Abstract This paper looks at ways in which the first world protects itself from the advantages the third world, by creating a distortion of market forces. It illustrates how political issues are as important as economics issues within the world trade system. This paper examines the rules of economic theory, specifically the free movement of capital investments and the free movement of labor.
From the Paper "Over the past three decades, a remarkable internationalisation of the world economy has taken place. Key aspects of this process are free trade and the mobility levels of labour. In an attempt to integrate developing economies into the globalisation process, agencies such as the World Bank and the IMF promote free market ideological policies to poorer countries, sometimes making the implementation of such policies a condition of receiving financial aid. This, they argue, will increase prosperity and levels of development. But do the concepts of free trade and the free movement of labour really exist, let alone increase prosperity? Here we shall examine what these two concepts mean in practice, what their impact on prosperity is, and why objections have been raised towards this kind of liberalisation."
Tags: globalisation, international, trade, labor, world, bank, IMFcapital, investment, first, thrid, world
Abstract This paper deals with the 1989 Tiananmen Square massacre in China and its resulting effects on Chinese policy making and politics. The author speculates that perhaps as a result of the events of 1989, the People's Republic of China is fundamentally politically and economically unstable.
From the Paper "In 1989, government corruption and rising inflation caused much of China's population to respond to a student revolt for democracy. This ignited an historically significant confrontation with Chinese Communist Party authorities."
Abstract The universal declaration of human rights is dissected in this paper in order to challenge the notion of human rights and religion interacting cohesively. The three major religions: Judaism, Christianity and Islam and their opinions on human rights are carefully examined in this paper, as well as their differences and similarities regarding this issue. Several examples of said human rights violations are described in respect to these religions. This paper tries to find a balance between human rights and respect for religious belief , which depends on the most important human right, the right to choose.
From the Paper "Judaism, Christianity and Islam have much in common. All are, "founded on the eternal command to love one God, oneself, and all neighbors. Each tradition recognizes a canonical text as its highest authority- the Bible, the Torah and the Qur"an.? The similarities continue in delegating authority to officials to propagate the faith, the embracing of an expanding body to interpret and enforce the religion's decree, the presence of a refined legal structure (the canon law, Halakha and Shari?a) and the endeavor of each religion to imbue its religious, ethical and legal values into the daily lives of individuals and communities. Religious laws are not necessarily in breach of human rights so long as the freedom to choose religion or no religion is acknowledged. However, as has happened throughout history and even today, when religious laws are constructed by a state affecting all citizens, their option of a different or no religion becomes impossible."
Abstract This paper discusses the history of NASA from its beginnings and the political framework surrounding its genesis and the beginnings of the Space Race.
From the Paper "Since the beginning of time, man has been an avid explorer. From exploring his nearby surroundings to traveling to the other side of the world to journeying to the stars, man has been on the move constantly. Mankind is a species of risk takers and curious about all that surrounds him. Before man's decision to fly to the stars, one of the biggest eras of exploration was the navigation and exploration of the seas and the inner continents they found themselves upon. Through all of the explorations, it has taken the political and financial backing of the many nations that supported these explorers. And what was the purpose of these explorations beyond curiosity? It seems that the political will of the nations encouraged these explorers to discover and conquer faster than the next nation. It was and still is a matter of national pride; more often than not, it was also a matter of national security, whether real or imagined. The history of NASA reflects this ideal; that exploration isn't always done just for the sake of discovery."
Abstract This paper looks at the role the United Nations has played in world politics since its founding. The author examines why the UN has operated the way that it has. In addition, the paper presents a discussion of the principle arguments for and against a strengthened UN.
From the Paper ?The United Nations (UN) was created in 1945 at the end of World War II when the global world realized that the internal and external struggles that the nations had needed a mediator through which the problems could be solved in a neutral manner without the threat of war. The destruction the world face in lieu of the World War II was something that none were willing to face again. They had seen first hand the devastation and the violation of human rights that were created when the nations warred. Thus, a peacekeeping body was formed for the international community in the form of the UN.?
The following paper discusses whether the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 could have been avoided if the United States had followed the principles of Sun Tzu in "The Art of War".
Abstract This paper illustrates how the United States has followed and could follow Sun Tzu's principles in "The Art of War" in the days prior to September 11, 2001 and during Operation Enduring Freedom.
