This paper discusses the problems, in terms of crime, that have and are still facing Russia, the operation of organized crime in Russia, and the way it has molded the people and society of Russia.
Abstract This paper relates that the Number One problem the post-Soviet society is facing today is not a new problem, but one that was dormant and concealed: organized crime. The author points out that, by the time of the fall of the Communist regime, the largest source of capital and wealth inside the Soviet Union was in the black market, with capital owned, manipulated, and governed by the Communist Party. The paper states that one of the ways this criminal environment can be remedied is by pressure on Russia and incentives from the international community to start to solve this problem.
From the Paper "The new organized criminals differ in character from the criminals of the traditional syndicate due to the fact that the new organized criminals are more like a jack-of-all-trades. They are characters with many masks. These new criminals have many acquaintances with the old black market world, the old criminal world. They are acquainted with the official world of politics as well as the old structure of the communist party. These new types of criminal are the people that are now classified as the Mafia."
Abstract In 1993, Harvard professor Samuel Huntington changed the face of international relations when he published "The Clash of Civilizations"? in "'Foreign Affairs" magazine. Huntington's controversial article later evolved into a book in 1996, entitled ?The Clash of Civilizations and the Remaking of World Order.? The provocative thesis of the article was that the fundamental source of conflict in the post-Cold War world would be cultural clashes, not ideological disagreements or economic competitions. This paper is a critical argument against Huntington's theory. The paper argues that his labels of civilizations are weak and that there is, in fact, no Sino-Islamic alliance, a main part of his "clash of civilizations" theory.
From the Paper "Clearly the history of Russia is one that looks westward culturally and politically. The Russian Orthodox Church is closer to the Catholic Church than the Catholics are to the American Evangelicals. The cultural expressions of Russia, the literature and music, are viewed as comparison points for western culture (westerners put Tolstoy and Chekhov in their frame of cultural reference, but not Tao Qian or Basho) Even Leninism, the defining ideology of the Russian 20th Century, has its roots in two Germans. Russia became, in the Cold War, a part of a newfound "east/west" delineation that was utilized primarily because it made geographical sense in Europe."
Abstract This paper explains that the historiography of the origins of the Cold War passes through three chronologically defined and ideologically distinct phases, which can be called "traditionalist", "revisionist", and "post-revisionist". Each reflects the cultural and political attitudes prevailing in the wider Cold War context of the particular era in which it flourished. The author points out that some historians believe that power politics and strategic considerations were more important than ideology in determining Soviet policy and behavior; therefore, the Cold War resulted from a contest of great powers, not a conflict of ideologies, and both the United States and the Soviet Union bear responsibility for the origins of the Cold War. The paper relates that a new element, which reflects important trends in modern Cold War scholarship, concerns the personality of Stalin, the nature of authoritarian government, and the character and content of Communist ideology.
From the Paper "From the end of the Second World War until the mid-1960s, the "traditionalists" held the field with a standpoint that can be summarized as essentially pro-American/pro-Western and anti-Soviet. Essentially, such scholars held the Soviet Union responsible for the onset of the Cold War by undermining the Second World War alliance between East and West, increasing the level of military confrontation between Russia and America, and acting aggressively to promote the imposition and spread of Communism in Europe and elsewhere. It was thus argued that the United States was correct in its policy of containment towards the USSR and the Eastern Bloc, and that the American position was essentially a defensive one forced upon it by the hostility and aggression of the Communist East."
Tags: traditionalist, revisionist, post-revisionist, contest, stalin
Abstract This paper explains that Stalinism and Bolshevism were mortal enemies. The author points out that, to those who argued that Stalin's tyranny grew naturally out of the Russian Revolution and the Bolsheviks' plans, the revolutionary leader Leon Trotsky rebuked that it was necessary for Stalin to liquidate the Bolshevik leadership of 1917 and systematically restructure the party to achieve his goals. The paper relates that Stalinism was not Bolshevism any more than it was any kind of socialism.
