Abstract The paper addresses the founding of the European Union and its organizations. The paper discusses how different theories of international relations view political events in vastly different ways. The paper specifically examines the standard schools of thought (realist, liberalist, and feminist) regarding these international organizations, regarding their opinion on EU developments. The paper analyzes how diversity has given the region much of its culture and heritage, but it is now faced with the task of finding a method of coexisting under a federation of states in the EU. The paper concludes that despite the "growing pains" created by the tension between different states and varying degrees of cooperation among these states, the EU has evolved quickly into an effective and influential organization.
From the Paper "Realists see regional organizations like the EU as "a gathering of sovereign states" all acting in their own self-interest and perpetually in conflict with the other states (McCormick 1999, p. 10). These conflicts, say realists, may be delayed, purposely set aside, or even settled, but each state will continue to operate within its borders under its own authority. Realism sees the state as a member of the international organization only because such membership is the most viable method of state survival in the global system (ibid.)."
Tags: Soviet, Union, Russia, Federalism, United, States
Abstract The paper analyzes the political structure, power struggles and the historical conditions that let to violent confrontations in China and Guatemala during the Cold War. The paper poses the following questions -Why did violent conflicts take place in these countries and what led to the formation of centralized power in both states? The paper further questions why participants followed some of the obviously unjust and harmful state policies. The paper concludes with an analysis of how the Cold War shaped people's lives and beliefs in these two countries.
Outline:
Introduction
Questions
Thesis
Internal
External
Political Strategies
Violent Confrontation
Conclusion
Works Cited
From the Paper "Given their long history of military rule, the Cold War provided another perfect justification for Guatemalan authorities to continue their brutalization of the population, and their abuse of power. Ambitious politicians had powerful incentives to use ethnicity as a way to justify their own power-seeking plans and legitimize their rule. When power struggles were fierce, authorities portrayed other ethnicities as a threatening force in order to boost their in-group solidarity and further consolidate their own political positions. These leaders did not hesitate to do whatever was necessary to get and to keep power."
Tags: communism, capitalism, Asia, Latin, America, Chinese, Cultural, Revolution, Civil, War, Soviet, Union
Abstract This paper reviews "Power of the Powerless", the essay written by the last president of Czechoslovakia and the first president of the Czech Republic, Vaclav Havel. According to this paper, Havel views power as more than just the authority to govern or rule, and illustrates the personal, social and existential dimensions of power that governments wield over the people.
From the Paper "Although the American government does not formally own the means of production as the Soviets did, governmental officials do indirectly control economic organizations through their corporate interests. For example, Vice President Dick Cheney is intimately tied with Halliburton, and the Bush family has its hands in numerous major economic powerhouse corporations including oil companies. Furthermore, Havel refers to consumerism in "Power of the Powerless" to illustrate the stranglehold of the consumer ideology over modern society. In the United States, the capitalist regime has become "almost a secularized religion. It of fears a ready answer to any question whatsoever; it can scarcely be accepted only in part." (II). That consumerism is a religion can be seen easily in the way people fetishize money and material goods, how people focus their time and energy on shopping, and how people value material goods often more than they value spiritual ideals. Havel notes that communism was also a lap dog of capitalism, just "another form of the consumer and industrial society, with all its concomitant social, intellectual, and psychological consequences. It is impossible to understand the nature of power in our system properly without taking this into account." (II). Therefore, power, for Havel, incorporates not only formal and legitimated forms of political control but also more subtle forms of mental manipulation."
Abstract The paper examines the Disney Corporation's impact on the international environment. The paper describes how American popular culture is spreading around the globe and it is the Walt Disney Corporation that has helped create the Americanization of the planet. The paper discusses the consequences of this globalization process; it means a homogenization of cultures and it can actually lead to terrible poverty in many countries. The paper discusses how Disney produces many products overseas and often they do this to save money and pay below poverty line wages. The paper concludes that the globalization of popular culture can actually be setting the world back, rather than creating a bright new future for the world's economies and workers.
From the Paper "There are many aspects of American culture that have had a worldwide impact. German young people listen to rap music and make their own such music. African children use computers and play video games. Japanese snack on American fast food and listen to Sirius Satellite Radio. All around the world, the technologies, ideas, and companies who run America also increasingly run the world. There is no better example of this phenomenon than the Walt Disney Corporation, which began in the 1920s in California, and has spread around the world in a complete transformation of culture and iconic symbols. There are few children (or adults) in the world that do not recognize Mickey Mouse. Disney has created a major market for its films, souvenirs, theme parks, and hospitality operations around the globe, and in the process, it has helped create the Americanization of the planet."