From the Paper "Every military leader is, or should be, familiar with Sun Tzu's Art of War. It is the preeminent primer on military tactics, strategies, and principles, and the oldest military treatise in the world. One can apply the principles of the Art of War to Operation Enduring Freedom. This paper will examine how the United States' responses to terrorism since September 11 and through the present day have or have not held to Sun Tzu's principles."
Abstract This paper debates the book "Compromising Palestine: A Guide to the Final Status Negotiations" by Aharon Klieman and examines the options of both nations, Palestine and Israel. This paper illustrates the major issues of the ongoing conflict and the fundamental problems of territories, religious sites, and refugees.
From the Paper "Kleiman wrote that partition was a necessary evil while Mearsheimer suggests that in no way will the Palestine people ever agree to a partition on the terms that are being offered. The paradox of partition continues even after 50 years and it becomes a race to see which side will win the race. Is partition necessary as Kleiman suggests or is Mearsheimer correct when he claims that the 50 year old history between the two nations will not allow the concept of partition being accepted. In order to understand the dynamics we must under take a analysis of the history of the two nations. While analyzing the concept of partition Kleiman studied the history of the Palestine - Israel conflict. He realized that fifty years ago the Palestinians, and the Arabs, rejected resolution 181 calling for the establishment of two independent states in Palestine. The resolution also made Jerusalem a city under international administration and marked its borders. While the Arabs rejected the offer, the Jews accepted it. Thirty-three countries, including the then Soviet Union and the United States, voted for the resolution while 13 voted against and 10 abstained."
Abstract This paper analyzes why the United States insists on supplying arms to Taiwan despite major Chinese opposition. It examines the history of the conflict between the U.S. and China and also the Chinese claim of control on Thailand. It explores the political and security reasons stated by the United States for their decision.
From the Paper "With the end of Communism China has become the next contestant for a Superpower and a rival of the USA. Never having been on good terms with the US, China is presently riled at the US supply of arms to Taiwan. While US supports the right of Taiwan's independence China contends a one China strategy. Supplying arms to Taiwan is thus, against China. However, US must in a matter of speaking provide arms to Taiwan not only to help in its effort for independence---but also to ensure China does not take aggressive action against Taiwan or any other nation in the future."
Abstract This paper takes a look at the role of U.S.- imposed sanctions and asks whether they are effective. It examines the types of sanctions imposed and how this effects the people on the ground. Do they provide more harm than good, when the masses suffer and the leader continue to thrive?
From the Paper "Economic sanctions are an important tool of US foreign policy. They are used for a variety of reasons and often have substantial repercussions for countries on the receiving ends. Sanctions are used as a way to stop objectionable actions of foreign governments such as: to stop military adventures, arms proliferation, support of terrorism and drug trafficking, and human rights abuses among others. (Department of the Treasury website, 2002) "In conjunction with diplomacy and other measures, sanctions seek to demonstrate US resolve and express outrage, change the behavior of the target country, and deter other countries from resorting to similar actions in the future." (Carter, 1988)"
Abstract This paper profiles a typical Latin American revolution and examines why these countries are so susceptible to these uprisings. It addresses the historical, social & cultural variables of a revolution and the possible moves to democracy. It also examines a few of the successful Latin American democracies and asks what makes them prosper.
From the Paper "Revolution is a sudden, forcible change of the political and social order often accompanied by violence, in which a significant section (not always a majority) of the population participates. Revolution usually occurs when a general climate of discontent exists in a society. A modern historian, Craine Brinton, has analyzed the conditions in a society ripe for revolution and saw a pre-Revolutionary society as ?having a combination of social and political tensions, caused by a gradual breakdown of the values of a society.?"
Abstract This paper examines the ways in which Fiji has been reconfigured by the practices of tourism, the ways in which its biological and natural inheritance has ensured that at least for this one place on earth geography is destiny. The paper examines the demography of Fiji and its population make-up as well as provides a history of the island. It then discusses the effects that tourism has had on the population.
From the Paper "What does it mean to be a citizen of a small island in the South Pacific? That depends very much on whether one is looking at the problem from the inside or from the outside. While Sigmund Freud might have told us that biology is destiny, in fact it is fact far more probable that geography is destiny. We may see this especially in places like Fiji, which exist in the Western imagination as a place in which the Westerner can reinvent himself or herself. These are places like the Orient that Edward Said writes about, places that have been transformed in the view of the West by our own desires about them and the ways in which they can be useful to us. Places like Fiji can be seen, in significant ways, to be products of Western practices and ideals about colonialist prerogatives, with the only important difference being that while Western nations once conquered undeveloped, "pristine" lands by force of arms, we now do so by force of the tourist dollar."
