Abstract The objective of this paper is to further explore the concept of human rights. A particular focus will be placed on the question of whether or not the imposition of western human rights values on non-western traditions constitutes a form of imperialism. At the root of the issue, it seems is the issue of what should weigh more, human rights or state sovereignty. In the end, of course, there is no definitive answer to this question. What it can, and will, do, however, is look at the dynamics of human rights in the international arena and comment on whether western rhetoric on human rights is in the sphere of imperialism, or neo-imperialism.
Abstract This paper examines and analyzes Cuban emigre writer Zoe Valdez's highly acclaimed and somewhat controversial first novel, "Yocandra in the Paradise of Nada", in terms of the deconstruction of the ideal of a revolutionary paradise in Fidel Castro's socialist Cuba.
Abstract This paper provides a content analysis of the major sociological theories in the study of religion, and focuses upon the theories of Karl Marx, Max Weber and Emile Durkheim.
Abstract It focuses mainly on the latter's views, but uses Hobbes as a point of comparison. In his "Two Treatises of Government" (1690), Locke sets forth a view that the state exists to preserve national rights of citizens. This was significant in his views on property, as we will see. Property is inherently the joining of the earth - which is common to all men - and the application of one's body - or his/her labor. The fruit of that union is considered property by Locke, who goes onto argue that property was, therefore, a natural right. Hobbes, on the other hand, argued that property was the effect of the commonwealth, which exists only through civil laws given by the sovereign. This essay will argue that Locke's account of the methods of and limits of property acquisition in the state of nature differ from those of Hobbes. Locke argued that property was a natural right; Hobbes did not.
Abstract This paper examines Toni Morrison's "The Bluest Eye" in the context of how race, class and gender intersect as systems of domination and subjugation. Morrison emphasizes the theme of racial discrimination, which intertwines with the issues of gender and class in the oppression of women under capitalist patriarchy. In many respects, therefore, "The Bluest Eye" complements Marxist feminism, since it adds the dimension of racism to the realities of how classism and sexism marginalize women in society at large.
Abstract This paper discusses the practices of Osama bin Laden, a Saudi terrorist, and the supporter of a large mercenary force. It addresses religious and financial motivations, training situations, and the extent to which bin Laden is prepared to act in his efforts to destroy, or at the very least disrupt, Western civilization.
Abstract Federalism creates two levels of government, the federal or national government and the state government. Each government has its own areas of jurisdiction. Proponents of this system argue that it allows local state governments to handle local issues while the federal government handles national issues. Opponents argue that it creates confusion in the populace and conflicts between the two levels of government.
Abstract This paper shall address the results of nationalism as a means of conveying social order within the European states in the nineteenth century.
Abstract Liberalism is predicated on the belief that the rights of the individual and preservation of the individual's autonomy are the premises upon which public policy must be formulated. This paper outlines the roots and the implications of Liberalism as a political ideology.
Abstract This paper will take a critical look at poverty and anti-poverty policy in the US. Intuitively, it is easy to make the hypothesis that spending more on poverty is better for the greater good. For instance, states with greater percentages of their population below the poverty line should spend more to reduce the incidence of poverty in their jurisdictions. In reality, however, this hypothesis has proven to be invalid. This paper will argue that, rather than improving, poverty is becoming more prevalent.
Abstract This undergraduate level paper presents the idea of Thomas More's Utopia as an ironic work. What is presented is an idealistic society in which many of the pains of everyday life are removed. The irony is that the life on Utopia is not truly the best state in the commonwealth because of fact that the citizens do not truly exist in freedom.
Abstract This essay defines the 1997 Kyoto Protocol. The paper outlines the ways in which George W. Bush's Administration's decision to not support the protocol's efforts to control green house gas emissions will affect the efforts of the rest of the world.
Abstract In this paper, the author addresses questions that are being asked everyday by American citizens about homeland security. It asks whether the new policies developed in the wake of the 9-11 attacks are really making the country safer or whether they are just measures taken by the security forces to make the population feel safer.
From the Paper "Homeland Security was created as national effort to prevent terrorist attacks with the United States. It is used to reduce America's vulnerability to terrorism, while maintaining hope of minimizing the damage and recover from attacks that do occur. But according to a recent poll conducted by Gallup Organization ?Only 13 percent of Americans say they have confidence that the new department will make the nation "a lot" safer. Nearly 4 out of 10 Americans expect that the new department will not make the country any safer. "