From the Paper "Joseph Stalin became the leader of Russia after the death of Lenin in 1924. Stalin's dictatorship arose from the defeat of the Russian Revolution and the failure of revolution to catch on in more advanced capitalist countries in Europe. Stalinism is a term that describes the political and economic system implemented by Joseph Stalin in the Soviet Union. Building on the foundations of Lenin, who led the Bolsheviks, Stalin expanded the centralized bureaucratic system of the Soviet Union during the 1930s. This system is largely perceived as an extreme system of totalitarianism, as Stalin slaughtered many people to achieve his goals."
Tags: enemies, trotsky, dictatorship, socialism, system
Abstract As the dragon awakens, the bear, it appears, hibernates. Recently, the flowering of the Red Chinese economy has turned the eyes of Western security wonks eastward. Disquieted by the possibility of a military force built on years of stunning growth rates, American policymakers have sounded increasing alarms about the regional territorial intentions of this new potential hegemony. Whether due to post-Soviet optimism, hyper-power arrogance, or simply inability to hold too many thoughts simultaneously, this paper shows that analysts have drifted away from concerns about Russia as a credible enemy. The paper argues that, despite the obvious decline in Russian military and economic power, it may remain a potential opponent to the West in coming years. In an attempt to understand this possibility, the paper frames Russia today, politically, economically, and militarily, in relation to a variety of contemporary theories on the causes of war. Employing these theories, the paper judges the factors that would seem to make Russia more or less prone to belligerence. Beyond a simple discussion of various hypotheses, the paper sketches some possible scenarios of conflict in the foreseeable future.
From the Paper "So how does Russia fit into this equation? It is, at least nominally, in a transition from Communism to democracy. Reality though, as Churchill suggested, is opaque. Putin's state is far from liberal, but has maintained many inherent structural characteristics of a democracy. No serious party leader has articulated any political alternative to democracy, and democratic norms remain pervasive in society at large. The most commonly applied term for the Russian case is "managed democracy." What is worrying is that managed democracy is essentially a bargain. In exchange for promises of economic growth and stability, the masses surrender their rights to question the primacy of the regime."
Abstract This paper uses some of Drakulic's examples of cleavages between Eastern and Western Europe to define the obstacles that stand before a united Europe. It points out that language barriers, currency, nationalism, and distrust are but a few of the aspects that keep Eastern and Western Europe divided, yet many political scientists see a future for Europe in which these cleavages dissolve.
From the Paper "Through encounters with border police, stories of traveling, hygiene, and personal accounts across Europe, Slavenka Draculic, author of Cafe Europa captures many aspects of the strong social and economic cleavages that continue to divide Eastern and Western Europe. The question provoked by the book, that is, the future for Eastern Europe and its acceptance by the West, is a complex one."
Abstract When the Eastern European countries led by Poland decided to join the European Union (EU), the assumption was that they wanted to share the blessings of the free market being enjoyed by existing EU members. This paper discusses how economically, the Eastern European countries are a low-income region and how they are fighting issues such as unemployment and a low standard of living. It also examines how other EU members can show them how to potentially stimulate the growth of their own economies.
From the Paper "Eastern Europe is a low-income region of about 100 million people whose combined income will raise the GDP of EU by a mere 5 per cent. This is very much less than the result of previous EU expansions to the North and South. It is not only their low income levels that may bring deleterious effects to EU but also the fact that these countries are in the middle of a transition phase from a centrally planned to a market economy. In addition, the new members will have to cope with more EU regulations than before because of the recent creation of the Single European Market concept. "
Abstract An analysis of the Bosnian war and the conflict between Serbs, Croats and Muslims. The author investigates the relations and causes for conflict between these societies.
