Abstract This paper argues that the United States government's proposed remedy, student vouchers, supports the furthering of inequality. It shows that these student vouchers reinforce inequality in many ways: private schools have their own educational standards, teach their own doctrine, have selective admission, deprive a similar education to a large proportion of children, are not academically accessible to students with special needs and encourage financial inequality.
From the Paper "The idea of student vouchers originated from a conservative line of thinking by the economist Milton Friedman. During the 1950's the nation was confronted with a decline in educational achievement among students attending public schools. Thus, began a search for remedies to rectify this public educational decline. Friedman proposed that instead of pouring money into a failing system, public schools, the government should implement pilot programs in which students where given funds, vouchers, to attend a school of their choice, private or public (Toch, Cohen 1998) This alternative placed faith in the free-market, for it preached that competition among schools would sharpen educational standards and achievement in the long run. In 1990, one such program was instituted in Milwaukee, Wisconsin by the support of the state (Columbia Encyclopedia, 2001). The onset of this program spurred similar state funded voucher programs in Ohio and Florida."
Abstract The first part of this paper examines the scope of the current healthcare crisis, with a special focus on New Jersey. It looks at the number of uninsured people in America, the rising costs of health insurance and other reasons why more and more people cannot afford adequate health care. The paper then studies why the current healthcare system fails to address their health needs. After looking at the failed health reform plan of former President Clinton and the various grassroots efforts towards providing low- or no-cost health insurance, the paper discusses the need for a single payer system of national health insurance.
From the Paper "The United States has arguably the most scientifically advanced healthcare system in the world. Its physicians and scientists make significant strides in complex medical procedures such as organ transplants and treating cancer. People from around the world travel to the United States to consult with health experts and to seek medical help. It is therefore a sad irony that an estimated 44 million Americans could not afford adequate medical care. A growing number of Americans do not have health insurance and live in fear of an unexpected illness and financial ruin."
Abstract This paper discusses the principles behind a democratic verses an authoritarian regime and takes as an example, the democratic regime in Pakistan since its independance from India in 1947. It examines how the struggle to establish a sustained democracy has been hampered by interethnic strife, fragmented elites, praetorian rule and regional and global influences. It evaluates the influence of Islam, the main religion of the country and the problems ofcoexistence between secularists and Islamists.
From the Paper "Part of the problem with preserving a peaceful democratic regime in Pakistan is sustainability. Four times since 1988 the parliament has been dissolved by presidents who were not popularly elected. The leaders of Pakistan, military and civilian, have had to rely on the military to safeguard their authority. As a result of this, the same leaders often call upon Islam ?in order to maintain their legitimacy and to uphold different political, economic, and class interests.? These actions have had a retroactive effect to their intentions; dividing rather than unifying."
Abstract Discusses the Euskadi Ta Askatasuna (ETA) as both a revolutionary and evolutionary group. Various perspectives of ETA as a terrorist organization or freedom fighters seeking independence from Spain's control. Politics, tactics & long-term goal of establishing a Basque homeland. ETA use of negotiation as well as violence. Origin of group.
From the Paper "Assessment of the Basque group Euskadi Ta Askatasuna (ETA) depends on one's political perspective. From the point of view of the group itself and its supporters, the ETA is comprised of freedom fighters, revolutionaries seeking liberty and independence from Spain's control. From the perspective of the Spanish government, the ETA is a terrorist organization willing to use whatever means are necessary to achieve its radical political goals. Such opponents of the ETA hold that the group is violent and will remain violent even when it vows to give up its violence. To other, less extreme Basque liberation organizations, the ETA is justifiable in its ultimate goals of independence, but counter-productive in its violent tactics and strategy.
The reality is that all of these perspectives are correct to some degree, and the reason for this is that the ETA is an..."
Abstract Cites need for a global ethic. Contends that ethical standards must dictate the diplomatic practice. Politics. Different religiouis values. Human rights abuses. Humanitarian interventions & ethical dilemmas. Role of UN (United Nations). Discusses debate between national interest approach to humanitarian intervention vs. human values approach.
From the Paper "Ethics and Diplomacy: The Price of Humanitarianism
Traditionally, ethics have impacted diplomatic practice in a host of ways. In many cultures, religious values impart an ethical standard that is confluent with diplomacy; Muslim states are renowned for their commitment to one religious, ethical, and political law. In more secularized, democratic states, ethics struggle to find a center in a society which is structured to protect individual liberty and the free-market, capitalist system. In any established government, a guiding philosophy must dictate diplomatic practice. Ethical standards must be determined and enforced to this end.
Today, the need for clear ethical standards are more important than ever. The scope of diplomacy is broadening under the new globalization..."
Abstract Discusses the U.S. federal response against the terrorists in the 1993 WTC bombing. Investigation of the crime, prosecution of the defendants, results of the trial. Relation to terrorist attack of 9/11. Details the various investigation activities of the FBI, and ATF. Charges against Muslim fundamentalists. Compares legal response of 1993 to 2001.
