Abstract This paper focuses on the evident rise of Russian nationalism, which is a result of the domestic media and various political players who want to keep Russia isolated from western influences. This is only one of the reasons Russia has not yet joined the European Union (EU). The writer of this paper analyzes the Russian government's displeasure with the EU due to the addition of several countries from the former Soviet bloc, including: Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Slovakia and Slovenia, which resulted in Russia abstaining from joining the EU. This paper also discusses the EU's dissatisfaction with Russia's handling of their ongoing conflict with breakaway Chechnya as well as Russia's federal control which signals a departure from democratic decision-making.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Why Did the Russian Government Decide Not to Join? (Reasons & Primary Sources)
Domestic Debate: Press, Positions by Major Political Actors, Parties, Interest Groups and Prominent Opinion Makers
Conclusion
Bibliography
From the Paper "A recent survey conducted by the Russian Center for National Problems and Reforms yielded an insight into Russian domestic ideology as it pertains to the west. Twenty-two percent believed that Russia is a superpower and that any problems should be solved independent of the west. Twelve percent believed that closer ties to the west are imperative is necessary if there is to be economic reform. Eighteen percent want to return to socialism as existed during Lenin's regime. Fifteen percent are centrists and pragmatists who believe that Russia should foster relationships with the west and with middle eastern and Asian neighbors when it suites the country's needs. A look at these domestic statistics reveals that the liberal democrats are losing ground, and the Radical Conservative/Nationalist political position is taking greater hold even over more moderate positions."
Abstract Marxism is the political experience and social theory framed upon the works of Karl Marx, a renowned German philosopher, economist, journalist, and revolutionary of 19th century, and a close associate of Friedrich Engels. This paper examines the history of Marxism and its ideology. It then provides a biography of famous Marxists Karl Marx, Vladimir Lenin and Mao Zedong. Finally, the paper compares and contrasts between Lenin-Marxism and Mao-Marxism.
From the Paper "Lenin introduced Bolshevism by revealing a merciless, rigid and life and death struggle against the scopes available within his own Party, those generated hurdles in discovering the Party as militant and disciplined precursor of the proletarian class. Mao had always laid emphasis on development of a Communist Party on the basis of revolutionary working style in consonance with the Marxist-Leninists principle and line."
This paper focuses on the Armenian refugees that came to the U.S. in the 19th century, primarily to escape religious prosecution, while also discussing if and how they adapted to America's culture.
Abstract The writer of this paper details the events that resulted in the formation of a sizeable and significant Armenian presence in America. One reason the Armenians fled their country was that they would have faced extinction had they stayed. The writer contends and explains why the Armenian cultural influence is not as strong as that of other minorities in America. It is believed that some 150,000 Armenians currently reside in North America. This paper examines the various reasons Armenians have failed to have an impact on American culture while also discussing the fact that most young Armenians have quickly assimilated and accepted the more powerful culture of the U.S. The writer contends and explains why Armenian culture has had some influence on U.S. culture but that the reverse influence is far greater in magnitude and impact.
From the Paper "Armenian culture has had some influence on the US culture but the reversed influence is far greater in magnitude and impact. While we can say that the shape of American culture today is developed with the help of bits and pieces from other cultures including Armenian, there is no denying the fact that Armenian youth is no longer as interested in their own culture as they are in the more powerful American culture.
When they first came to the United States, things were different. Armenians were influential in the sense that they had a better grip on their roots, heritage and culture. They did not assimilate quickly and resisted it for some time. Since they were mostly concentrated in one area, they interacted more often and had their institutions built in the area."
Abstract This paper discusses the important differences in social customs between former communist countries and the U.S., that impact on immigration as well as immigrants. The writer of this paper contends and explains that although many nationalities have established support systems already in place, many support networks geared towards elderly immigrants continue to remain weak. This paper discusses the many challenges faced by elderly immigrants to America. This paper shows why younger immigrants have a distinct advantage over their elderly counterparts, in terms of coping ability and a diminished need for a support system. In this regard, elderly immigrants from the formerly communist nations of Eastern Europe in general and the Czech Republic, in particular, are faced with various profound changes in their lives upon their arrival in America, which are discussed in this paper.
