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)."
Abstract Martin Cruz Smith's "Red Square" presents a vivid look into Russian society after the breakdown of the Soviet Union. This paper examines how the novel relates to sociology, over and beyond the detective story that is the main element of the book.
From the Paper "There is another clue that this book is more than a simple mystery novel - it is a sociological study of people, place, and time. When the book is through, the reader has a much better understanding of Russia today and Russian society. They also have a good idea of where Russia came from and how the Soviet Union finally collapsed. Things are in turmoil in Russia after the breakup, but they were in even more turmoil before. In the Russia of today, the Russian Mafia still blows up cars, artwork is still stolen and recovered, and the people still have to struggle with poverty, hunger, and sometimes third world conditions. However, they now have the ability to help themselves, something they did not have before."
Abstract In this article, the writer maintains that Plato and Descartes might find solace in the old saying, "A wise man is the man who knows that he knows nothing." Obviously, the philosophy of Plato and Descartes symbolizes a concrete reality about the nature of man - no one can know anything because no one can predict changes or whether the changes will be for the better or for the worse. However, for the sake of length and discussion, this paper examines the philosophy of Plato and Descartes in detail.
From the Paper "Philosophy is the study of concepts that are not concrete. Concrete knowledge is the hard truths that man faces every day. For example, if the stove is hot and one places a hand on it, one will be burned. Thus, arises concrete knowledge: the burned palm reveals the hard truths of hot and cold.
Or take, for example, the wild lion caged within an electrified fence. The lion will attempt to attack the fence, but after a good jolt of electricity shoots through his body, he will learn that the fence is bad, dangerous. He has been given concrete knowledge: his shocked and painful body has proven to him that the fence cannot be attacked in this manner."
Abstract This paper takes a look at the abuse and suffering women in Russia endured during the 1900s. This paper also discusses how sexual harassment and domestic violence against women increased at an alarming rate while most turned a blind eye.
From the Paper "Among a young wife's responsibility was producing a new generation (95). Until she had a surviving child, she was not considered a full member of the household. Women were expected to work throughout their entire pregnancy, only given two to five days after the baby was born. Their husbands usually demanded sex only a couple of weeks after delivery. The difficult deliveries, rapid return to sex and hard work in the fields soon after birth were very difficult on the women and often led to collapsed uterus (18) and other physical problems. This painful condition would be semi-cured by the midwife. Despite how difficult it was to have enough food, a woman became pregnant many times, in some cases up to the age of 50."
Abstract This paper examines how the formation of the Russian Federation among 89 various states, territories and cities in the former Soviet Union has been a true test of the tenets of federalism. It looks at such issues as economics and ethnic tensions between states and contends that the autonomy and sovereignty of individual states and territories must be preserved while upholding the overriding goals and values of the federal system as laid out in the constitution.
From the Paper "Participation in the political process has been a reliable measure of the different parties and regional powers' significance to the local citizens. The task of appealing to and attracting citizens to become involved in the political process of such a burgeoning young nation is a difficult one, especially when the everyday citizen is most likely concerned about immediate, day-to-day subsistence needs, job security, and other factors that, if they are to reach these citizens, the political parties must encompass. Some success in activating a civil spirit has taken place in the rural areas of the countryside; even in years when overall voter turnout declined, rural voters were more active in the new political interactions. "
Abstract This paper explains that the most potent and lasting legacy of East Central Europe is nationalism. The author focuses on differences in terms of national-states and ethnic minorities. The paper relates the political and economic legacies; however, the paper contends that, during and after the Soviet era, the national element had a greater effect on the development of this region.
From the Paper "In the area of East Central Europe, the most potent and lasting legacy is national, centering on differences in terms of national-states and ethnic minorities. What held much of this region together as a nation-state for much of the twentieth century was Communism, not as an ideology but as the external power that kept the ethnic minorities in check by means of force. The peoples of Yugoslavia were linguistically and culturally differentiated after they had migrated to the Balkan Peninsula in the sixth and seventh centuries A.D.."
Abstract This paper explains that economic and political policy reforms implemented by Eastern European countries, specifically the reunification of Germany, the fall of the Berlin Wall and the collapse of the Soviet Union, finally brought about an end to the Cold War. The author contends that the developing countries are particularly at risk of falling back into an authoritarian regime due to the instability of processes of democratization. The paper relates that some experts suggest that the end of the Cold War created two super powers: the U.S.A. and the former Soviet Union.
From the Paper "Economic and political policy reforms implemented by Eastern European countries, specifically the reunification of Germany; the fall of the Berlin Wall; and the collapse of the Soviet Union, finally brought an put an end to the Cold War. In a relatively short amount of time these events lead to a new beginning for the world economy. "The end of the Cold War marked the closure of a distinct era in geopolitics and international relations. It changed not only the relations between states and rival blocs of states, but the very boundaries and definitions of states and thus the component parts of the international system" (Cronin, 2001, p. 3)."
Abstract This paper explains that the collapse of the former Soviet Union was the most significant event of the last half of the twentieth century. The author points out that economic weakness, domestic policy and foreign policy all conspired to bring about the ruin of the USSR. The paper relates that, ironically, as secretary of the Communist Party, the decisions of Mikhail Gorbachev, the man most intent on salvaging the empire, were arguably most responsible for expediting the USSR's collapse.
From the Paper "The collapse of the former Soviet Union was the most significant event of the last half of the twentieth century. This paper explores the economic factors, the domestic policy decisions - chiefly the glasnost and/or perestroika championed by Mikhail Gorbachev - and, not least of all, the foreign policy decisions that led to the devolution of the World's second most powerful polity. While certain factors were more important than others, there can be little doubt that the destruction of the USSR occurred because of a confluence of factors that, operating in a complex unison with one another, brought down an empire holding sway over more than a quarter billion people."
