Abstract This paper discusses French trade with the Middle East, focusing primarily upon an examination of past and current weapons trade with the Arab states of the region. Persian Gulf states such as the United Arab Emirates and Qatar are singled out for special attention.
Abstract The paper explores Russia's and the United States' methodology, impact, strategies and influence in the armstrade in order to determine the global impact of the weapons trade. The paper provides statistics and shows how developing countries, industrialized countries, governments, other industries, and people all over are negatively affected by the armstrade. The paper highlights how the weapons trade is corrupted and unregulated and is a source for major human rights abuses throughout the world. The paper also discusses how it gives terrorists and criminals the tools they need to carry out their plans. The paper proposes the solution to these problems, that the arms industry must be regulated by governments instead of being promoted by them.
Outline:
Introduction
Background
Statistics
The United States in the ArmsTrade Russia in the ArmsTrade The Argument For the ArmsTrade The Argument Against The ArmsTrade A Proposed Solution
Conclusion
From the Paper "The arms sales industry is a global business which creates and sells weapons, weapons technology, and related equipment. Since the Cold War, the United States and Russia have been heavily involved in arms transfers and contracts throughout the world, especially in developing countries. It is estimated that nearly 1 trillion dollars are spent worldwide each year in the arms trade (BBC, 2005). The five permanent members of the U.N. Security Council (U.S., U.K., France, Russia, and China) can account for 87% of all arms exported in the world (Campaign Against Arms Trade, 2006)."
Abstract This paper states that its research on the issue of civic engagement in global public policy confirms that citizens and peace activists all over the world have organized transnational networks in order to influence arms control policies and bring about change. Their efforts have produced mixed results, from remarkable success to complete failure. Ultimately, their influence on arms control policy depends upon their ability to generate public support for arms reductions, for public support translates into political pressure on government policymakers. The paper brings historical examples from the Cold War to illustrate this, such as the Cuban missile crisis, the Nuclear Test Ban Treaty with the Soviet Union, the Salt I Treaty, the Strategic Defense Initiative, and the START treaty. The paper concludes by stating that arms and militarism have been an inseparable part of every major empire or culture throughout human history and that this is a dilemma peace activists may not be able to resolve. The paper includes an annotated bibliography.
From the Paper "Civic engagement on arms control policy emerged in the aftermath of the Second World War in response to the development and deployment of nuclear weapons by the United States and the Soviet Union. After the fall of Nazi Germany and Imperial Japan in 1945, the United States and the Soviet Union amassed huge arsenals of atomic bombs, intercontinental ballistic missiles, strategic jet bombers, and ballistic missile submarines, and it seemed that conventional battles fought by massed armies of tanks and infantry would never occur again. The general consensus among government officials and the public as well was that possession of nuclear weapons was the new measure of any nation's military power."
Abstract This paper describes the impact of small arms proliferation in Southeast Asian region. It highlights studies that detail illegal activities that allow rebels access to small arms with which to perpetrate further chaos in the country by undermining vital aspects of basic human security.
Contents
Introduction
Small Arms Proliferation and its Impacts on Human Security in Southeast Asia
From the Paper "According to the "Small Arms Survey 2002: Counting the Human Cost" published by the University of Geneva, the total number of human lives lost to small arms has reached approximately 639 million worldwide. Relatedly, according to the United Nations, the current number of small arms around the world is estimated to be 500 million to 1 billion. Light weapons are found to be the principal cause of death in conflicts around the world with the vast number of casualties belonging to civilians. It appears that despite the numerous lives lost, small arms and light weapons remain largely available in the world.
Small arms proliferation and their subsequent misuse by criminal elements have not only caused massive deaths but also undermined the equally important aspects of human security. These aspects include economic security, food security, health security, environmental security, personal security, community security and political security. With the increasing level of small arms proliferation and the resulting instability and insecurity it causes, human security is threatened. It serves to prolong the violent intra-state conflicts, and worst, encourage the demand for more arms for more profit to arms peddlers and for self-defense of neglected civilians. It is in this context that human security is examined amidst the proliferation and misuse of small arms in Southeast Asia."
Abstract Since the hijackings of September 11, there has been a great deal of controversy involving the arming of airline pilots. Whether or not this is a good idea is the topic of this paper.
Abstract This paper is a literature review of a very important topic; namely, the relationship between the state of the European arms manufacturing sector and the harmonization of European militaries under the "aegis" of the European Union (Eurocorps in particular). The paper examines the statistical evidence available, EU documents that are available (many are not) as well as any interviews that have been conducted examining the issue. Ultimately, the pros and cons of the aforementioned relationship does not provide for easy answers.