From the Paper "On February 26, 1993, a bomb planted into the parking garage of the World Trade Center shattered the foundation of the towers, killing five people and injuring 1,042 others (Wallace, 1993, p. 42). The specter of terrorism was resurrected eight years later with the irreversible destruction of the twin towers on September 11 this year. Both terrorist attacks are the work of Islamic fundamentalists who were resentful of U.S. ascendancy and its role in the Middle East.
The purpose of this paper is to delve into the U.S. federal response against the terrorists in the 1993 World Trade Center bombing. The investigation of the crime, the prosecution of the defendants and the results of the trial will be discussed. In addition, the 1993 bombing of the World Trade Center will also be considered in the light of the September 11 attack."
Abstract Examines Zionism during the period of 1942-1945. Argues that Zionism during this time has been marked by a disregard for the events in Europe. Concern of Zionists for their cause over the plight of European Jewry. Zionists collabortion with Nazis to achieve their political aims. Brief discussion of Zionism in general.
From the Paper "HISTORY OF ZIONISM DURING THE HOLOCAUST
The history and roots of the Holocaust go back a long way. While the industry of death and destruction did not operate before 1942, its roots were firmly established in the 19th century. Jewish aspirations for emancipation emerged out of the national struggles in Europe. When the hopes for liberation through democratic change were dashed, other alternatives for improving the lot of the Jews in Europe achieved prominence.
It is the purpose of this paper to examine the history of Zionism during the period of the Holocaust (1942-1945) and suggest that this ..."
Abstract Importance of the Saudi leadership to the USA. Religious and political history of Arabia from 7th through 20th Century. The allegience of the Saudi State to the religious movement of Wahhabi Islam. Connection to al-Saud dynasty to Wahhabi radicalism. Politics of the Saudi royal family. Effect on the world.
From the Paper "SAUDI ARABIA: THE QUESTION OF LEADERSHIP
INTRODUCTION:
Ever since the discovery of massive oil deposits in the Arabian peninsula in the 1930s, the United States has been deeply involved with the politics of Saudi Arabia. That the world's most modern, secular, technological capitalist state would find it difficult to deal with a country that is under the control of an absolute monarchy that is beholden to a version of religion that seeks to maintain a social structure created in the 7th century A.D. means that there will always be tension, and that the question of who runs Saudia Arabia will be of crucial importance to American policy so long as Saudi Arabia sits on twenty-five percent of the world's known oil reserves and the United States does nothing domestically to wean its economy from dependence ..."
Abstract Contrasts the views and actions of the two political groups. Their ideas of what the powers of the federal government should be. Federalist believers James Madison, Alexander Hamilton and John Jay. Madison's concept of a system of checks and balances. Anti-Federalist mistrust of republican form of government & a powerful central government.
From the Paper "FEDERALISTS AND ANTIFEDERALISTS
In the early days of this nation, two sides attempted to put their ideas into action. Federalism is, more or less, a sharing of powers- with certain powers delegated to a central government, and those not so delegated, belong to the states that make up the federation.
Given that there are various types of Federalism, they should be defined. At the time the country was constitutionally organized, many people believed in Dual Federalism. ?Dual Federalism originated in what may be called "the Rural Republic" immediately after the Constitution was adopted. This form "enumerated powers, sovereign and equal spheres" (Walker, 1995, p. 1). It was the beginning of a new government. At this early time, the federal government was limited. America had a basically rural ..."
Abstract The writer traces voting trends in United States elections and how they reveal that there are two major categories: those who vote, and those who don?t vote. In order to understand the nature of who it is that is choosing to vote, the group that votes can be analyzed in terms of demographic elements such as: socioeconomic status, including income, education, and occupation; age; race; gender; and whether they live in an urban, suburban, or rural location.
From the Paper "Those voting can be further analyzed in terms of whether they are actually qualified to vote. Definitely, an examination of the qualified voter shows that they share certain characteristics: they are informed; they are active; and they are rational. However, it is only a small percentage of the general voting population that possesses all of these characteristics. While others may vote, they do so for less rational reasons. These data then can be used to generate some indication of the level of qualified voters in each category. This follows the assumption that the characteristics of being informed, active, and rational are what make up the most qualified voters. The assumption is based on discussions by political scientists as to what is important in an effective electorate. Although this group is small in number, they are considered to be the voters most qualified to be a part of the political process of government."
Tags: voting, elections, United, States, government, politics
Abstract The paper discusses the history of hegemony and the economic theory that holds that the world is the most stable and prosperous when a hegemon exists as an organizer of the world economic and political systems. The paper looks at the United States as it historically filled the role of hegemon.
