Abstract This paper examines how few policies have received as much domestic and international reproach as the United States? embargo against Cuba. It looks at how instituted over the last four decades, the blockade was originally established due to a perceived threat on U.S. national security and how reasons for this included Cuba's expropriation of U.S. property following the 1959 revolution led by Fidel Castro, their alliance with the Soviet Union and their support for armed revolutionary forces in Latin America and Africa. It explores business opportunities in Cuba, the effect of the embargo on U.S. firms and detailed arguments in favour of both maintaining and dissolving the embargo.
Outline
Background
Business Opportunities in Cuba
Biotechnology
Small Businesses
Effect of the Embargo on U.S. Firms
Issues for U.S. Firms upon Lifting the Embargo
Arguments for Maintaining the Embargo
Arguments for Dissolving the Embargo
Economic Tribulations
Social Tribulations
Opinion
Appendix A - Cuba Country Report
Selected Historical Facts
From the Paper "American action in the form of the embargo against Cuba has not been effective since its inception, and there is no rationale other than saving face by maintaining the long-term grudge against the island nation. Americans will not admit that the embargo has been ineffective in controlling Castro; they will certainly deny the fact that the embargo has given Castro an "excuse" for Cuba's high poverty rate. It would be in the U.S.'s best interest to remove the embargo and allow free trade with Cuba. The laissez faire principle of economics dictates that free markets will ultimately take over, ensuring that any inherent corruption will ultimately be eliminated. Furthermore, Castro is not immune to the forces of ageing."
Abstract This paper provides some background information on the days leading up to the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait, the diplomatic measures that failed to prevent the invasion, and the successful U.S. military operation, Operation Desert Storm, that ended the crisis and restored Kuwait.
From the Paper "On August 2,1990 Iraq invaded Kuwait. The invasion lasted a few days and on August 8th Iraq announced that Kuwait was its nineteenth province. The same day the invasion began, the United Nations denounced the attack and passed Resolution 660, which condemned the Iraqi invasion and called for immediate and unconditional withdrawal from Kuwait. The United States began mobilizing its military on August 7th."
Abstract This paper points out that there are three underlying concepts that must be assessed in determining whether, under international law, the United States? invasion of Iraq in 2003 was legal or not. The first of these is the United Nations? principle that conflicts should not be resolved unilaterally, but rather with the consensus of that body. The second is the Geneva Conventions principle against targeting civilian populations and civilian infrastructure not justified by military objectives. The third is the necessity of an individual state to protect itself; that is, the United States.
From the Paper "Before one even begins to look at what experts in international law believe about the invasion, it is necessary to consider this: both the United Nations Charter and the Geneva Conventions protocols have been used to justify various forms of international actions in the past, so it is not possible, without the incident actually landing in an international tribunal, to definitively say that the U.S. invasion of Iraq was legal or not. All that is possible at the moment is providing the full range of expert opinions regarding the subject. Still, the main focus in determining the legality or illegality of the act must remain the United Nations. Founded in order to prevent foster nations? settling disputes without the need for force, its Charter is the foundation on which relations between sovereign states is governed. In addition, justification for the action is a proper concept to consider: the principles set forth in the United Nations Charter are imprecise, leaving room for proving that a nation's actions were consistent with the letter and spirit of the articles in question."
Tags: united, nations, state, protection, geneva, conventions, civilian
Abstract This paper takes a look at the arguments opposed to and in favor of nuclear proliferation, noting the politics and philosophies behind both sides. After summarizing the arguments, the paper then concludes that, ironically, the very factors and sentiments that encourage nuclear proliferation are the same as those that discourage its proliferation.
From the Paper "Ever since the first atom bomb was dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the world has been polarized into two different groups: one that supports nuclear proliferation, and another that vehemently campaigns against the piling up of nuclear material in the world. Both groups have their own arguments to justify their stand. While those who oppose nuclear weapons argue that nuclear proliferation endangers the very existence of the world and international peace, the supporters of nuclear weapons argue that nuclear weapons are required as a deterrent force. The American policy of minimum deterrence echoes this sentiment. However, considering the fact that the world reached dangerously close to an all out nuclear war way back in the eighties during the cold war years, points to the fact that the policy of minimum deterrence can, in the hands of hot-headed heads of states, become a very dangerous tool for political manipulation."
Tags: fear, all-out, war, us, ussr, peak, tensions, cold, war, deterrent, policy, strategy, national, security
Abstract When NAFTA was first introduced, it was expected to increase jobs and reduce tariffs, thus improving the economies of the North American countries of Canada, Mexico, and the United States. However, this paper explains that, since its inception, NAFTA has failed at a number of its goals, prompting revisions and a new act currently being presented to Congress, which is meant to expand on NAFTA and aid the economies of all North American countries, with the exception of Cuba.
From the Paper "There have been a number of changes in the global economy of the world over the past decade. It is important to examine the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and determine if it has helped and/or hindered the economies of all three countries, if it has accomplished what it was established to do, and if over the past ten years it has resulted in additional trade agreements within the Americas."
