Abstract The paper analyzes the social-psychological influences that dominated Cambodia during the late 20th century. The paper discusses three major causes of genocide; passive bystanders, historical antagonism and victimization and socialization of violence. The paper then shows how the factors that led to the Khmer Rouge rise and eventual deaths of close to three million Cambodians will always impact this country.
Outline:
The Passive Bystander
Historical Antagonism Victimization and Socialization of Violence
Cambodia Today
From the Paper "Ervin Staub is well known for his extended research on the major acts of genocide of the 20th century. Staub not only conducted decade long research studies on the events that occurred during the Khmer Rouge and other authoritarian regimes, he also attempts to explain the social and psychological constructs of each country. In an effort to provide information to prevent the spread of genocide, Staub notes that genocide occurs primarily for 3 major reasons: 1. Passive bystanders, in other words Stoicism 2. Historical Antagonism 3. Victimization and socialization of violence."
Abstract This paper closely examines the history textbooks used by Israeli and Palestinian students and how they respectively portray history in order to determine if the textbook's portrayal of history influences the peace process. The paper focuses on the Israeli perspective vs. the Palestinian perspective of the Independence War that is presented in an Israeli and a Palestinian history textbook that is used by grade ten students. The paper also relates the contents of an interview with a Palestinian and an Israeli student to determine the emphasis of their history class. The paper therefore provides evidence that textbooks are used in the Israeli and Palestinian education system as political tools to develop a wounded identity and make the reconciliation process difficult and almost unachievable.
Outline:
Abstract
Introduction
Words as Tools of the Wounded Identity
The Significance of Language in the Israeli Palestinian Conflict
The Wounded Identity; How it is Created Out of the Ideology of Antagonism The Independence War Israeli Perspective vs. Palestinian Perspective
Reasons that Lead the Arab troops to Lose the War with Israel
The Refugee Issue
An Interview with a Palestinian and an Israeli student
When Everything Comes Together
Conclusion
From the Paper "In the past century the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has been one of the most difficult conflicts on the globe. The continuing fight over the right to live safely on the same land drove people to actions that would be defined as madness rather than anything else. Since the beginning of 1991, well-planned processes have been formulated in order to establish peace between these nations. Numerous debates and meetings took place; discussion and planning, the creation of two autonomous states. Over the following nine years, a large percentage of both the Israeli and the Palestinian citizens believed in the successes of the process. Unfortunately, starting in 2000 the situation became the worse. The 21th century brought Hamas to the Palestinian government. This development forecasted an entirely new period in the lives of both Israelis and Palestinians. In history this time is going to be referred to as the Intifada period. In Israel and Palestine many are going to remember it as an era of blood shedding and collective madness."
Tags: Jews, Arabs, reconciliation, violence, antagonism, Independence, War, refugees
Abstract This paper looks at the roots of homophobia. The author provides a definition of homophobia and explains the way it is perceived today. Included are examples and case studies.The author attempts to explain how homophobia relates to today's society and draws upon the human subconscious as a source.
From the Paper "Imagine your best friend; now imagine your lifetime happiness with this person. You have had a wonderful time in life. You were born next to this person and your parents have remained friends. You could not picture your life without your best friend at your side. After going through elementary school, junior high school, and high school you both are now in college as roommates. One day you are watching TV and your best friend tells you something you would have never expected? He is gay. How do you deal with this? Is your best friend going to continue to be your best friend, or will he now be your enemy?"
Abstract This paper charts the rise of Athens from a city in ruins in 480, to the possession of a large and rapidly expanding empire 50 years on. It examines the causes of this, and the reaction of Sparta. It questions whether Athens actually set out to form an Empire, or whether this was an idea which devoloped over time. Finally, it weighs up the respective responsiblities of Athens and Sparta for the outbreak of war.
From the Paper "In 480-79 a Greek alliance, led by Sparta, finally defeated the Persians, first at Salamis in 480, then at Plataia and Mykale in 479. For the Athenians, there now lay two principle objectives; the rebuilding of their city, which had been destroyed by the Persians in 480, and the consolidation of their victory over the Persians. The Greek alliance now took the offensive, attacking Persia at Sestos, Cyprus and Byzantion. However, the alliance soon rejected Spartan rule in favour of the Athenians. Athens was more suited to leading an offensive against Persia; her navy was far greater than Sparta's, and had been the greatest force in the victory at Salamis; furthermore, her people were more closely related to the eastern-Greeks whom the alliance hoped to free and protect from Persian rule. The members of this alliance, called the Delian League, had to provide contributions towards the defence against Persia in the form of money (phoros) or ships. Although originally the League was intended to be an equal alliance, Athens soon came to dominate it, and over the next half century moulded it into an empire. Athenian intentions in forming the League are varied; the obvious threat of Persia should not overshadow the huge financial and political gains to be made. There is evidence to suggest that the Athenians used the argument that they wanted 'to compensate themselves for their losses by ravaging the territory of the King of Persia' as a pretext for ulterior motives; namely, the domination of the Delian League and 'a desire for power and wealth' . The need of funds to rebuild their city would have been at the forefront of Athenian minds. However, the willingness of the member states to join the League, the approval of Sparta on its creation, and the first fifteen years of anti-Persian campaigning, suggest that initial Athenian intentions were based primarily on the need to form an alliance against Persia."