From the Paper "Yugoslavia, long known to Europeans and Americans as a sunny place to vacation, became in the 1990s the land where modern, educated people went to war against their neighbors. In Croatia, one of the six republics that made up the Yugoslav federation, the "Brotherhood and Unity Highway" became the front line of fratricide in the summer of 1991, as Serb and Croat villagers shot up toll booths and gas stations and claimed sections of the road as their own. By the time their leaders agreed to a cease-fire in January 1992, as many as 10,000 Serbs and Croats had died in the Croatian war, many of them killed close to their homes by people with whom they had lived peacefully for a generation or more.'
Abstract To understand a present-day culture one must look to its past, its formation and foundation. In the case of modern day Russia, the author contends that the domination and repression imposed by the Mongol Horde forever changed the course of the Slavic people. Specifically, he believes that there was a great impact upon the cultural makeup, the arts and architecture, and the development of science and technology. An examination of Proto-Rus and its evolution is essential in understanding the formation of modern Russia.
From the Paper "From 862 -1237 AD, the first proto-Russian political entity was founded by Rurik in the vicinity of Novgorod in 862 AD, when the Varangians had controlled many of the trade routes leading from the Baltic Sea to the Black Sea by way of lakes and river. All Russian leaders for the next 700 years would descend from Rurik. In 880-882 AD, another Varangian named Oleg assumed rule of Kiev, which quickly became the political center of the territory known as Kievan Rus (Lawrence 1993). The city of Kiev rose in importance in an era known as "the Golden Age of Kiev" until the 13th century, when Kiev's stature as the political center of the Russian Empire declined rapidly owing to variety of factors, such as familial infighting and the Mongol invasion. The lasting achievements of the Kievan Rus era were the Christianization of Russia following the Eastern Orthodox faith and the formulation and acceptance of the Cyrillic alphabet (Ragsdale 1996)."
Abstract This paper is a discussion about the European Union. It answers several questions dealing with the democracy of the Union including interest aggregation, interest articulation, democratic deficit, and more. The author looks at several opinions on where the EU is headed, and who seems to have more or less interest in it, depending on over/under representation.
From the Paper "On the topic of the European Union, the following question arises: How can the citizens of the member states of the EU influence its laws and regulations? Well, there are several ways that citizens can influence their politicians, and therefore the EU. The mailbox is available to all citizens, as is the Ombudsman's office. The Parliament will hear petitions directly from citizens or corporations. These are the more direct actions a citizen can take. Interest aggregation can also be found through political parties and the Committee of Regions. The European Union has done almost everything they can, institutionally, to make it easy for the public to remain actively involved in all processes. Some critics say that there is a democratic deficit within the EU, but, on the other hand, maybe citizens just aren?t using the power they have to best of their ability. Some states do seem to have a more favorable view of the EU than others, but this does not stop ten to fifteen new states from wanting to join as soon as possible."
A description of West German attempts to open political and economic relations with Eastern Europe brought about by the Soviet invasion of Czechoslovakia.
1,240 words (approx. 5 pages), 2 sources, 2001, $ 42.95
Abstract This paper deals with the Soviet invasion of Czechoslovakia. The author examines the historical relationship between West Germany and the former Soviet Union from the Cold War period. The paper discusses the opening of economic ties between West Germany and the rest of Western Europe.
From the paper:
"The war in Vietnam greatly increased US government spending on weapons and other supplies, the demand for which American industry could not fully meet. To fill the rest of the orders, the US turned to the other Western industrialized countries, in many cases West Germany and Japan. This increased spending helped jumpstart the economies of these countries, moving both West Germany and Japan from debtor to creditor nations as they achieved large trade surpluses. As it grew more powerful economically, West Germany took a more independent path politically."
Tags: cold, invasion, oestpolitik, states, union, united, war, west, industrialization, money, finance, reform, control
Abstract This paper explains how the U.S. encouraged the Soviet Union to invade Hungary and keep its troops there in order to keep the Soviets out of the Middle East during the Suez Canal crisis.