This paper examines and compares some of the themes in Stanley Kubrick's "Dr. Strangelove" and compares them with real-life events during the Cold War.
Abstract Stanley Kubrick uses satire to provide a very different view of the Cold War. This paper shows Kubrick's overall critique of the Cold War and how some events in the movie are related to the events of the time. Also uses examples from the movie and other authors.
From the Paper "The Cold War developed after World War II between the United States, with their allies, and the Soviet Union. It was a very tense time in American history marked by suspicion, distrust, paranoia, and most importantly misunderstanding. In Stanley Kubrick's film, "Dr. Strangelove: Or How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb", he takes shots at all of these different attitudes toward the Cold War. Kubrick's mind developed a very different view of this time in American history, one of sarcasm and ridiculous characters, but his film will go down as one of the first of its kind."
Abstract This essay presents an overview of the crisis that took place in Darfur, Sudan, in 2004 and critically examines the failure of the international community to respond. The essay further examines the history of international response to genocide, specifically the roles played by the United States and United Nations. The author argues for change in U.S. policy and U.N. structure and concludes that the international community still lacks the institutions, procedures, and political unity necessary to respond in a timely manner to keep such catastrophes from happening again.
From the Paper "The Charter of the United Nations is not clear in regards to its authority in responding to human rights abuses and genocide. It "reaffirm(s) faith in fundamental human rights" but does not do much to protect them, and Article 2.7 prohibits intervention ?in matters which are essentially within the jurisdiction of any State.? As a result there has been a long running argument in the international community between those who insist on a "right to intervene" in and those who argue that the Security Council is prohibited from authorizing any action against sovereign States in regards to a matter which happens within their borders."
Abstract Implemented on January 1, 1994, NAFTA, which stands for North American Free Trade Agreement, established free trade between the North American countries of United States, Canada and Mexico. This paper examines how there are many advantages such as the elimination of tariffs and how it has brought economic growth and raised the standard of living. It also looks at some of the disadvantages to the agreement such as deficits to the United States and a fear over loss of jobs to foreign workers.
From the Paper "There was some strong opposition to NAFTA coming from individuals and organizations. The strongest opposition came from labor unions. Labor unions in Canada and the U.S. feared that jobs would move out of the country due to lower labor costs in Mexico. Some people felt that it undermined small American companies and millions of American Jobs would go the underpaid workers in third world countries. Workers in the manufacturing industries felt threatened about their place in the industry. The big question was whether it would be more beneficial to the United States to let the low-wage jobs go to Mexico workers, and put more resources into building up the high-tech and service industries. "
A discussion of the impact globalization has had on businesses and the way companies have to align their practices and structures to meet a competitive status.
Abstract This paper hypothesizes that global companies have an over-growing and dynamic positive impact of the globalization process in terms of increased sales, lower cost, better internal structure and improved competitive status. The hypothesis is derived from the importance of globalization in the present economy as is evident from the explosion of trade liberalization, information technology and international division of labor. The study is based on secondary research conducted on leading firms in the global economy in terms of their sizes, industry and countries.
From the Paper "Globalization is the hot topic of the new era. It is the subject of profound debate and deliberation by theorists, social scientists, economists, politicians and the like. Proponents of globalization argue that it has nurtured a stream of information exchange, increased the living standards of the poor, integrated and increased the awareness of several cultures worldwide, toppled the previously unleashed forces of communism and propagated democracy in the real sense, increased the purchasing power of all social classes and decreased inequality between the rich and the poor. Corporations are expanding in terms of increased commerce in local and global markets, more efficient and greater productivity of the employees and the firm itself, improved customer service and a better competitive status. In contrast, opponents argue that globalization has created inequality in all dimensions and has materialized the West at the expense of the developing countries."
Tags: developing, country, technology, international
Abstract In this article, the writer discusses the strengths and weaknesses of neo-liberal institutionalism. The writer looks at the significance of the Prisoner's Dilemma to the discussion. The fundamental difference between the realist and neo-liberal institutionalist is examined in this paper. The writer suggests that the weaknesses of neo-liberal institutionalism may outweigh its benefits.
From the Paper "The neo-realist-neo-liberal institutionalism debate develops along a number of criticisms, primary among which is the realist or neo-realist assertion that international institutions play a minimal role in shaping international politics and that the prospects for cooperation in anarchy are bleak. Neo-liberal institutionalism questions these claims, challenging the logical coherence of the neo-realist argument and arguing that the explanatory power of neo-realism is weak because it fails to move beyond an emphasis on the primacy of states as key actors in international relations. In this ..."
Tags: international relations, neoliberal institutionalism
Abstract In this article, the writer maintains that the war in Iraq and the Vietnam war hold very similar foreign policy agendas, which rely on falsified intelligence information to enact pre-emptive war. The writer explains that the lack of presidential action to halt the War in Iraq further reveals the growing problems of war powers that allow nations, such as the United States, to attack smaller countries without reliable proofs of a threat. Further the writer notes that both president Bush and President Johnson invoke similarities in how war is created and enacted through poor intelligence and aggressive policies toward lesser nations.
