Abstract This paper explains that there were many factors leading to the end of the Cold War, including the disintegration of the Soviet Union and the Soviet disengagement from Europe, the pioneering role of Poland in the elections of 1989, the fall of the Berlin Wall, and the Reunification of Germany. The paper also describes the structural and long-term factors that contributed to the transformation of Soviet policy such as the stagnating economy, the burden of the arms race, and the persisting challenge of nationalism.
From the Paper "The Cold War was a worldwide conflict between the United States and the United Soviet Socialist Republic (USSR) in the years following World War II. The expansion of Stalin's control in Eastern Europe, the competition for nuclear weapons, and differing philosophies of political and economic life contributed to the growing tension between the East and West. For over forty years, the United States and the Soviet Union confronted one another directly and indirectly all over the world. The most important areas of tension were Berlin, Southeast Asia, and Cuba. Thus, the history of the Cold War is the history of the world since 1945. For forty-five years, through missile crises, the Vietnam War, and the collapse of the Berlin Wall, the world lived in anxiety. Finally, the Soviet Union was dissolved in the last days of 1991, bringing the cold war to an end."
Abstract The Cold War was a political reflection of strategic, ideological and economic rivalries between the USSR and America. This paper shows how the power struggle between the U.S. and the USSR had grave consequences on all domestic and foreign policies and impacted everyday life around the world.
From the Paper "In summary, what appeared was a new world order in which the United States held economic and military supremacy, challenged only by the Soviet Union. In that context, the West Pacific Rim and continental Europe recovered and resumed their pre-War growth paths by adopting international strategies to achieve national development, while the United States and the Soviet Union became increasingly distracted by military concerns."
Tags: Communist, Revolution, Depression, contaiment, Korean, War
Abstract This well researched paper details Estonia's economy as well as its program of privatization for more than 400 major enterprises which leads the Baltics in the number of wide-scale privatizations. Although Estonia is still a young and immature economy, its prospects could turn out to be far more superior than expected. The writer also discusses how Estonia's small-scale privatization and later globalization of the economy began as a part of the larger reform movement in the era of Soviet perestroika.
From the Paper "Though it is a young, immature market economy, Estonia is still just that - a market economy. Its prospects could further turn out to be superior than is conventionally expected. Perhaps an analogy - for all of the differences - of Japan's economic miracle is relevant. Indeed, the basis is arguably in the process of being laid for an economic miracle - a chudo. The region possesses an emerging educated population with considerable skills. For the first time in over seven decades, its scientific and technical capabilities are linked to the marketplace - something heretofore impossible. A post-communist generation has emerged, eager to partake in the building of a modern industrial country."
Abstract The writer of this paper examines author Upton Sinclair's support of socialism and contempt for capitalism as depicted in his novel "The Jungle." The author describes capitalism as a cruel institution where the working class are treated poorly and forced to live in poverty so that others may profit while socialism is personified as the savior of mankind. This paper details the plot of the novel which revolves around Jurgis Rudkus and his family who have recently immigrated to the U.S. from Lithuania. Also discussed is the shameless exploitation of immigrants in America.
From the Paper "Socialism is personified as the savior of mankind in the last chapters of The Jungle when a charismatic preacher-like speaker begins his presentation at a socialist rally. Sinclair designs the speaker to have a strong, captivating message, which no one can refute. In fact, the message is a brief summary of the negative events that have happened to Jurgis thus far in the novel. The speaker is telling Jurgis how to live a better life in one easy step: become a socialist. When Jurgis converts to socialism, all of the negative experiences of his past years in America melt away."
This paper examines the European Union and the Maastricht Treaty that is responsible for bringing about economic integration within the member countries.
Abstract The writer of this well-researched and informative paper details the history of the EU, established in 1993, as well as the Maastricht Treaty which was responsible for the successful economic integration within the member countries. This paper also cites the various drawbacks within the EU such as the lack of an armed force capable of more than just post-conflict interposition. This paper stresses the political vision and concepts behind the EU as well as the growing need for broader security structures and even more economic integration between the member countries.
