Abstract This paper discusses the two-party system of Britain and the multi-party system of France. The paper discusses the various advantages of the two political systems and questions whether they are suitable for their respective countries. The writer explains that in recent years many British citizens have called for a new system--the multi-party system-arguing that the two-party system produces stable governments, rather than stable democracy - and the latter is more desirable.
Outline
Introduction
Britain's Two-Party System
France's Multi-Party System
Will Britain Transition to a Multi-Party System?
Bibliography
From the Paper "Many democracies in Europe have traditionally aligned themselves on the left-right axes (Katz and Mair, 1995). The main difference is the amount of government involvement they advocate. Left-wing parties usually promote more government involvement to overcome the market failures and provide social service. Right-wing parties promote more free market oriented politics of free enterprise.
In competitive systems, there is a sharp distinction between two-party systems, which often promote a party strategy of moderation and compromise intended to win a majority vote, and multiparty systems, where there is less compromise and in which a party's strategic plan places a strong emphasis on maintaining the support of its primary voters (Katz, 1981). However, generally speaking, the structure and behavior of a specific country's political parties is strongly dependent on the country's political and cultural history."
Abstract This paper describes the current humanitarian crisis in Darfur. It explains that there are many reasons why the international community should become involved in this terrible situation. One is that we have a moral obligation to do so and another is that there is a need to set an example to the Khartoum government, that genocide is not acceptable. Finally, success in Darfur would gain the United States and other countries that came to Darfur's aid, a political reward of having another democratic nation as an ally. This paper explores all three of these reasons.
From the Paper "This humanitarian crisis should not turn into a political pawn to be used by the Bush Administration, however. The U.S. has been known for many decades to promote peace in Sudan, so of course the Bush Administration wants the same credit. Peace is not being achieved right now, and the U.S. government needs to acknowledge this. Booker and Colgan write, "The Administration had hoped that such an agreement would allow it to lift sanctions on Sudan. This, in turn, would permit US oil companies to pursue a share of the country's recently developed oil wealth. Such interests, however, cannot be allowed to compromise a larger moral obligation." "
Tags: arab, community, darfur, international, janjaweed, killing, militia, political, sudan
Abstract A discussion about the controversies surrounding the IMF and World Bank. The debt trap, the (Structural Adjustment Plans) SAPs and the unequal distribution of the votes are the main criticisms among IMF and World Bank opponents. The paper shows that there is need for reforms and change, and it also explains that both institutions are necessary in today's globalized world as they did help and improve living standards in many cases. The writer points out, however, that both institutions, especially the World Bank have already started to reform its organization as a response to the protester's demands. This means that the World Bank realized that some arguments of the opponents actually do concern. It concludes to explain that the World Bank now is among the world's largest external funder of education, health (HIV/AIDS) and environment projects.
1. Introduction
1.1. The Rise of the IMF and World Bank
1.2. The International Monetary Fund
1.3. The World Bank
2. Why are the Activities of IMF and World Bank so Controversial?
2.1. Poverty
2.2. The Debt Trap
2.3. The Structural Adjustment Plans (Saps)
2.3.1. Austerity Programs
2.3.2. Privatisation
2.3.3. Environment
2.4. Voting Rights
2.5. The Human Rights Issue
3. Conclusion
4. Reference List
From the Paper "In July 1944 the so-called Bretton Woods Conference in New Hampshire, USA established the IMF together with the World Bank, originally called the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD). These two organisations were the outcome of long negotiations between 44 nations during World War II in order to ensure post-war global economic growth and to eliminate the aggressive exchange rates politics of the 30s. "The task of the IMF would be to maintain order in the international monetary system and that of the World Bank would be to promote general economic growth" (Hill, 2003:340). Furthermore, with the establishment of both organisations the member states aspired for reforms of international economic relations and an expansion of world trade."
Tags: adjustment, bank, debt, economy, fund, global, globalisation, globalization, imf, international, monetary, plans, poverty, structural, trap, world
Abstract This paper explains that the reaction of protesters and the enclave mentality of those sponsoring globalization show clearly that this process is not democratic but rather is a gambit for control of the world's resources by the corporate sector. The author points out that power has passed into hands of unaccountable multinational corporations like General Motors, Coca-Cola and McDonald's; and, even where political parties are allowed to compete, they tend to offer identical policies. The paper concludes that the threat to democracy is hard to miss because almost all the checks and balances, such as trade unions versus business interests, which help to reign in the excesses of one group as opposed to another, are being dismantled.
