his thirteen chapters where he talks about the affects of free trade, those who control factors in the global economy and how the world power base has been "flattened" in terms of economy and power, through globalism. The paper relates how Friedman ends by saying that we cannot stop the "flattening," but it is happening nevertheless. He suggests that to protect ourselves and our families, the best we can do is to be prepared and learn as much as possible.
From the Paper "In Chapter One, called "While I Was Sleeping," Friedman explains what he means by "flattening" by explaining "how [he] personally discovered that the world is flat" (47). He leads with a story about his trip to India, where he was confronted with many examples of a global economy. Companies in India were the same companies he knew from home, and did not seem to skip a beat in relating their products to the foreign cultures of the world. Not only were global and American companies thriving, they were outsourcing work from their original base of operations (like the United States and Europe) to India and other rising nations. Indian workers were also imitating American accents and taking Americanized names to increase their chances of work with such companies."
Abstract This paper discusses Russia's relationship with the World Trade Organization (WTO). It looks at some of the major political and economic implications after accession and the potential effect of this process on the future.
Outline
The World Trade Organization
Russia's Path to the World Trade Organization
Major Political and Economic Implications for Russia
Russia's WTO Accession and Georgia
From the Paper "According to the accession rules, to become a WTO member at least two-third of member countries should give their approval. However Georgia has important leverage with which to block Russia's entry. For membership, the applicant country should reach bilateral agreements with those countries with which the applicant has some trade and/or political disputes. The findings of these negotiations are then presented to the General Council of the WTO and if the Council approves the results, the accession process will continue. Evidently, if Russia does not meet all of the requirements, then the general council will not refer to the findings as the country's entry will be automatically blocked. "
A review of the motivation behind Art Spiegelman's books "Maus: A Survivor's Tale: My Father Bleeds History" and "Maus: A Survivor's Tale: And Here My Troubles Began".
Abstract This paper analyzes the purpose and intent of Art Spiegelman's books "Maus: A Survivor's Tale: My Father Bleeds History" and "Maus: A Survivor's Tale: And Here My Troubles Began". The paper discusses the intensely personal side of the story and suggests that it tells a great deal about Spiegelman's motivations for creating these books. It discusses the themes and emotions that he reveals in the books.
From the Paper "When considering Art Spiegelman's books Maus: A Survivor's Tale: My Father Bleeds History and Maus: A Survivor's Tale: And Here My Troubles Began, the reader twice asks, "Why did Art Spiegelman write these?" That is, the reader wonders what purpose Spiegelman hoped his books would serve, and what personally drove Spiegelman to write the books in the first place. Though related, these are two different questions. These books are very personal works that not only chronicle his father's experiences as a Jew in Poland during WWII, but also reveal "Artie's" struggles to relate to his father. The intensely personal side of the story tells a great deal about Spiegelman's motivations for creating these books; this aspect is about Artie. Yet clearly purpose of the books is not to tell Artie's story, but to tell Vladek's."
Abstract This book report reviews Christopher Isherwood's book 'The Berlin Stories'. The paper highlights examples of the wild, decadent and colorful lifestyle in Berlin before World War II, by tracing the characters portrayed in 3 short stories, 'The Nowarks', 'Sally Bowles' and 'On Reugen Island' contained in this book.
From the Paper "The story that best describes decadent or debauched behavior however is "Sally Bowles." The heroine encountered by Isherwood here is Sally Bowles, a 19-year-old English girl who works as a singer in The Lady Windermere, a cabaret. No doubt a colorful character, Sally exemplifies the wild and wicked lifestyle of her time. Sex for her was a mere trifle. She points out the men she sleeps with no hint of self-consciousness or shame. "That's the man I slept with last night. He makes love marvelously. He's an absolute genius at businesses and he's terribly rich." (Isherwood, 1963, p. 23). Seduction, fun and games, are all part of Sally's way of life as well as that of the people around her. "For heaven's sake, don't leave me alone with this man! Or he'll seduce me down the telephone. He's most terribly passionate" (Isherwood, 1963, p. 22)."
Abstract This paper discusses Turkey's possible entrance into the EU through a brief historical view of the country's political program. The paper also looks at the questions raised concerning any future acceptance as a member state and Turkey's present position in relation to its possible candidacy. The paper considers the significant impacts Turkey's accession would have on the Union, how such an enlargement could be managed and how this would affect the future of the European Union.
Outline:
Introduction
Asian or European?