From the Paper "In many ways, the instigation of war through fabricated intelligence was seen in the Gulf of Tonkin incident, which can also be seen in the false intelligence the United States used to launch a War in Iraq. In this manner, both of these wars offer examples of similar wars in that they were based on false intelligence and were preemptive in design. The historical background to the Vietnam conflict was brought on by the rise in anti-communist campaigns, such as those made by McCarthyism in the 50s."
Abstract This paper discusses whether money is an effective motivator at work. It presents theories that may or may not support our common knowledge of money being an effective motivator, but they all have one thing in common - that their premises are based on observations of outward behavior and reports made by individuals who participated in the studies.
From the Paper "Our long-standing belief is that money is what keeps our farmers cash-cropping, our nurses flocking abroad, our athletes training for competition, our writers pleasing their editors, and our telemarketing agents on the job at three in the morning. But is it really cold, hard cash that makes the world go round? Is it the only thing that keeps us up and about and motivated to do a good job?"
Tags: labor, money, motivator, psychology, theory, work
Abstract This paper addresses the question whether or not governments should mandate the shift to biofuels. To address this issue, the paper discusses various related issues such as the role of governments in the expanded use of biofuels. The author argues in favor of governments mandating the shift to biofuels because of their authority, influence, clout and moral responsibility towards controlling and regulating the challenging shift to biofuels.
Outline:
Introduction
Biofuel Defined
The Role of Governments in the Expanded Use of Biofuels
Ecological & Economic "Ripple Effects"
Further Consequences to Mass Shift to Biofuels
Arguments For/or Against Mandating the Shift to Biofuels
Summary
From the Paper "The impact of biofuel is extensive. With biofuel costing less than fuel derived from traditional sources (Matthews, 2007), their production and use allow countries to save in their petroleum imports and strengthen their energy security by becoming less dependent on foreign oil. Biofuel is also environment friendly as these fuels do not release toxic gas that lead to global warming and greenhouse effect. The production of biofuel also creates income and labor opportunities especially in developing countries (Matthews, 2007; Abano, 2007). This could subsequently lead to poverty alleviation and food security as more people will have jobs and money to buy food (Northoff, 2004). As the production of biofuels can be tailored to the environment of different countries, its production can be cost effective given the local sourcing of raw materials. Similarly, this diversifies agricultural and forestry production for use in a lucrative industry such as alternative fuel production (Northoff, 2004).
"
Tags: bioenergy, bioethanol, biodiesel, Philippines, Brazil, UN, energy, agriculture
Abstract This paper explains that no aspect of the U.S. economy has remained unchanged during any given war. The author points out that the current Iraq war has positioned itself to possibly be the longest in U.S. history and hence the most expensive. The paper relates that, with more than 1 million U.S. troops in Iraq, the cost of long-term medical care and disability benefits will continue for years after the war. The paper underscores that post-war occupation and reconstruction, an inevitable factor in this conflict adds an even higher cost to the war. The author concludes that, in addition to direct costs, the Iraq war is destabilizing the economy by causing increasing oil prices, uncertainty in the credit market, inflation created by a greater demand of economic goods and services, and an increasing need to pay for the war with borrowed dollars.
From the Paper "With the increased costs of war comes a hefty interest payment on the national deficit. Joint Economic Committee (JEC) Chairman Sen. Charles E. Schumer, JEC Vice-Chair Rep. Carolyn Maloney , released a new report exposing the hidden costs of the war in Iraq. The Joint Economic Committee report entitled, "War at Any Price? The Total Economic Costs of the War" details the high hidden economic costs of the war in Iraq beyond the direct budgetary appropriations, including interest costs of borrowing these funds, lost investment, long term veteran's health care, and oil market disruptions."
Tags: world war ii, vietnam war, subprime oil uncertainty
Abstract This paper examines the threat posed by Hezbollah and the methods in which it operates, along with its ideology and that of the region which allows it to operate with such impunity. The paper explores the motivation and goals of Hezbollah, the tactics and strategies of the organization, including previous terrorist attacks. The paper then looks at the Lebanon's reaction to Hezbollah and ways of addressing this threat. The paper also discusses world security. In conclusion, the writer suggests that financial support cuts and other sanctions should be imposed on Lebanon for as long as it continues to endorse Hezbollah and its terrorist actions (whether implicit or explicit) by allowing the organization to operate within its borders. Otherwise, future attacks are inevitable and the security of the United States and it allies will continually be at risk from this organization.
Outline:
History and Motivation of the Organization
Tactics and Techniques of Terrorism
Response of the Government and Counteraction
From the Paper "Hizbollah was formed in 1982 in response to the war in Lebanon regarding political disputes with Israel and the subsequent Israeli occupation of southern Lebanon. The founders of the organization wanted to more fully support Islamic fundamentalism as well as remove Israel from the country, and they believed that apathy and a lack of religious devotion to fundamentalist principles were significant problems in Lebanon. Although the stated principle of the conflict were to remove Israel from the area and to establish "Peace for Galilee," some scholars have noted that "it would have been more honest to call the war to safeguard the occupation of the West Bank," asserting that Israel acted in the area not to promote peace but to protect its own territory."