Abstract The paper illustrates how the impact of globalization on individual cultures is most apparent at the personal level of each nation's citizens and is becoming more visible with the globalization of business. The paper describes how cultures impact and are constantly being impacted by globalization. The paper emphasizes the reciprocal effects of one culture on another. The paper illustrates its thesis through case studies, empirical evidence, secondary research and primary research from interviews with people who attempted to assimilate into cultures radically different than their own.
Outline:
Summary
Westernization in India: Call Center Training in Bangalore
Cultural Bias with a Sense of Urgency: Meet Silvio Napoli
Key Findings on Globalization and Culture
Conclusion
From the Paper "The fact that businesses are now more global than ever is acting as a catalyst to push people together from widely varying cultures in the pursuit of business strategies and initiatives. To claim, however, that the globalization of business is forcing a westernization of the world's less prosperous nations is erroneous; in fact, the opposite is occurring. Workers in these third world nations want the same level of personalized, tailored products and services as they see in the world's wealthiest nations, only tailored to their religious and cultural beliefs, which are quite different from westernized nations."
Abstract This paper discusses and analyzes Winston Churchill's famous 1946 speech referring to Russia's power and the Iron Curtain. The paper then goes on to analyze the Marshall Plan of 1947, in which George Marshall's primary intent (on behalf of Harry Truman) was economic in nature with the focus being on the restructuring and rebuilding of Europe by means of financial aid and assistance. The paper compares and contrasts the intent and outcome of the two speeches.
Table of Contents:
Winston Churchill's Iron Curtain Speech, 1946
The Marshall Plan, 1947
Analysis and Contrast
From the Paper "Many analysts have viewed the Iron Curtain speech of Winston Churchill during post war era as an evident form of warmongering. He made assumptions and pre-conclusive statements about a cold war that might happen between the US and its allies against communist Russia and it did. Even at the time when he was no longer the Prime minister of the UK, Churchill is still being revered by nations as an influential figure in the post war era. His thoughts and presumptions were in his accustomed ruthless statement of reality. The "Iron Curtain" speech gave Stalin a pretext for mobilizing the Soviet people against their former allies (Vladislov Suvok, Inside Kremlin's Cold War). Churchill's statements in the Iron Curtain speech speaks of his influence among nations and must have preceded policies integrated in US' Marshall Plan in accordance to the containment of Russian power and Communism in Europe. Analyzing both circumstances, should there have been no Iron Curtain Speech lay the possibility that Russian people would still be induced to the idea that the US and other European countries, beyond the borders of communist ideology would still be considered an ally of Russia. And that the US with its initial reluctance to believe the conclusion of Churchill might still consider other means in resolving issues of power containment of Russia in Europe."
Abstract The paper discusses how modern technology has brought the states and peoples of the world closer together than at any other time in human history. Globalization is creating conditions of unparalleled prosperity, but it is also setting in motion the destruction of the planet. The paper contends that human beings must begin to consider their effects on the natural world. The paper identifies consumerism - the desire for more goods - as the driving force that lies behind much of the threat to the Earth's natural environment. The paper maintains that if the multinational corporations - the economic movers and shakers of the consumerist world - can learn the lessons of the more traditionalist peoples of the developing world, the Earth's natural environment might yet be preserved.
From the Paper "The physical bounty that humanity once thought inexhaustible is rapidly being cut up, drunk up, ate up, and dug up. Ancient forests are disappearing. Once-clear lakes and rivers are being contaminated. The soil and the air are being polluted with the waste products of a modern industrial society. Globalization is creating conditions of unparalleled prosperity, but it is also setting in motion the destruction of the Planet. Human beings must begin to consider their effects on the natural world. Humankind must begin to consider the ethical implications of consumer society. Men, women, and children everywhere must begin to think of the environment as a Global Public Good. A Global Public Good belongs to everyone. Together, we must begin to recognize the problem, and work to solve it."
Abstract This paper provides a brief history of Estonia, one of the nations that was part of the Soviet Union until the breakup in the early 1990s. It looks at how Estonia was under the thumb of the Soviet system since early in World War II and how the country has had to work to develop its own industrial base and to attract investors to support the growth that is needed to serve the populace. It also discusses how a number of economic problems still face the country and how various international bodies, such as the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank, have made recommendations as to what could be done to overcome these problems.