From the Paper "While many nationalities have such established support systems already in place, many such immigrant support networks remain weak today. Furthermore, these elderly citizens will likely be accustomed to a level of respect and honor that may be missing from the cultural setting upon their arrival in the United States, further contributing to the potential for "culture shock." According to Haskins, culture shock is "a feeling of impotence that results from the inability to deal with the environment because of unfamiliarity with cognitive aspects and role-playing skills; we usually think of culture shock when we imagine immigrant groups visiting or moving to a new country." There are opportunities for culture shock across all measures for new immigrant, many of them unperceived and unexpected from the host nation's perspective."
Tags: immigration, aged, elderly, customs, culture, social
Abstract The writer of this paper contends and proves that the fall of the Soviet Union did not solve the pre-existing economical and political problems of the U.S.S.R. This paper examines how different moral and cultural values, compared to those of other western countries, contributed to Russia's downfall, in the Post-Soviet era. The writer discusses the fact that former Soviet Union countries are currently rife with poverty, poor social infrastructure and corruption. While democracy reigns in Russia at present, this paper delves into the current situation of former republics of the U.S.S.R., which are considered to be on par with third-world countries. This paper focuses on the growth of nationalism and religious extremism, which has become prevalent in Russia, in recent years. This paper also examines the lack of democratic institutions, along with no experience of actual democracy, which has resulted in a shift towards totalitarianism, in many post-Soviet republics.
From the Paper "Foreigners who visit former Soviet Union countries are often shocked by existing poverty, poor social infrastructure and corruption which erodes society from inside. It may be explained taking into consideration different historical factors: Soviet Union was based on strict dictatorship, where the interests of individual were not taken into consideration. Individual got basic facilities for living: in 1930's it was a great progress as USSR turned into a quickly developing industrial economy from a conservative and outdated agricultural one. Formal equality of all citizens created favorable conditions for unavoidable corruptions which made citizens to exploit their positions illegally in order to improve the living. There is an ethical explanation too: several generations of Soviet people didn't know what religion and morality are, as the official religion of the USSR was atheism."
Abstract The dissolution of the USSR was a traumatic event for all fifteen nations. They suffered significantly both militarily and economically. This paper examines how Ukraine turned towards ethnic nationalism as a means of finding some semblance of structure in their new lives as an independent nation. It also looks at how Estonia too turned to ethnic nationalism and instituted an unprecedented level of religious freedom where a state church no longer existed.
Outline
Introduction
Aspects of the Post-Soviet Experience that are Common to All 15 Countries:
Distinctive Experiences in Two Countries in Two Different Regions:
The Ukraine
Estonia
Conclusion
From the Paper "Working under the auspices of "shock therapy", Soviet-era price controls were removed. This was instituted in hopes of luring goods back into the severely under stocked stores found throughout the Russian Federation. Hyperinflation ensued and much of Russian industry was near bankrupt. Entrepreneurs and black marketers thrived, while those on fixed incomes, like the elderly suffered. Stabilization in the form of tight monetary policies sought to counter this, but ended up causing widespread hardship, as many of the state enterprises found themselves without product orders and without funding. A protracted depression ensued across the Federation ("History")."
Abstract The writer of this paper supplies a brief yet concise look at Russia's population which currently boasts more than 160 different ethnic groups that call the Russian Federation home. This paper details the makeup of the Russian Federation, which is comprised of 89 constituencies and 21 republics, that enjoy a high degree of autonomy that correspond to some of Russia's ethnic minorities. This paper examines the events that led to the fall of the U.S.S.R. and the collapse of the communist government in 1991. This paper delves into the various leaders of Russia including Joseph Stalin, Vladimir Lenin, Boris Yeltsin who banned the Communist party and Vladimir Putin. This paper discusses the circumstances surrounding the Russian Civil War which claimed 9 million lives. This paper also contains pertinent facts and statistics relating to this particular topic.
From the Paper "After Stalin's death in 1953, Nikita Khrushchev became the First Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party and Georgi Malenkov as Premier of the Soviet Union. Under this new leadership, an amnesty was declared for some who were serving prison sentences for criminal offices, price cuts were announced, and a relaxation of restrictions on private plots, ending the role of large-scale forced labor in the economy. From 1958 to 1964, Khrushchev was also the Premier of the Soviet Union. The ten years following Stalin's death saw the reassertion of political power over the means of coercion, thus the party became the dominant institution over the secret police and army."