From the Paper "The Suez Crisis developed from an American plan to win the support of Saudi Arabia and at the same time expose Egypt's leader, Gamal Abdel Nasser as a Soviet pawn. The Saudis were anti-communist, but also historically anti-British, and to counter Soviet inroads in the Middle East, the US had to assure the their support. In October 1954, Secretary of State Dulles offered to sell arms to Egypt only if Nasser agreed to not buy weapons from the USSR and he publicly denounced the Soviets. Nasser spoke out against the communists, but continued to buy Soviet arms as the US had expected he would."
Tags: cold, nagy, nassar, war, dulles, saudi, israel, egypt
Abstract This paper examines Samuel P. Huntington's clash of civilizations thesis in relation to the recent conflict in Kosovo. The paper concludes that all of the major players in the recent conflict in Kosovo performed as predicted by Huntington's thesis. The author discusses how the primary combatants, Serbs and Kosovars represent a fault line conflict between two civilizations, and both drew in support from kin-countries and how Russia came to the defense of Serbia, although only diplomatically as the situation permitted.
From the Paper "Since the end of the Cold War, NATO has become one of the premier institutions of the Western civilization. The recent entrance of Poland, Hungary, and the Czech Republic into the alliance had little-to-no strategic or military importance, but symbolized the re-joining of these states with the West. NATO's main role is changing from that of a military alliance to a club of Western market democracies. Countries like Romania, Bulgaria, Slovakia, and the Baltics seek membership to this club because they want to be recognized as a part of the West. NATO has become the dominant symbol of Western power, and thus exclusively the West carried out the air war over Kosovo."
Abstract This essay discusses the reasons why Rome and Byzantium are linked together despite their great differences. The author explains the involvement of the Catholic Church in Byzantium.
From the Paper "This period was one of significant social and economic growth in Western Europe that was to some extent independent of the Crusades and to some extent caused by them. The religious and political effects of the Crusades on Europe can never be separated from each other. The Crusades tended to increase the power and prestige of Rome and the West while also making the West less parochial, so that by the end of the Crusades it might claim both Western power and Eastern knowledge, leaving Constantinople with little to call its own.
"The Crusades were one of the forces that increased contacts between Christian Western Europeans and both Muslims and Jews. Although it is a little difficult for us to believe this now, Jews actually were instrumental in helping the West to understand and appreciate Islam. Jewish thinkers often helped to transfer and explain the intellectual achievements of the Islamic world to Christendom, often creating a syncretistic blend of both Judaism and Islam. This introduction mostly as a result of the Crusades of Eastern philosophies into Europe was quickly seen as threatening and was met by a terrible backlash in the form of the Inquisition (created in 1231), which was a powerful religious institution designed to enforce religious and political unity. While at first it was turned against only Jews and Muslims along with those suspected of such heresies as witchcraft, in its later years it was also used to combat Protestantism."
This essay discusses the novel 'The Painted Bird' by Jerzy Kosinski along with some common criteria for evaluating works of art and determining their cultural value.
1,745 words (approx. 7 pages), 0 sources, 2002, $ 56.95
Abstract The author of this paper defends this novel by Jerzy Kosinski , so often attacked and ridiculed by critics, and hails it as a classic work of art of supreme historical value.
From the Paper Before beginning, however, a few comments on this controversial novel are important leading into the discussion. First of all, it is impossible to read The Painted Bird without feeling strong emotions and asking difficult questions: Could such a story really be true? If it is true, how can people treat other humans in this way? Are there still people in the world like this, seemingly without traditional values or morality? In a similar cultural setting, would I act in the same way? The characters in The Painted Bird demonstrate the most incredible forms of inhumanity and amorality imaginable and the story of the boy's experiences are at times beyond belief. Second, this book has been called everything from a classic of literature (for its portrayal of the horrors of war from the eyes of an innocent child) to an outrageous fabrication (written by a pathological liar and apologist for the Nazis).