From the Paper "The European Union was established in 1993 with the Maastricht treaty that was responsible to bring about economic integration with the member countries. This is considered as one of the most powerful and strategic economic trade integration, and is responsible for contribution of nearly one-third of the entire world's trade. This has been so successful because of the fact that the west European countries have all formed together to form this agreement and have also initiated the single currency that is sued in this region called the Euro. Now after this the European commission is actually aiming at getting their political and commercial interaction with Latin America, and all effort is being put to get this done with as soon as possible."
Abstract This paper explains the concept of absolutism and gives examples of absolutist monarchs. The paper also provides an explanation of King Louis XIV's impact on absolutism and describes the results of this kind of reign of power.
From the Paper "Throughout history, political absolutism has been something many countries have faced. According to Wikipedia, a?"absolutism is a political theory which argues that one person should have all powera"?. Rather than dispersing duties to noble representatives of the country, the ruler had complete control over everything. The control included the power to demand laws, make justice, collect taxes, keep a permanent army, submit employees, judge attempts against public goods, and the authority to determine exceptions to whom and when the laws applied (National States). The monarch could enforce and abolish rules just as a small child would when making up their own game."
This well-researched and informative paper examines the political and socio-economic changes that have taken place in Russia since the late-1980s which have proven conducive to criminal development.
Abstract This in-depth paper explores the years since the dissolution of the Soviet Union when the overall security and political situation throughout the region had gradually transformed from a communist regime to one of extreme corruption. This paper discusses the present Russian view of criminal issues while paying close attention to the Russian mafia phenomenon which is a direct outgrowth of the unconventional economy and related corruption. This paper also contains detailed facts and information pertaining to Russia's political history and economy both before and after the fall of the Soviet Union.
Outline
Introduction
Historical Change in the Definition of "Crime and Mafia"
Economy, Crime and Security in the Post-Soviet Era
Drug-Related Crimes
Acts of Violence
Uncontrolled Migration
Smuggling and Other Crimes
Russian Security Cooperation
Opposition Toward Change
Reducing Anarchy
Government Officials
Bibliography
From the Paper "In the years since the dissolution of the Soviet Union and the independence of the three Baltic republics, the overall political and security situation throughout the Baltic Sea region has become gradually transformed. The delicate East-West balance in Northeastern Europe that was maintained by just a few actors during the cold war era has given way to a security environment that is fluid and conditions which are manipulated by a multiple of diverse new actors. In addition, there has been a dramatic shift in the characterization of security threats and priorities in the region."
Abstract This in-depth paper details the Russian immigration to the U.S. which began in 1720 with Vitus Bering. This paper describes the mitigating factors that pushed many Russians over the years to leave their homeland in pursuit of a better life, including religious persecution and communism. The writer of this paper describes the various religions and ethnicities within Russia and the Commonwealth of Independent States. This paper chronicles the rich cultural heritage the immigrants brought with them to the U.S. particularly in theater, ballet, dance and music. Also discussed in this paper is the extreme prejudice subjected on immigrants during the 1950s, the age of McCarthyism. This paper contains facts and information pertaining to the various waves of immigration from the late 1880s to the early 1920s. This paper also details how well the Russian community at present has adapted to life in the U.S. in regards to employment, education, language and political beliefs.
From the Paper "The linguistic transition is more difficult for older immigrants, especially those who remain in enclaves where there is a significant population of others who speak the same language. Younger immigrants are more adept at learning a new language since their natural ability to assimilate a new language is higher at their age. In addition, the cultural influences that surround them and peer pressure act as a powerful impetus to learn English. The globalization of the economy presents a greater opportunity for those who are bilingual, creating jobs that they are uniquely qualified for."
This well-researched paper explores the birth of the Marxist movement and its effect on eastern European countries both before and after the fall of the Soviet Union.
Abstract This in-depth paper examines the introduction of the Marxist movement which began in the 19th century with the historic publication of Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels' "Communist Manifesto." This paper details the negative aspects of a capitalist society and the advantages of socialism, including the positive effects on education, literacy and national healthcare. This paper focuses on the eastern European countries, including Lithuania, Croatia and Russia, that adopted both Communist and Marxist approaches to society and government.