From the Paper "The most obvious effect of this process has been to undermine the traditional role of nation-state. All governments now have to gear their economic policies to global developments which they cannot hope to control. Increasingly, they make decisions which are intended to boost the competitive position to their countries in relation to global competitors, e.g.. In Britain, recent governments have recognized that they cannot complete with relatively low cost economies like China, and argue that future prosperity will depend on a highly skilled, well- motivated workforce. Another effect of the changes associated with globalization is a tendency to see the countries of the world as increasingly interdependent. "
Abstract This paper explains that the war in Iraq has two ultimate goals: The formation of a democratic government and to send a strong message to countries that support terrorism. The author points out that the goal of the United States is not to set up a presidential democracy such as America but a democracy defined by the people of Iraq, which is the best hope for a peaceful Middle East. The paper relates that, in addition to the struggle with guerrilla warfare, the United States faces a slew of problems in Iraq, most of all to strike a balance between Iraq's three main ethno-religious groups--Sunni, Shiite and Kurd, which should be achieved with education and understanding, not with violence and vendettas.
From the Paper "The United States needs a unified Iraq because it provides the U.S. military a strategic advantage in the heart of the Middle East. Iraq will serve as prime location for military operations against terrorist groups in Pakistan and other neighboring countries. By establishing a democracy in this oil rich country, it will help establish a stable economy that will further the development of the Iraqi nation. As well as being rich in oil, establishing a democracy in one of the more advanced countries of the Middle East will give the United States an advantage in the global economy as well as helping to ensure the security of the United States homeland. The military defense is essential to peace keeping efforts; however, much like the Vietnam war, the military is faced with guerilla warfare tactics that inhibit the peace efforts."
Abstract This paper argues that one of the major reasons for China's incredible growth since its opening in 1978, is due to the substantial influx of foreign direct investment (FDI). The gradual opening up of China to FDI, coupled with a large array of benefiting economic factors such as preferential policies, low labor costs, access to neighboring markets with similar culture/language etc., has resulted in unimagined investment and resulting growth. The paper shows that in this process FDI, has positively improved and/or contributed to total investment, technology transfer, employment, foreign exchange reserves, management know-how, competition, new industries and tax revenue.
The paper includes a chart.
Table of Contents:
I. Introduction
II. Overview of FDI Trends
Sources of FDI
Geographical Distribution
Reasons for Investment and Preference for Investment on the Coast Business Forms of FDI
Government Policies
WTO Agreement and FDI
Empirical Studies
III. FDI Challenges and China
1 Impact on Domestic Capabilities
2 Foreign Exchange
3 Employment
4 The Limits of Preferential Policies and Tax Evasion?
5 Financial Market Inefficiencies
IV. A Case Study of FDI in Dongguan, Guangdong
V. Conclusion
References
From the Paper "In all these cases, the liberalization process was carefully developed by only allowing access to certain sectors and geographical areas. Today there are still limitations of foreign investment in which the Government deems such sectors as "strategically" important. Such sectors or projects include airport development, nuclear power plants, oil and gas, subways, communications, printing etc. In many cases foreign investment is restricted to an equity share that is less than 50% (Tseng and Zebregs, 2002)."
Abstract This study attempts to evaluate the best possible use of military intervention so that universal standards of the use of military force can be established for the international community. The paper evaluates the dangers involved in both the use of force and in not using force and attempts to determine which situations make the use of military force appropriate.
Table of Contents
Statement of the Problem
Significance of the Study
Purpose of the Study
Rationale of the Study
Hypothesis
Literature Review
Methodology
Collection of Data
Data Analysis and Search Tactics
Discussion
Recommendations
From the Paper "Generally speaking, the use of military force has been restricted to the expansion of territory and with the apparent needs of capitalism such as trade, finance and natural resources. However as of September 11, 2001, the doctrine of military intervention has drastically transformed because of the new threat of terrorism that has surfaced. This threat of terrorism does not appear in the form of state, nation or ethnic group, but rather in the form of individual groups who seek to solve their disputes by resorting to violence because they see the world and its residents as selfish and greedy who have failed to address their needs."