Tags: island, tourism, tourist, western, ideal, pacific, colony
Abstract This paper examines the recent relations between the People's Republic of China and Taiwan. Taiwan seems to have given up on reunification towards a separate identity and China has continuously threatened and attempted to intimidate Taiwan with ultimatums and display of military and international political force. On the other hand, the trade collaboration between these two countries is growing. This paper studies the relations between these countries in the last decade from a political and economical point of view. It concludes that the relationship is still intrinsically a volatile one, for both states still remain resolute on the most fundamental issue of sovereignty.
From the Paper "When Mao and the communists defeated the Nationalist government in 1949, Chiang and his two million supporters fled China and sought refuge in the small island of Taiwan, with a promise to one day reclaim the mainland. At the time, Taiwan was considered a province of China. Demands for independence began in the 1960s as a small voice, for the Nationalist Party in power still hoped for eventual reunification with China, and has grown stronger ever since. All the while, China has not wavered for even a moment from her position that Taiwan is not its own sovereign nation but only a province of the mainland country."
Tags: Taiwan, China, political, economical, commercial, sovereignty, country, ties, international
Abstract This paper is an overview of the conduct of the Persian Gulf War. The author looks at the alliances that were created, the power struggles that influenced the outcome of the war between governments and within the U.S. Government in particular. Operation Desert Shield's different personalities and the affects they had on U.S. government policy and in turn, on the outcome of the war, are also discussed in detail. The background to the controversy is presented, including Iraq's invasion of Kuwait, the response of the international community and Middle East personalities and politics are also important to one's understanding of the War.
From the Paper "The United States drafted a four-phase offensive plan in the autumn of 1990: "Phase one would be an air attack on Iraqi command, control and communications".Phase Two would be a massive, continuous air bombardment of Iraqi supply and munitions basics, transport facilities and roads?.Phase Three would be an air attack on the entrenched Iraqi ground forces?.the fourth phase consisted of a Marine amphibious landing on the Kuwaiti coast and an Army frontal attack directly into the Iraqi defensive positions? (Summers, 195). General Powell accepted the first three phases and wanted a better ground campaign. On November 8, 1990, Bush approved a war during the winter of 1991 with Iraq. On January 16, 1991, the U.S.-led coalition began its air campaign against Iraqi forces in Kuwait and Iraq. It would be a short time before Iraq would face the combined air, naval and ground forces of the U.S. and its allies. On February 24, 1991, a force of 620,000 soldiers, Marines, and airmen from nearly forty nations launched the most massive attack across a 400-kilometer front against an Iraqi force. The revised ground assault strategy included a Marine amphibious assault group off the coast of Kuwait."
Abstract This paper is a brief effort in describing the world's two most asked questions. ?Why do Middle Eastern countries carry such hatred against the U.S.?" and "Why has the U.S. so keenly participated in every aspect of the religious, social, ethnic and political issue and activity in this region?"
From the Paper "As the United States finds itself in the aftermath of another crisis in the Middle East, it is worth the risk of opprobrium to ask why there should be hostility toward America in that region. Some insight can be gained by surveying official U.S. conduct in the Middle East since the end of World War II. Acknowledged herein is a fundamental, yet deplorably overlooked, distinction between understanding and excusing. There have been seventy long years of broken promises to have implanted such a resentment that has made every American policy to be viewed with suspicion and hostility by the populations of the Middle Eastern countries (as opposed to some of the political regimes) of the Middle East."
Abstract The paper shows that the most crucial globalization-related process in Mexico is the proliferation of maquiladoras - instruments for the exploitation of Mexican workers and the Mexican environment by multinational corporations. The paper concludes that globalization may be less to blame that the fact that the Mexican elites have been willing to pay any price to attract investment.
From the Paper "Latin America presents a whole range of 'third world' countries which have adopted policies which have made them much more open to global capitalism. In almost every Latin American nation during the course of the 1980s, the economy was decisively altered on the assumption that participation in the global economy was the key to a steady rise to 'first world' status. However, not one Latin American country has made the leap. Mexico, whose efforts began in 1982, deserves attention as the country where such efforts have been consistently tried for twenty years. Mexico has been described, with justice, as 'a country living on a faultline of globalisation' (Loyes)."
