Abstract This paper discusses the government management of the economy in the Soviet Union, through a State planning system. The defining features of the system are outlined, and the strengths and weaknesses of the Soviet planning system are presented. A comparison is provided of the Soviet market to other markets. The privatization of the banks is also explained. The paper examines the fall of the State central system in the USSR and describes the transition to the market system.
From the Paper "Economic planning was, in the Soviet Union, a pioneering form of economic management by the state, which became indispensable both during the transition from capitalism to socialism and in a socialist society. The Soviet government held that planning was based on a profound knowledge and application of objective socialist economic laws and that it was independent of all desires of individuals. The basic laws of this system defined the aim of economic production as the "fullest satisfaction of the constantly rising material and cultural requirements of the population, using advanced technology to achieve continued growth and improvement of production" (Lavigne, p. 114). State central planning was viewed by the Soviet Union as the conscious application of economic laws designed to benefit the people through effective use of all natural resources and productive forces."
Abstract Fascism is arguably the most influential and controversial political ideology in modern history and continues to be a fascinating topic for political study and discussion. The paper shows that ,despite fascism's worldwide existence and its responsibility for the development of numerous groups and political movements, Germany remains only one of two countries (the other being Italy) in which the ideology of fascism has enjoyed the success of political power. The paper shows that although there is very little consensus amongst political scientists and academics on many issues of fascism, there is a general agreement that the success of fascism in Germany was not due to any singular, or isolated, factor. Rather, it prospered as a result of Germany possessing the ideal combination of a strong national identity, a well-developed system of public persuasion and propaganda, and an existing government that was too weak and unstable to provide effective resistance against social and economic crisis. Therefore, although the accepted opinion is that German fascism was an evil and isolated abhorrence that was ended forever by the Allied victory in World War II, this paper proposes that its success was achieved through a set of political, social and economic conditions that could occur in any country, at any time.
From the Paper "Yet, despite achieving power on the basis of overwhelming popularity among the German public, it became immediately apparent that German fascism intended to control all aspects of national life, ensuring that their patriotic propaganda was able to permeate every area of German society with little resistance (Brady, 1969). Hitler's powerful personal charisma, aided by his meticulously organized public appearances and the saturation of everyday life with Nazi symbols, posters and indoctrination, established him as the infallible, heroworshiped savior of the German people (Payne, 1995). Despite the fact that his repressive totalitarian regime had abolished many of their basic liberties, and that every area of their lives was pervaded and controlled by state police organizations (Berwick, 23), many of the German people responded with uncritical loyalty to their leader and a frightening willingness to obey all state issued directives. The Nazification of German society was greatly assisted by the efforts of the Ministry of Public Enlightenment and Propaganda under the control of Joseph Goebbels, which was highly effective at promoting the fascism regime as a welloiled Nazi machine (Eatwell, 111), by means of mass rallies, military parades, and sophisticated manipulation and censorship of the media. Such was the appeal of the fascist philosophy and propaganda that, in Germany in particular, the majority of people were willing to sacrifice their individual freedoms and ambitions for the greater good of their nation."
Abstract This paper attempts to introduce Karl Marx's view of capitalist exploitation, which states that the bourgeoisie is the ruling class in capitalist society, which owns the means of production, while the proletariat is the working class, whose sole commodity is his labor power. It examines the issue of how division of labor further increases the exploitation of the worker and how the exploitation of the worker is not confined simply to the bourgeois capitalist who employs him, but also to all the other capitalists who form the society around the proletarian worker.
From the Paper "In order to keep the worker subjugated, the bourgeois capitalist only provides the laborer with the basic requirements for continued existence. In evidence of this, Marx claims, ?The costs occasioned by the worker are limited almost entirely to the subsistence which he requires for his maintenance and reproduction of his race. The price of a commodity, and therefore of labor, is equal to its costs of production.? By giving the worker the minimum one can possible allow him, only barely allowing enough for the necessities, the proletarian can never acquire any property of his own, and thus never has any hopes of gaining the means of production for himself."
Abstract This paper examines how the powers between the President and Congress are defined in the U.S. Constitution. The paper begins with an overview of the powers of the Executive Branch as outlined in Article II of the Constitution. This is followed by a detailed discussion of the Legislative Branch's exact powers and discusses why the process is divided into three forms of legislation. The paper also discusses that the reason so much power was given to Congress was to guarantee that the needs of the people were adequately addressed and respected. This basic philosophy is one of checks and balances, where the Congress can make the laws, but it is only the President, or Executive Branch that can enforce these laws in order to insure that the country remains a democracy.
From the Paper "Where Congress can fund and form a military, the President is the Commander in Chief of all the armed forces. As such, he has the power to decide when and were military forces are sent and how they are employed. The significance of this power has been demonstrated in conflicts from Vietnam until now where the President has routinely utilized military powers to assert American will around the world without first getting the approval of congress. The President also has the power to grant reprieves and pardons, to make treaties, to create and manage agencies that form the various functional enforcement system (enforcement of legislation). The President is granted the power to appoint, under congressional review, individuals to the cabinet (Federalist Papers 67-77)."
This paper examines transportation policies in Washington, D.C. and London, then suggests possible improvements based on principles of urban development.
Abstract This paper discusses current policies and challenges that two major cities -- Washington D.C. and London -- face in developing improved transportation systems. After comparing and contrasting each city, principles of urban development are applied to suggest new and better policies for dealing with the creation of larger and more effective systems.
From the Paper Urban development is a vast topic that affects all individuals in an industrialized area. One of the most important topics of urban development is transportation. Some cities have successful policies to help aid public transportation while other lack resources and cultural beliefs about making certain policies for these systems. Two cities that have very unique ways of handling transportation issues Washington, D.C. in the United States, and London in the United Kingdom.
Tags: government, industry, policy, political, science, resources, city, infastructure
Abstract This paper examines W.E. B. Du Bois and his novel "The Souls of Black Folks." The writer begins with a short biography DuBois, his motivation behind the writing of this book and how in his later life he embraced Communism. The author discusses some of the major topics that are covered in DuBois' book including black history in the post-Civil War period, the contributions of some of the most blacks in American history, racism and poverty. According to this author, this book is one of the most significant pieces of non-fiction written about the black community in America prior to the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s.
From the Paper "Throughout the book Du Bois mentions racism almost casually, such as the white school superintendent who hires him to teach, invites him to dinner, and then makes him eat alone, after the whites have eaten their dinner. These slights are just some of the injustices blacks faced during Du Bois' time, and they appear continually in the book, illustrating the depth of racism and ignorance in white society. "Again, we may decry the color-prejudice of the South, yet it remains a heavy fact. Such curious kinks of the human mind exist and must be reckoned with soberly. They cannot be laughed away, nor always successfully stormed at, nor easily abolished by act of legislature" ("Souls," 2002)."
Tags: dubois, americans, civil, rights, racism, movement, slavery, white
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 ..."