Abstract This essay studies William Shakespeare's play, "Julius Caesar". It approaches the antagonism of both Caesar and the conspirators and the motivations of the conspirators. The themes of political achievement and popular responsibility are also discussed.
From the Paper "Caesar was popular on the streets. His popularity was his source of power. Manipulation is a vice of politicians; on the converse side, influence is a political virtue. These are characteristics of Caesar. Because of his popularity, he can do anything he wants, as the Plebes rule Rome indirectly. This sets the stage for the political statement of the play. As there is an order set, this pure democracy of Rome is one of a kind. The people cast no votes as a whole, but only the elite. However, the approval of the Plebes is the primary concern of all politicians in Rome. This power of the people, however, is flexible in an uneducated society, as is most of Rome. Those who ran the politicians could easily be persuaded by those they ran (i.e. the politicians), who offered supremacy to Caesar."
From the Paper " IRISH QUESTION AND HOME RULE
This research paper examines the nature and origin of the Irish question, the political antagonism between England and Ireland, and the reasons why the movement for home rule for Ireland failed. By the second half of the 19th century an accumulation of deep grievances had impeded progress toward a more normal or healthy relationship between England and Ireland which dated back many centuries and had deep historical roots. Despite some reforms, the Union of England and Ireland in 1800 had been opposed by significant elements of the Irish middle and upper classes which became focused upon a demand for home rule, self-government within an imperial framework. In the middle 1880s home rule was supported by Prime Minister William Gladstone's Liberal Party and government. It failed to pass Parliament in.."
This paper examines the reasons why the kings of European countries did not themselves take part in the First Crusade: Political instability, Pope-king antagonism, dominance of Church, role of princes, People's Crusade and personal gain.
2,250 words (approx. 9 pages), 7 sources, 1990, $ 79.95
From the Paper "This study will examine the reasons why the kings of European countries did not themselves take part in the First Crusade.
The historical realities in Europe at the time of the First Crusade (1096-1099) were such that disruption and instability reigned, and yet, at the same time, "The West was discovering its own internal balance. This was, admittedly, precarious. There were bitter struggles between pope and emperor for the domination of Italy, uprisings among the great feudal lords in Germany and the great vassals of the French crown, the quarrels of Saxons and Normans in England, and the Christians' fight against the IV Moors in Spain, but none of this could prevent Europe from becoming . . . a collection of peoples belonging to one civilization, the product of Western feudalism and of the ... "
Abstract In the history of human civilization, no one has attained greater popularity in the realm of conquest of great human civilizations in the world than Alexander the Great. This great leader, general and conqueror of early Western and Eastern civilizations in the world is renowned for his extraordinary ability to conquer and administer numerous cities and kingdoms. He is also regarded as the Great Emperor of human civilization during his time because of his ability to lead his military troops and maintain order and stability in his land despite various revolts and antagonism about his conquests, leadership abilities and decisions as a ruler. This paper presents a general biography of the life of Alexander the Great as the great leader of human civilization. However, the focus of this paper shows Alexander the Great not only as the conqueror of Western and Eastern kingdoms, but also as an individual dedicated to the cultivation of Hellenistic Civilization, which was the prevailing culture and society in his kingdoms during his time of reign.
From the Paper "Aside from his title as King of Macedonia, he was also given the title of being the Emperor of Persia, and the son of Amon-Ra, the Sun god of the Egyptian mythology. Although he acquired numerous titles under these different cultures, Alexander the Great remained faithful to the cultivation of the Hellenistic Civilization that started during the reign of his father, King Phillip II. During his reign, Alexander the Great contributed significantly to the Hellenistic Civilization through the cultivation of Greek culture, society, and politics. In Greek politics, the conquests that Alexander conducted, his method of conquering kingdoms and vast lands, as well as his leadership skills, had been the model of what politics is like during the Hellenistic civilization. The conceptualization and emergence of the great and central city of Alexandria is a perfect example of the society and culture that Alexander the Great cultivated during his reign as Emperor of these conquered kingdoms."