Table Of Contents:
Introduction
Marxism
National Minority System
Government
Education
Health and Welfare
Constitutional Government
Education
Bibliography
From the Paper "The ideas of both class struggle and classless community were already familiar in Marx's time. The notion that economic interests in society necessarily are in conflict has been traced as far back as Thucydides, while the first decades of the 19th century were rife with sundry socialist critiques of the existing economic order and attempts to found utopian, classless communities. Marx coupled these two ideas in a novel way. The problem of every utopian writer is not to describe what his utopia looks like but to suggest how one achieves it. In his theory of history, Marx adopted the idea of the class struggle as the driving mechanism in the sequence of events that would culminate in the classless society."
Abstract This paper describes Germany, an active member of the European Union, as one of eastern Europe's richest and most populous nations, yet the country still has a major problem with its citizen's tendency toward xenophobia. This paper examines the history of Germany which was the only group of tribal people that were never conquered by the Romans. So much of western thought, the system of law and government as well as our view of the world is still marked by the influence of ancient Greco-Roman culture, which would explain why Germany may not have this same mindset. The writer of this paper details the differences between today's Germany and that of the middle ages and the 19th century. The concerns of the native Germans during those periods extended to the influx of the Jewish people and the anti-Christian activities of the Gypsies. This paper discusses the various strategies and methods being utilized by the government to combat xenophobia in Germany and improve the country's image around the world.
From the Paper "Rome still may have contained the migration of the Germans if the now powerful Roman Catholic Church did not declare Arian Christianity Heresy and begin to burn its adherents at the stake. From that point on, the German people never were entirely comfortable with the Roman Papacy. The German tribes were not conquered during Rome's time of greatest influence, and only were brought into the world of non-Arian Catholicism by ruse. It is possible because of this separation; there existed a sense of difference between the people of Germany and almost everyone else who inhabited Europe through the time of Charlemagne and the Middle Ages. The Internet site, Alien Travel guide tells us that Ancient tribes such as the Franks, the Goths, the Teutons and the Vandals once inhabited the region of Germany."
Abstract The breakup of the Soviet Union in 1991 resulted in a number of newly independent nations, whose borders were frequently based on old geopolitical lines without regard for the ethnically based demographics involved. Without a central government in place in many of these regions of Eastern Europe, basic public services have failed, economies have faltered or collapsed and wars have broken out between ethnic factions within these countries. This paper discusses the cultural, political and social divisiveness which has resulted from a paucity of central governmental services in some of these new nations in Eastern Europe, and provides an analysis of the causes for the violent confrontations which have taken place in the recent past.
From the Paper "The ethnic populations which constitute a nation are up in arms against the weak states. These ethnic populations of Eastern Europe (and elsewhere in the world as well) have mobilized for war. Passions run high in light of the long-term nature of many of the ethnic disputes, and the belligerents are not now going to settle for anything short of their perceived ethnic and historical legacy of land and liberty. The problem in Eastern Europe is, however, that almost all of the people share this common legacy and who is to say whose claim is stronger. The next few years will prove to be bloody ones for the nations of Europe in search of a state unless the international community can provide better and more creative alternatives. "
Abstract This paper is a discussion of the book, "The Cold War: A History" by Martin Walker. The paper shows how the book gives a very detailed account of the events, characteristics, problems and legacy of the Cold War.
From the Paper "As with any war, the conflict is used to determine or maintain the balance of power, provide for governmental succession, and/or a confrontation of ideological viewpoints. The Cold War was all of these. The balance of power in the world was being fought between the United States and the Soviet Union, or as Walker calls it, using a Reagan era term, the "Evil Empire". This included the governments worldwide that supported or were supported by one side or the other. Since the Cold War began with the fall of Germany after World War II, part of the maneuverings of the early part of the Cold War was to determine the political succession for the rule of Germany, which had the potential of determining the balance of power in Europe."
Abstract This paper is written as if the personal journal of Solomon Borenstieein, a Holocaust survivor from Vilna, Poland. The paper includes eight entries, tracing Solomon's life from his childhood to the Nazi occupation of Poland, the ghettoization of Warsaw, the deportation to the death camps, his harrowing experiences at Auschwitz and his liberation by Soviet troops at the end of the war. The paper is about one real man's life and survival, but it is also tells the story of the Jewish experience during the Holocaust.