Tags: russia, history, u.s.s.r, communism, political, putin, lenin, stalin
Abstract Foreign direct investment (FDI) has increased rapidly over the past years, especially after the promotion of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank. The aim of this paper is to examine whether there is a positive relationship between FDI and the economic growth in the Czech Republic, with special emphasis on technology and productivity spillovers. It focuses especially on two hypotheses, in the form of a case study. The first hypothesis is that technological and productivity spillover from FDI can lead to an increase in economic growth in the Czech Republic. The second hypothesis is that the Czech government can be an extra incentive for economic growth. Formulas show different solutions to different questions in economic growth. The paper discusses the Keynes' GDP model, the purchasing power parity (PPP), as well as Solow's total factor productivity (TFP) and multi factor productivity (MFP) and Cob-Douglas elastic growth equation, that includes technology development into the equation.
Outline
Chapter 1: Introduction
1.1 Economic Growth and FDI
Inflows to the Czech Republic
1.2 Introduction to Relevant Theoretic
And Empirical Studies
1.3 Research Aims and Objectives
1.4 Chapter Review
Chapter 2: Literature Review
2.1 FDI vs. Economic Growth
2.1.1 Technology and Productivity Spill Over
Transfers through FDI
2.1.2 Employment Creation:
2.1.3 Capital
2.1.4 Export
2.2 Other Factors vs. Economic Growth
2.2.2 Government Expenditure
2.2.3 Population Size
2.2.4 Openness
2.3 Conclusion
2.3.1 Role of the Literature in the Dissertation
Chapter 3 Methodology
3.1 Research Methodology Method:
H.1.1) There Has Been Economic
Growth in the Czech Republic.
H.1.2) Technology and Productivity
Spillovers Apply To The Czech Republic.
3.2 Conclusion
Chapter 4: Data
4.1 Data Collection
4.2 Data Analysis Keynes
GDP Equation
World Bank PPP Equation
Solow TFP Equation
Solow MFP Equation
Cob-Douglas Equation
Chapter 5: Conclusion
5.1.1 The First Objective Is To Give A
General Understanding of FDI
And Economic Growth
5.1.2 Second Is To Discuss According To A
Case Study Spillovers of FDI into the Czech Market
5.1.3 Thirdly, How the Czech Government
Can Be an Extra Incentive for Economic Growth
5.2 Boundaries and Constraints
5.3 Need for Further Research is Recognized
From the Paper "Multinational companies (MNCs) find it profitable to invest abroad because they own specific assets, one of which is the multinational's access to better production technology. (Caves, 1996) The role of transaction costs in the development of MNCs is seen as very important by McManus. Transaction costs can arise when transferring goods and or services, which can be a lot of money that is not necessary. When a MNC invests in a foreign market it overcomes those costs. (McManus1987) The relation between income inequality in Local Domestic Companies (LDCs) and FDIs is seen as a generally positive by Tsai. (Tsai 1995)"
Abstract This paper describes the social, political and economic events and issues that created a climate in Russia from 1905 to 1917 that was conducive to Revolution. It argues that multiple causes led to an inevitable overthrow of the autocracy.
From the Paper "The foundations of the Russian Revolution were laid in the ..."
Abstract This paper presents an analysis of how the fall of the former Soviet Union has been responsible for growing terrorist actions and activities by a number of Eastern European nations.
From the Paper "The breakup of the Soviet Union has played a significant role informing world events over the past two decades. One of the biggest threats to peace and stability is the numerous nuclear biological chemical and information warfare ..."
Abstract This paper considers some of the values and cultural differences that are critical to understanding in order to conduct business successfully in Poland. The paper concludes that Poland and the European Union need to build personal relationships to ensure business success.
From the Paper "All business relationships require that the parties involve have an understanding of the others' needs and requirements. This can be difficult when all of the parties-suppliers, customers, shareholders, employee ..."