From the Paper "The theory of hegemonic stability offers an overview of world economic history as influenced by major powers: the Dutch (1620 ? 1672), the English (1815 ? 1873) and the Americans (1945 ? 1971). Naturally following is the theory of hegemony fatigue as put forth by Paul Kennedy and others: hegemony is a self-limiting system since the other countries (free riders) which use and benefit from the system put such a burden on the hegemon (who must bear the cost of the system) that sooner or later the system collapses. When the hegemon becomes unable to bear the burden of cost of the other countries, it either turns inward and puts its domestic issues first, or collapses under the strain. Frequently cited examples of hegemony fatigue and decline are that of England at the end of the 19th century, the collapse of the Bretton Woods system (the mechanism of US hegemony) and the collapse of the Iron Curtain which was the mechanism of the hegemony of the Soviet Union over Central and Eastern Europe."
Abstract Discusses the major differences between Athenian democracy and modern democracy. Differences include voting and citizenship rights, gender and background bias in the Athenian social and economic system, the type of representation that each society offered and the 'participation factor' in Athens.
From the Paper "There are several significant differences between modern constitutional democracies and the democracy of classical Athens. Even though the classical Athenian democracy was a major step forward in political thought, at its height there were still many areas in which it was decidedly unlike any democracy existing today. These differences fall into three major categories: differences in who could vote, in the type of representation, and in the overall participation factor.
One major and clearly recognizable difference is that in the Athenian democracy there was only a certain selected element of the population that was allowed to vote. This difference in voting behavior stems from the fact that the Athenian social and economic system was supportive of the suppression of groups of people according to gender and background in ways that are not acceptable in today's western cultures.
For example, women were not given full rights of citizenship. They were also socially and economically kept in a subservient role to men. Women's function was seen as primarily that of propagation and managing a household. Women were not allowed access to the marketplace of ideas that was so important to the Athenians.
These conditions set up an interactive cycle between the social and political institutions; since women were regarded as inferior and not deserving of full citizenship, they were not allowed to vote. However, without the ability to vote, it was very unlikely that any of these restrictions would be modified or lifted. The role of women in Greek society was too firmly entrenched to be easily changed."
Tags: Difference, rights, social, economic, society
A paper discussing the effect of globalization on the nation state, and viewing the change through the theoretical perspectives of institutionalism, pluralism and Marxism.
Abstract This paper discusses globalization and uses three theoretical perspectives from which the phenomena can best be described - institutionalism, pluralism and Marxism. It examines each of these theories in depth in order to establish which offers the best explanation for globalization. The paper concludes that no theory is adequate to explain the effect of globalization, but that pluralism offers the best chance to ward off some of the negative affects of globalization.
From the Paper "Perhaps the most meaningful explanation of these diverging interpretations of what globalization is and how it should be defined is the result of the varying theoretical stances of academics on how best to conceptualize a nation-state. Specifically, the nature of the challenge that that globalization will have on a state, and the correct prescription for action, depends on what theoretical interpretation of the state to which one subscribes. Institutionalists note the proliferation of private and often oligopolistic networks of trans-governmental and non-governmental organizations, and the issues which they both address, and fail to address. For Marxists, globalization is a process of "hollowing-out" the state and enhancing the power of trans-national capital. Finally, the closed and intergovernmental model of trans-national relations appears to frustrate attempts at plural influence, removing many issues for the preview of domestic democratic governance. It will be suggested that no theory is sufficient to solve the problems associated with globalization, but that pluralism offers the best prospect for incremental progress."
Abstract This paper uses Kai Nielson's writings to define the theory of egalitarianism and critique it. The paper shows how, of all the substantive political theories, egalitarianism offers the least support for its position. Aided by the views expressed in Kai Nielson's ?Radical Egalitarianism", this paper first gives a brief synopsis of the theory and then points to some of its shortcomings.
From the Paper "According to Nielson, one of the main proponents of egalitarianism, equality of condition should be the goal of any responsible society. One of the assumptions underpinning this idea is that people are equal in the only important respect in which the doling out of rights pertains. That is, when available resources are limited, "we should first, where considerations of desert are not at issue, distribute according to stringency of need" (202) for "it is only fair" (205). Further, Nielson urges, while aiming at equality of condition, we must preserve as a parallel goal autonomy for all and "at a condition where everyone alike, to the fullest extent possible, has his or her needs and wants satisfied" (202)."
Abstract The author believes that one of the ideas most expounded by John Locke was his belief that all men have been created free and equal by God. The paper points out that Locke said that God gave man "certain rights that shall not be taken away from him, those rights being life, liberty, health and possessions; but, in the "Declaration of Independence", the pursuit of happiness is mentioned instead of possessions. The author concludes that men tend to remain passive in times when action is necessary on the assumption that someone else will instigate a change. Table presentations.
From the Paper "Men give their consent to be governed: therefore, the true power of the government is derived from the consent of the governed, as no people can be suppressed unwillingly for too long a time when freedom stirs in their souls. Once a man enters into a united political society, thereby submitting himself to the power, which he and his fellow citizens have bestowed upon his government; he is bound by obligation to uphold the laws that have been established by the government for the benefit of the community."