From the Paper "When Estonia was part of the Soviet Union, it provided the Soviet Union with supplies of gas and oil produced from its large source of oil shale. Estonia remains the world's second largest producer of oil shale. The majority of the nation's workforce works in industry, which also includes shipbuilding, phosphate mining, and the manufacture of electronics and telecommunications equipment, electric motors, excavators, cement, furniture, and textiles and clothing. The nation has an efficient agricultural sector that employs about 20% of the labor force and produces meat (largely pork), dairy products, potatoes, flax, and sugar beets."
Abstract In this article, the writer explores several of the key factors that contributed to the era of the Soviet Union's control of Eastern Europe and discusses them. The writer points out that more than a decade ago, the Soviet Union made the decision to completely dismantle its government structure and begin rebuilding. The writer then describes how the world watched in awe as the initial steps began and for the past 10 years has watched the Soviet Union struggle as it tries to find its way in the unfamiliar world of democracy. The writer concludes that the Soviet Union realized that it could not maintain success nor could it properly care for its people if it maintained its communist regime. The writer looks at how it dismantled its structure and provided freedom to the nations that it occupied for so long and at the same time has been working toward a democratic way of life.
Outline:
Introduction
How the Soviet Union Maintained Control
Conclusion
References
From the Paper "The Soviet Union refused to allow any hope of independent political interests or parties. In addition, there was no criticism of the communist party allowed. To do so brought swift and severe punishment that could include prison or death.
Stalin also imposed his own ideals about economics. He created and designed a socialist economic model that the nations were expected to follow. All means of production and wealth were owned and controlled by the government. This meant that factories, farms, mines and any other method of making money was controlled by and owned by the government which was in turn ruled by the Soviet Union. This allowed the Soviet Union to maintain complete control over every aspect of those nations' economics."
Abstract The paper discusses how Frankel attempts to look into the minds of the two major players in the Cuban Missile Crisis - John F. Kennedy and Nikita Khrushchev. The book gives detailed background on the two men, their countries and what led up to deploying nuclear missiles in Cuba. The book illustrates the importance of sound diplomacy and intelligence. Both leaders misread signs, misinterpreted communications and reacted to situations that had nothing to do with the crisis. The paper considers that while skill was certainly involved in bringing the crisis to resolution, there was much luck involved too. The paper suggests that if both sides had listened to the diplomatic channels and intelligence more closely, perhaps the crisis never would have occurred.
From the Paper "Frankel writes of his memories of forty years before in this book, but backs them up with facts, research, and new information, such as transcriptions of recordings Kennedy made in the White House during the event (Frankel xiv). He opens the book with memories of the crisis and how it has been glamorized. It also shows how the events in October that led up to the Russians backing down and removing their missiles from Cuba have been dramatized and even misread. He elaborates his purpose for writing the book, which is to shed new light on the causes of the Crisis and what was happening in the minds of the two leaders as they jockeyed for world position."
Tags: atom, bomb, Russia, United, States, diplomacy, intelligence
Abstract The paper labels the Zapatista rebellion in Southern Mexico as unique. Led by Mayan peasants in Mexico's poorest region, the Zapatistas have waged a sophisticated paramilitary and intellectual campaign against globalization. The paper explains that the Zapatista rebellion targets multinational corporate privilege and other large-scale social and political institutions using the Internet as a primary weapon. The paper describes how they appeal to people all over the globe who are directly victimized by globalization and how they promote universal liberty, democracy and accountability. The paper reveals that the Zapatistas are one of the modern world's most notable and admirable grassroots resistance movements.
From the Paper "Chiapas is "among Mexico's poorest, most marginalized states," (Ronfeldt, Arquilla, Fuller & Fuller p. 26). For a group of peasant Mayans to register on the international radar would be remarkable enough, given the widespread denigration and ridicule of traditional cultures and ways of life that has occurred as a result of colonization, imperialism, and industrialization. However, the men and women of Chiapas are not anti-technology or even anti-development. In fact, Zapatista soldiers have taken advantage of modern media to garner support. The use of the Internet and information technology has elevated the status of the Zapatista movement from what would typically be labeled a desperate band of guerilla terrorists to a legitimate political group."