Introduction
November 16, 1938
September 20, 1939
March 5, 1942
January 10, 1943
October 14, 1943
October 31, 1943
January 29, 1945
From the Paper "My name is Solomon Borenstien. I was born in the city of Vilna, Poland in 1926. I am proud of my town because the Jewish people hold a very prominent place there. Many people consider it to be the capital of the Jewish world, like Israel was in the olden times. In fact, Eastern Europeans call my town "Jerusalem deLithuania." We have a library in Vilna called Strashun. It is the biggest library of Jewish learning in the world. If anybody in the world really wants to learn anything about Jewishness, they have to come to my home town. That is why I am proud of being born in this city. (Zitler 6)"
Tags: Nazi, Germany, Auschwitz, death, camps, march, Poland, vilna, warsaw, liberation, Soviet, allied, world, war, two
Abstract In this paper the author examines the changes that have occurred in Korea over the past fifty years. In his paper, the author starts with the history of Korea and the circumstances behind the divide into North and South. The author looks at both Koreas and what happened to them during the Second World War. He examines the economic and political aftermaths of the war and provides an overview of the political and economic situation today. The author details the conflicts that arose between North and South Korea; in particular he notes military efforts by North Korea over the years to infiltrate the South. The paper does point out that few societies have changed as rapidly, however, as South Korea's, in the past fifty years. He highlights how a nation of mostly poor peasants under the control of Japan has evolved into a dynamic industrial society. The paper concludes with a look at the difficult task of uniting both Koreas, which the author believes is near impossible unless there is a power struggle in the North, which would eliminate the current dictatorship
From the Paper "So, what was the aftermath of the Korean War? "The ideological significance of the Korean War was never in doubt; it was essentially a Cold War eruption fuelled by an American intervention designed to prevent a popular revolution." This from an author who seems to have pro-North sympathies. Yes, it was a Cold War eruption, and yes, it was to keep an American ally, Syngman Rhee, in power. As briefly mentioned above, Rhee was able to use the War as a means of tightening his control over south Korea. In fact, by 1956, he was able to force the Korean legislature to reverse the two-term Presidential limit, so he could continue in power. Rhee controlled the press, fomented violence against dissenters with youth gangs, and, under the umbrella of being "needed" by the Western powers in their fight in the Cold War."
This paper explores the effects of the free market revolution which took place in the 1980s and the resulting mass of unemployment still plaguing Europe and the former Soviet Union in particular.
Abstract This paper focuses on the rising unemployment in Europe. With approximately 35 million unemployed in the industrialized countries and uncounted millions more in the developing world, the issue of joblessness has finally reached the top of the global political agenda. This paper details the results of the free market revolution of the 1980s which consisted of collapsing industrial economies, deepening poverty, homelessness, crime and a rising tide of racism. The writer of this paper contends that unemployment and job creation are finally being given top priority in the global agenda. This paper discusses the various plans and strategies that are being implemented to combat unemployment, including the establishment of job-switching schemes. Job-switching, which has been piloted in Denmark, provides for long-term unemployed people to be trained and educated specifically in order to substitute for employed workers while they are on paid educational leave or vocational training. This well-researched paper contains unemployment statistics and relevant information of various countries in Europe, including Hungary. While unemployment has been in existence in Hungary for only a few years, it has become the main cause of increased social tension. This paper also details the situation in the former Soviet Union, in which the unrestrained free market economics has brought about an economic catastrophe.
From the Paper "Why not combine the two problems in one solution? This is the basic and simple principle of job-switching: unemployed people take over the vacancies of the employed, while the employed are at the same time engaged in further education. AOF in Denmark had tried out this job-switching model for a couple of years and it has proven to be a success, and the activities are spreading all over Denmark in companies and in the public sector as well, and now all over Europe as well. The main target group for AOF is employed with short education and long-term unemployed. The job-switching model operates with education, training courses and work-experience for the unemployed, before he or she is actually going in to the company in the vacancy. The further education of the employed stresses general and also creative qualification, but also more traditional skills may be part of the further education."