Tags: Poland, geography, demographics, country study
Abstract This paper looks at the Dayton Peace Accords that ended the Bosnian civil war in 1995 with respect to their legal component. It examines the failure of the accords, lack of resolution to the Balkan conflicts and tensions. Problems of apprehending war criminals and the use of peacekeeping troops in police roles are considered.
From the Paper "It might be said on the face of it that the failure of the Dayton Peace Accords was demonstrated by the NATO war against Serbia over Kosovo a war fought.."
Tags: Bosnia human rights ethnic cleansing tribunal, Balkan
Abstract Globalization is defined as the growing relationship of the people of the world and the integration of economies, technologies and some aspects of cultures. This paper explores the ways in which globalization has affected the following regions - the Russian Federation and the neighboring states, southeast Asia, Africa and North America - in both historical and contemporary terms.
Paper Outline:
Introduction
Russian Federation and Neighboring States
Southeast Asia
Africa
North America
Conclusion
References
From the Paper "The plan implemented in Russia to promote globalization was called shock therapy (Saunders 2001). The plan was first implemented in 1992 and began with the elimination of price controls on the majority of the goods sold in the country. The purpose of the shock therapy strategy was to develop a market economy in Russia quickly (Saunders 2001). Strategists believed that freeing prices and liberalizing trade policies stimulate competition. In addition, privatization was encouraged in an effort to create private property with all its attendant behavioral benefits for enterprises."
Tags: Soviet, Union, free, market, World, Bank, technology, economy
This thesis compares a study of Gypsy folklore to a study of modern newspaper articles about Gypsies, effectively comparing Gypsies' self-perception to the way that non-Gypsies see them.
Abstract This paper looks at the problems of the Gypsy (Roma) people in Europe. The author explains that the Roma are the largest minority group in Europe, yet continue to be marginalized, despite a rich history and culture. The author carried out two original studies. The first was a study of over 100 Roma folktales and the second investigated 201 newspaper articles that contained the word "Gypsy." After an introduction and a chapter containing background information about the Gypsy ethnicity, each study is presented with its respective conclusions. The author includes an overall conclusion.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Chapter 1: Who are the Gypsies?
Chapter 2: The Non-Gypsy Perspective of Gypsies
Chapter 3: The Roma's Self-Perception
Chapter 4: A Contrast of Two Perspectives
Conclusion
From the Paper "There is a Gypsy problem. Though they are the largest minority in Europe, the Gypsy ethnic group continues to experience widespread prejudice that helps to perpetuate their general poverty and marginilization. The problem has seen very little improvement since Gypsies first migrated into Europe in the fourteenth century. Even in the last fifty years, as Western society has gained a new respect for minority races, the Gypsies seem to have been excluded from this new understanding and open-mindedness. In Central and Eastern Europe, anti-Gypsy discrimination is the norm and is even quietly supported by police and government authorities. While this sort of activity is not accepted in Western Europe, there remains in that region an attitude toward Gypsies that is evidenced by the usualness of conflict with Gypsies and an unwelcoming expression toward certain new migrations of Gypsies to the region."
Abstract This paper researches the history of the European Community and the European Union. It also highlights their political and economic functions, applications and ramifications. The paper focuses on the far reaching effects effects of terrorism and communism on Europe and the actions of the EC and the EU in coping with them.
From the Paper "The debate has continued over what form the EC will ultimately take and what sort of entity it is becoming. Puchala (1999), finding that this debate has taken shape as "so-called institutionalists have aligned themselves against so-called intergovernmentalists. Each school offers up 'theories' of European integration founded upon assumptions
and leading to explanations that are as strongly endorsed by their proponents as they are contested by their opponents (Puchala, 1999, p. 318). Puchala explains how institutionalist assumptions about European integration evoke the neofunctionalist tradition of integration theorizing, with "neofunctionalism" being a theory of regional integration, standing as an attempt to explain the process of regional integration as an inevitable process, rather than a desirable state of affairs that could be introduced by elites. Puchala writes, "Here, the advance of European integration is both indexed by and contained within the expanding authority, competence and jurisdiction of supranational institutions, accompanied conversely by the constrained autonomy, diminishing competence and contracting exclusive jurisdiction of national governments" Puchala, 1999, p. 318)."