Abstract This paper explains that the European Union's common asylum policy has developed over time and has been influenced by a number of political and economic factors. The author points out that the
EU's position has evolved in response to asylum issues and other emerging concerns such as arms control and human rights violations. The paper relates that thirteen years ago, common European agreement was reached through the Maastricht Treaty, which designated asylum policy as a matter of shared interest to European Union members.
From the Paper "The European Union's common asylum policy has developed over time and has been influenced by a number of political and economic factors. As this development has unfolded, Luxembourg's own position has evolved in response to asylum issues and other emerging concerns such as arms control and human rights violations. Essentially, "as political and economic co-operation has developed between the member states of the EU, the necessity of a common approach to issues such as immigration, border controls and asylum policy has become apparent." (ECRE) Thirteen years ago, common European agreement was reached through the Maastricht Treaty, which designated asylum policy as a matter of shared interest to European Union members. "
Abstract This paper explains that, when Archduke Franz Ferdinand was assassinated in Sarajevo on June 28, 1914, his death triggered a chain of events, which led to a general European war a month later. The author points out that the archduke had been the heir to the Austria-Hungarian throne. The paper relates that his murder by a Serbian nationalist incited enraged demands throughout Austria-Hungary that Serbia be punished.
From the Paper "When Archduke Franz Ferdinand was assassinated in Sarajevo on June 28, 1914, his death triggered a chain of events which led to a general European war only a little more than a month later. The archduke had been the heir to the Austria-Hungarian throne, and his murder by a Serbian nationalist incited enraged demands throughout Austria-Hungary that Serbia be punished. Most Europeans regretted the tragedy but considered the assassination a matter that would be handled by the appropriate law enforcement authorities in the Austria-Hungarian Empire."
Abstract The writer of this article points out that there is no single cause for the Cold War between the United States and Russia. The writer notes that in the roughly 45 years that this conflict took place, many reasons were given for both initiating and continuing with it. In the end, no clear winner emerged from this unfortunate era in history. This paper first gives a brief description defining the period of the Cold War, then examines its domestic and international causes.
From the Paper "There is no single cause for the Cold War between the United States and Russia. In the roughly 45 years that this conflict took place, many reasons were given for both initiating and continuing with it. In the end, no clear winner emerged from this unfortunate era in history. This paper first gives a brief description defining the period of the Cold War, then examines its domestic and international causes."
Abstract This paper is an analysis of the business climate in Bulgaria today. The writer notes ways in which the government has responded to economic issues, the success it has had, the direction of the economy today, and potential political changes. The writer discusses these issues all with an eye to deciding whether to take part in a project to develop an airport security system for the country on a program paid for by grant money.
From the Paper "A project is proposed to update and create a comprehensive Security Master Plan for the Bulgarian airline industry, and this project is to be contracted to an American company, with funding in place from a $296,530 grant to from the USTDA. The company interested must decide if the situation in Bulgaria makes it conducive to the company to apply for this project. The analysis of the Bulgarian economy shows that it is improving greatly and continuing to grow, and an analysis of the political situation shows that it is stable. Based on the analyses, the company should seek the contract."
Abstract This paper discusses the political and economic transition made by three East European countries after the fall of the Soviet Union. The writer shows how the political system and the economic systems are linked and how success in one aids with the other. Further the writer points out how well Bulgaria has done and how Romania has also achieved change, while Albania has had a more difficult time.
From the Paper "After the breakup of the Soviet Union and the Soviet bloc it controlled, the different countries of Eastern Europe faced the need to develop political and economic systems of their own. Pressure from the West was directed toward getting these states to create more democratic institutions and a free market system, though there were many obstacles to these goals, including history and the dire economic problems facing many of these countries. As a result, it is not surprising that results have been mixed, with different countries achieving different levels of development and political systems with differing degrees of democracy."
Abstract In this paper, by analyzing the three Slavic culture of Russian, Polish, and Ukrainian, one can realize the power of animism within these pagan religious beliefs. The writer shows that through the customs, mythology, and artwork presented in these belief idioms, the manifestation of animal can be seen in the spirit world in relation to war or even protection from evil spirits. Further, the writer discusses that before the advent of Christianity, the belief in idols was prevalent, and made a strong and enduring cultural legacy for the Slavic pagan peoples.
From the Paper "This cultural study examines the paganism of Slavic cultures in relation to religion, customs, art, and the mythology that supports these belief systems. By taking various parts of Russian, Polish and Ukrainian culture, one can evaluate the customs in relation to religion and the traditions that build customs in the practice of pagan beliefs. By evaluating these three Slavic cultures in this respect, the necessary relationships between art and mythology can be drawn to help elucidate the background and influence that culture has imposed on these pagan religions. Through the Slavic culture of the ... "
Abstract This paper takes a very detailed look at the events leading up to and the reasons behind the collapse of Soviet-brand Communism in Poland. The essay begins in post World War Two Poland and then follows the adherence of the Polish people to the Catholic Church throughout the years of socialist rule. The writer looks at the creation and influence of Solidarity, the workers' union, and finally sees how changes in the Soviet Union allowed all of these factors to lead to the end of Communism.
From the Paper "As the Holy Father of the international Catholic Church lies in a state of sickness, a tracheotomy in his throat and willing caretakers and hangers-on at his side, the worldwide media is all agog, cameras outside his window looking for a wave, wire-services and websites intent on the latest information and updates. Yet, these newshounds often forget who this man they know as Pope John Paul used to be and where he is from. Karol Wojtyla, the man who would become pope twenty-five years ago, is Polish."