Political Impacts Regarding the Acceptance of Turkey
Turkish Accession and Cyprus
Human Rights, Religious Liberty and Freedom of Speech
Looking Towards Continued Reform and the Future
Conclusion
From the Paper "Turkey was officially accepted as a possible candidate for EU membership in December 1999, and in 2002 the European Council stated that if Turkey met the 'Copenhagen' criterion by 2004, it would immediately open negotiations. Since 1999, and in particular since the AKP government's election in 2002, Turkey has introduced radical reforms promoting democratisation, and has made considerable efforts concerning human rights. However, these reforms are still not complete, and there are problems concerning their implementation in many areas, including within the area of human rights. In other words, judicial reform, according to the European Commission, remains insufficient."
Abstract The paper discusses how information technology, globalization, multinational economies and the educational needs of developed nations present universities with a number of challenges and opportunities. The paper looks at the US system of higher education and reveals that it is among the most innovative and responsive in the world. The paper shows how it is ideally suited to form international partnerships with other educational systems. The paper illustrates how the US system can impact the need for access to education in a global context. The paper also points out that this will likely not happen, however, because of the the lack enthusiasm of the US university faculty for international collaboration.
Outline:
Abstract
Introduction
The Challenge to Higher Education
Impact on Education
Knowledge as Product
Access
Potential
Critical Issues
Conclusion
From the Paper "The world is dynamic and changing. The impact of information technology, from the fourteenth century printing press to twentieth century instant messaging, has changed, and is changing, patterns of communication, relationships and life. The ultimate effects that the scope and speed of societal change in the twenty-first century will have on higher education in the coming decades is yet unknown. Hans van Ginkel (2002), president of the International Association of Universities (IAU), believes globalization is not a new process. Van Ginkel says that the stimuli of distant cultures have always played an influential role in society. However, it is the scale and rapidity with which these influences impact the culture that set the contemporary stage, with the phenomena of information technology setting the direction for the prevailing wind of globalization."
Abstract The paper argues that the sequence of events following the Second World War provided the foundations which unavoidably led to increased tensions and an ensuing Cold War. The paper discusses the differing ideologies, the competition for spheres of influence, the advancement of weaponry, the arms race, as well as a lack of trust, all of which entrenched the Soviet Union and the West into an unpreventable power struggle. The paper shows how these events made friendly relationships between the two sides impossible for decades to come.
From the Paper "The end of the Second World War brought forth a dramatic change in the global power structure. Whereas before the war there had been a power struggle between five great nations, the completion of the war brought an end to France, Germany and Britain's claim as world super powers. Emerging from the chaos were the two remaining super powers: the Soviet Union and the United States, with the remnants of three former super powers aligning themselves with the U.S. to create a power bloc. The result was the Cold War, where from 1945 to 1989, these two sides involved nearly the entire globe in a conflict. Yet from very early on, Historians and Political Scientists have questioned whether or not the Cold War was unavoidable, or if the Western World could have in fact lived in peace and cooperated with the Eastern Bloc."
Abstract The paper presents a study on imperialism with a focus on France and her battle against English as an international language. The paper shows how France's battle against the use of English as the main language of the world is essentially a fight against globalization and the loss of French culture. The paper examines French cinema and its war against Hollywood.
From the Paper "On March 23rd, 2006, during a meeting in Brussels, Jacques Chirac, the President of the French Republic, followed by two of his ministers, went out of the room when Ernest-Antoine Seillieres, the boss of the European bosses and former boss of the MEDEF, started delivering a speech in English. However bizarre or ludicrous this attitude may seem to many, whether French or not, it indicates something important as far as language is concerned. It reveals the omnipresence of the English language: even though translation was available - for, in the European Union, all languages of the member-states are official - a Frenchman chose to express himself in a foreign tongue. Why didn't he stick to his native language?"
Abstract This paper discusses the Russian famines of 1921 and 1931 and explores why the famine of 1921 received massive world wide assistance while the one in 1931 did not. The paper looks at "Harvest of Sorrow" by Robert Conquest who maintains that the famine was a deliberate strategy of Stalin in order to gain control over the farmers. The paper then looks at R.W. Davies and Stephen Wheatcroft's "The Years of Hunger" where the authors claim that it was embarrassing for Stalin to admit that his agricultural plan was failing. The paper concludes therefore, that Stalin's inability to seek aid in 1931 was either because of his pride or because he designed his agricultural program with famine as its specific result.
From the Paper "Harvest of Sorrow by Robert Conquest does have an anti-communist tone throughout the book. Conquest listed the Ukrainian famine of 1931-1933 as intentional, caused by Stalin as a way of dealing with the rebellious province of Ukraine, and to shift the Soviet Union to a path if intense industrialization . Robert Conquest's primary focus throughout the book is that the famine should not simply be seen as a tragedy, but as an avoidable situation brought about by Stalin. Famine as a tactic of control was discovered by Stalin, by accident according to Robert Conquest, in how they dealt with Kazakhstan . Stalin and his cronies denied the existence of any famine within the borders of the Soviet Union; whether out of pride or malice this denied his people the ability to call for aid for the outside world."