This paper reviews Mary Kaldor's "New and Old Wars" and Fred Abrahams, Gilles Peress, and Eric Stover? A "Village Destroyed", which contend that war has changed and what the world needs now are policemen.
Abstract This paper discusses that changes in the perception of the structure of power in the world and a new era of cooperation instead of antagonism among world nations has created the need for policemen. The paper presents examples from the Bosnian War, the second Gulf War and the situation in Iraq (written prior to the war). The author presents the possible global political units to develop over the next 20 years.
From the Paper "Yet, such cooperation often involves antagonism. It did in the Gulf War, where the United States and certain Middle Eastern nations fought against Iraq. That coalition does not exist in the current crisis, but the United States is so far going ahead with some support from the United Nations, primarily in the form of weapons inspectors. The United States here is clearly acting as the world's policeman, using its power to force the world to inspect Iraq and test Iraq and perhaps eventually, to invade Iraq in order to remove the "criminal," Saddam Hussein. This is similar to what the United States did in Bosnia-Herzegovina, acting to remove a government leader and force a change in the way the nation was governed."
Abstract Friedrich Engels assumes an historical materialist mode of analysis to reveal the fundamental contradiction at the heart of capitalism and the social and economic conflicts that stem from this contradiction. This paper will demonstrate how Engels (following Marx) considered that this contradiction would inevitably foster antagonism between the proletariat and the bourgeoisie. Unbridled competition would, almost paradoxically, lead to monopoly (cf. Microsoft, Air Canada). The resulting crisis would reveal the incapacity of capitalists to manage modern productive forces, leading to proletarian revolution.
Abstract The communist revolution in China crystallized and intensified the hostility between Washington and Peking. This was because the Americans had supported the Nationalist regime of Chiang Kai Shek, who had alienated the Chinese masses. The corruption of Chiang, therefore, had played a big role in fuelling the momentum of the communist revolution, which had no choice but to take on an anti-American disposition. The Korean War, which followed subsequently, solidified the antagonism between Chinese communism and the United States.
Abstract This ten-page graduate paper analyzes two cultures. Culture is a distinctive phenomenon that has an even more distinct ways of progression. Culture can be literally defined as tradition; custom; way of life of a people belonging to a certain origin. As much as its origins are indescribable, the numerous factors that are involved in their development, fading away, merger, or their resistance to hostile elements are also not very easily understood. However, the forces that lead to cultural development, amalgamation, are positive changes that are part of the evolutionary development of nations. Whereas, the nations that are subjected to hostile forces over a long period of time develop a sense of vehement resistance, an unwavering spirit to withstand all oppressions and antagonisms that rise to power in order to annihilate them as a nation.
Abstract This paper presents a detailed look at "A Streetcar Named Desire" by Tennessee Williams. The author of this paper takes us on a tour of the story and explains how each subsequent encounter between Stanley and Blanche leads to increased violence and antagonism.
Abstract Examines the theme of brotherhood. in "Of Mice and Men" and "East of Eden". Considers Steinbeck's borrowing thematically and structurally from the Bible, Steinbeck's view of brotherhood as a source of obligation and an area of antagonism. Explores the tensions that separate rather than join together.
From the Paper Brotherhood and Obligation in Steinbeck Introduction and Purpose According to Rebecca L. Atkinson (1990, p. 2), many critics of the works of John Steinbeck contend that this author borrows thematically and structurally from the Old Testament. One of the...
Tags: novels steinbeck t literature, american: steinbeck literature, american: steinbeck religion: the bible
Abstract This paper explores how the French Revolution can be seen ultimately as a class struggle, with fights for power and privileges between the Bourgeoisie and the aristocracy. It looks at how the First and Second Estates held much power and had many privileges. It analyses the reasons why the Third Estate and other members of French society resented the entitlements of the higher two estates in France in 1789. These anxieties are discussed within their political, social, religious and economic categories including events and the reasons for antagonism within the historical context.
From the Paper "The Second Estate also shared many privileges and so were also resented by the Third Estate particularly for being generally exempt from paying tax, or at least the most onerous French tax of the time, the "taille". As the Church (First Estate) and members of the Second Estate were excused from paying tax the peasants and other members of the Third Estate were taxed more harshly in an effort to compensate the loss. The King, Louis XVI, would have shared the Third Estate's resentment for the First and Second Estates tax exemption, as it naturally reduced the state's national revenue. The King possessed powers to change established systems and the higher two estate's customary privileges, by what was known as a "lit de justice"."
Tags: aristocracy, bourgeoisie, class, church, king