Abstract The paper describes how Estonia has been controlled by various foreign powers, including Denmark, Sweden, Poland and Russia. The paper explains that Estonia is a constitutional democracy, with a president elected by its unicameral parliament. The paper discusses how although Estonia officially declared its independence in 1991, the movement toward an independent economy actually began in the late 1980s. The paper discusses how monetary reform was the centerpiece of the new system for both economic and symbolic reasons. The paper relates that the United States formally re-established diplomatic relations with Estonia on September 2, 1991 and on September 6, the U.S.S.R. Supreme Soviet offered recognition.
From the Paper "The Republic of Estonia is a country in Northern Europe, separated from Finland in the north by the Gulf of Finland, from Sweden in the west by the Baltic Sea, and borders Latvia to the south and Russia to the east (Estonia). Estonia became a member of the European Union in 2004 (Estonia). The oldest known settlement is near the town of Sindi on the Parnu River, and dates to the middle of the 8th millennium B.C. (Estonia). Estonia, first named when Germany and Denmark conquered the area around the year 1227, has, throughout its history, been controlled by various foreign powers, including Denmark, Sweden, Poland, and Russia (Estonia)."
Abstract The paper discusses the conflict between religion and worldliness, or between the pure and impure in three stories by Isaac Bashevis Singer. The paper examines how the difference between purity and impurity, or religion and worldliness, is quite apparent in these stories. The paper further discusses how Singer teaches his readers a lesson using charming characters, wit, and some tongue-in-cheek good humor. The writer concludes that reading these stories gives a glimpse into Jewish folk life, Jewish roots, and most of all, the feelings about purity and piety that endure in any and all religions.
From the Paper "Gimpel is a victim, and yet, there is something about him that does not seem like a victim. He allows the people around him to take advantage of him, and he even revels in it. However, he is never pathetic. It is clear he has an inner core of strength and purity, and so, the reader admires his patience and courage. They also admire his wisdom, for he really is no fool at all. He says of his unhappy marriage, "But I'm the type that bears it and says nothing. What's one to do? Shoulders are from God, and burdens too" (Gimpel 11). Gimpel's patience comes from his pure and forgiving heart, and so he is a model of piety and purity. He is truly good, and that is why the people have to torment him so - they are not used to having such a good, decent person in their midst. They can only see the evil and negative in the world, and so they have to torment the goodness out of Gimpel, but they cannot."
Abstract This paper takes a look at sturgeon, the caviar eggs and the embargo on caviar trade. The paper also discusses black market caviar trade, as well as, poaching of the sturgeon. The paper further discusses the measures that need to be taken in order to prevent the extinction of beluga sturgeon.
Outline:
Sturgeon and Their Eggs - a Brief History
What is the Latest News Regarding the Embargo on Caviar?
Why is There an Embargo on Caviar?
What About the Black Market, and Poaching of the Sturgeon?
Who Buys the Caviar?
What Should the United States do to Prevent the Extinction of Beluga Sturgeon?
The Future of U.S. Sources of Caviar Could be in Aquaculture
From the Paper "The California Department of Fish and Game seized 25 pounds of illegal caviar, estimated to be worth $50 a pound on the black market in California. The primary market for the seized caviar was the "Sacramento-are Russian community"; the mother-son team was caught recruiting sturgeon fishermen to catch and sell them over 500 pounds of sturgeon. But the penalty for their crimes was not very severe; each was sentenced to 150 days in jail, although the mother only served 70 days, and the son served 60 days; both performed community service work in lieu of the full jail terms. The mother was also fined $1,000, while the son was hit with a sanction of $5,000."
Abstract The paper discusses the many contending theories in the debate surrounding globalization. The study focuses on the relationship between communications, cultural accessibility and globalization. Throughout the paper, attention is drawn to the fact that the various elements of globalization, such as culture, politics and economics are inextricably intertwined and that any analysis of one aspect must include references to the others. The paper concludes that despite the positive aspects that globalization brings, there is a growing sense of discontent with globalization from many quarters.
Outline:
Introduction
Theoretical Perspectives
The Realities of Globalization and Communication
Conclusion
From the Paper "The concept and meaning of globalization is in itself a source of contention in term of its definition. "What does "globalization" mean? As a term and concept, "globalization" lacks concise, universal interpretation because it is too complex a concept for clean-cut assessment. " (Muraoka K.T.) Part of the reason for this situation is that the term has been used to express different meanings in different contexts. The term 'globalization 'is used in a monetary context to refer to, "...the efforts of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the World Bank and others to create a global free market for goods and services.""