Tags: civilized, world, united, states, fanatical, groups, demand, instigating, human, rights
This paper explores in detail the behavior of the U.S. towards Iran regarding the issue of nuclear weapons while examining America's methods of sustaining its hegemonic presence in the world.
Abstract This paper examines both sides of the nuclear issue by stating Iran has concerns regarding the attainment of nuclear technology but wishes to appear to the world as an advanced and well-developed nation. With nuclear weapons, Iran's influence in the Middle East could be increased which could entail an alliance with Iraq that would promote anti-U.S. sentiment resulting in undermining U.S. efforts in the Middle East in general. The writer of this paper focuses on the behavior of the U.S. towards Iran on the matter of nuclear non-proliferation and explains in-depth how the U.S. is using a web of approaches to maintain its world wide hegemonic presence.
From the Paper "The behavior of the United States towards Iran regarding the issue of nuclear non-proliferation could be viewed through a number of theories, but the most proficient analysis of this situation is achieved through regime theory. Foremost, we must understand the issues surrounding why the U.S. wants to halt Iran's desire for nuclear technology. Since Iran does not currently have nuclear capabilities, it would be nearly impossible for them to launch a trans-Atlantic attack for a period of 5-10 years. Although that possibility seems unlikely, the U.S. is promoting the prevention of such a future assault. Another possibility is that if Iran was able to hone nuclear technology, other Arab states such as Egypt and Syria would feel threatened by this considering the negative relations of Iran and Israel, and would not want to be caught in the middle."
Tags: U.S., nuclear, weapons, politics, middle, east
This paper discusses Michael T. Klare's "Resource Wars", which takes the old ideas of imperialism and the liberal economy and places them in the modern world, confronted with immediate shortages and conflicts surrounding of natural resources.
Abstract This paper explains that Michael T. Klare in his book "Resource Wars" states that, although society is often blinded by religious and political propaganda, the ultimate fight is for economic stability. The author points out that, using this argument, many of the United States' recent international policies supposedly aimed at the spreading of freedom can more accurately be seen as the United States acting to tighten its grip upon the world's oil supply. The author of this paper believes that Klare's argument vitally falls short because he contents himself merely to identify the root causes of future conflicts and provides few avenues for the avoidance of bloodshed. The paper aalso discusses whether alternative sources of energy can be utilized and the current supplies of water can be better distributed.
From the Paper "The core notion that privatization of the world's water supplies alone can solve the impending water crisis is likely to be false: "Water would be allocated more efficiently and wasted less if its allocation could be based on clear prices established by demand and supply. But the argument is also a bit too simplistic. Water is not a commodity like any other. Rather, it is inherently susceptible to market failure-that is, unfettered markets often will fail to allocate it optimally." Still, the claim that individual governments can remain capable of distributing water efficiently and free of pollutants is likely to be equally fallacious. The moral consequences of pricing water-essentially, placing a monetary value on life-although rather compelling and moving, remain unrealistically placed in a world threatening to reach a population of nine billion by 2050, and concurrently struggling to maintain stable economies and governments."
Abstract This well-researched paper examines the oil industry, which currently produces and supplies the world's number one energy source. This paper delves into the high swings in terms of price when there are shortages or excesses in supply, which are determined by the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). This paper details the 7 companies that control the oil market throughout the world which include 5 U.S. companies. This paper analyzes the importance of OPEC and its negotiation tactics with the various oil companies regarding petroleum production, prices and future rights of concession of the oil companies in the different countries. The writer of this paper details the history of the oil industry by discussing various events such as the 1973 oil embargo and the events that took place in the 1960s in which the U.S. and Europe restricted the import of oil from Russia. This paper details how world events, primarily those in the middle east, affect the price of oil. The writer explores China and India's demand for oil and how it affects global inflation in general. The government of India is now trying to reduce the prices of oil based items over the immediate future so that inflation can be reduced from the current 8% a year. This in-depth paper also analyzes the effects of America's economy on the world's oil prices.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
International Oil Regime
Major Producers
OPEC
Wars and Inflation
Oil Embargo
1973 October War
Inflation
Economic Growth
Asian Giants: India and China
Increased Demand for Oil by Both Nations
Increased Prices Equal Less Economic Growth
Stagflation
Conclusion
References
From the Paper "It is seen that China is one of the fastest growing nations in economic terms and that has taken up the consumption of oil by the country from 2 million tons a year to over 10 million tons now. Even in last year, the growth is over 35 percent and according to analysis of ban credits, it is estimated that Chin will account for over 40 percent of the growth in oil demand. There is also a large increase in demand for oil in United States and this is boosting oil demand internationally. The demand for imports has now reached the limit of supply at about 80 million barrels a day, as already mentioned earlier. At the same time, there are doubts as to whether the massive imports by China are real annual demand or are for building up strategic stocks. According to JP Morgan, the stocks with china are now about 285 million barrels, and even as per statements from China, there is a stockpile being built which will be completed by the end of this year."
Abstract This paper presents an evaluation of the democratic peace theory. It contends that in modern times there is no unambiguous case of a war between democratic states, even in situations where great-power rivalry was to be expected.
From the Paper "Since the end of the Cold War a good deal of attention has been given to the so-called DPT or democratic peace theory. This theory proposes that states with democratic political ..."
Tags: democratic, peace, international, relations, war, realist, theory
Abstract This paper analyzes the efforts made by Turkey to gain acceptance into the European Union (EU), including the advantages to the EU of accepting Turkey. It looks at how the acceptance of Turkey is based on the country having stable institutions, respect for human rights, the rule of law, a functioning market economy and the ability to take on membership obligations.
From the Paper "At a December summit in Copenhagen Denmark, European Union EU or the Union officials announced that Turkey could begin membership negotiations in December if it met certain membership criteria aimed ...."
Abstract In this essay, American foreign policy is discussed. The writer examines how today, American foreign policy has begun to stray from its proud legacy of balanced diplomacy and legitimate action. The writer discusses that from 1945 through the end of the Cold War, containment and deterrence kept the U.S. out of a "hot" war of global proportions. The writer looks at how today, the doctrine of preemptive war threatens to undermine that prior objective.
From the Paper "American foreign policy has undergone many a shift in the nearly six decades since the close of World War II. At that time the wake of Hitler's dark and illegitimate aggression against his neighbors and the Jews, had given the world reason for serious pause. The principle of might makes right had been thoroughly borne out and with disastrous results. In the immediate aftermath, the United States, working with Europe and in fact inspiring the Charter of the United Nations, established that in an increasingly dangerous world peace must ... "
Tags: nuremberg, wwII, american, foreign, policy, diplomacy, statecraft, cold, war, soviet, expansion, war against terror, doctrine, of, preemptive, war
Abstract This article discusses the basic thrust of U.S. policy during the period from 1945 through 1968. The writer looks at foreign policy regarding the Cold War, doctrine of containment, nuclear fears, brush fire wars and Vietnam. The writer studies the evolution of the Cold War Policy and examines its domination in American foreign policy.
From the Paper "The years from 1945 through 1968 were dominated in American foreign policy by the Cold War, its origins in the aftermath of World War II, its emergence as the center point of policy and guiding framework of a worldview and the crisis of policy failure in Vietnam. The following essay will trace the evolution of Cold War policy in the period and the challenges that the policy was confronting by the late ... "
Tags: policy, containment, cold, war, soviet, vietnam
Abstract In this article, the writer compares and contrasts the League of Nations and the United Nations as international organizations formed to maintain peace and international cooperation. The writer discusses the League's role in reducing international tensions and its limited effectiveness. Further, the writer discusses the complexity of the United Nations as an organization.
From the Paper Inis L. Claude stated that 'One World' is in some respects an idea land an aspiration born of modern interpretations of ancient moral thoughts and of rational estimates of the requirements for human survival. Both the League of Nations and its successor the United Nations were created as international organizations with a vested interest in maintaining the peace, preventing war, creating a mechanism or set of mechanisms for international cooperation and diplomacy and otherwise serving as trustees of ... "