Abstract The paper discusses the proposal to arm airline pilots. The paper looks at those in favor who argued that pilots needed the means to repel invaders into the cockpit. Those not in favor argued that it was dangerous for pilots to be carrying firearms and that doing so also put them in danger. The paper describes how the issue was considered as various legislation was proposed and as an increased effort was made to train air marshals for service to protect the flying public. The paper points out that the question is still often raised and continues to foster debate.
Abstract This paper explains that increased trade between countries does create wealth; however, the rules of the trade game are such that the wealth being generated by increased level of international trade does not reach all sections of the world in a fair manner. The author argues that there is an urgent need for creating a level-playing field for all in international trade so that the benefits reach everyone; organizations such as the WTO and the IMF, which make and oversee trade rules and international monetary policies, must be purged of the pervasive influence of large multi-national corporations and big business. The paper relates that unprecedented development in the communication and information technologies in the last few decades and the eclipse of communism have given a great boost to international trade; international trade leads to prosperity and development but such trade also gives rise to a number of problems such as increasing inequality and rural poverty.
Table of Contents
The Pros and Cons of International Trade Reasons Why Increased International Trade is Beneficial
Growing International Trade Pros: Benefits of Increased International Trade Growth in Countries that Adopted Free-Trade Policies
Example of the United States
Cons: The Disadvantages
Policies Based on Corporate Interests
Removing the Guiding Hand
How International Free Trade Policies Favor Big Corporations
Corporations Exempt from Free Market Discipline
Inequality
Rural Poverty
Trade and Environment
Analysis of the Arguments
What Should Be Done?
Conclusion
From the Paper "The colonialist powers, particularly Britain, had realized the benefits of international trade after its industrial revolution although it is highly debatable whether such trade was beneficial for the colonies as well. In the last two decades, international monetary institutions such as IMF and trade organizations, particularly the Word Trade Organization (WTO) have been at the forefront for promoting free international trade. Unrestricted international trade has been touted as the panacea for all economic ills and an agent of development. The results of international trade have, however, been mixed. While supporters of free trade point to several success stories such as China, others point to the growing inequality, economic shocks such as the Asian Economic Crisis of 1997, and the increasing poverty in Sub-Saharan Africa as "fruits" of increased international trade (also known as globalization)."
This paper analyzes the issue of the U.S. trade balance and its significant impact on the exchange rate in America due to the burgeoning trade deficit and declining value of the dollar against other major world currencies.
Abstract This paper examines the relationship between the trade balance and the exchange rate. The writer details the general rule of economics that states a negative trade deficit normally leads to a weaker currency while trade surplus results in enhanced value of currency, although there are exceptions to the rule, which are detailed in this paper. This paper discusses the issue of the U.S. trade balance and its effect on the exchange rate of the country's currency which is currently in the limelight due to the burgeoning U.S. trade deficit and the declining value of the dollar against other major world currencies. The writer of this paper delves into America's economy against that of China's and questions whether the U.S. dollar will retain its status of the reserve currency in the long run. This paper touches on the opinions and views of economists and U.S. treasury officials who contend that the current trade deficit is nothing to be alarmed about as the country's economy and the U.S. dollar survived a similar slide in the late 1980s. This paper also discusses the opinion of the U.S. administration that believes the alleged under-valuation of the Chinese Yen is a prime source for the deficit problems since there is a huge and growing trade imbalance between the U.S. exports and imports to China. The well-researched and well-written paper clearly define the terms: Trade balance, exchange rate and reserve currency.
Table of Contents:
What is Trade Balance?
What is Exchange Rate?
The Extent of Trade Balance Deficit in the U.S.
What is a Reserve Currency?
Can the U.S. Dollar Retain its 'Reserve Currency' Status for Long?
Is the U.S. Trade Deficit Sustainable?
Is China the Source of the Deficit Problem?
Possible Solutions to the Trade Deficit Problem
Conclusion
References
From the Paper "The key question is, can the US dollar retain its status of the resrve currency for long? History suggests that it may not. Before the advent of the dollar as the world's reserve currency, the British Pound had enjoyed such a status. Between the two World Wars and the post-World War II period saw the weakeing of the British economy. As a result, the British Pound was devalued by 30% in 1949, effectively ending its run as the world's reserve currency and the start of the dollar's reign. Dollar has been able to retain its status as the reserve currency since it was relatively stable, was backed up by the formidable economy of the US, low interest rates and the absence of an alternative currency."
Abstract This paper compares the values of free trade to managed trade. It begins by defining trade and identifying the ideal trade. The paper argues that free trade is the best policy to increase prosperity and equality in a capitalist society. It describes managed trade as the current situation, as tariffs and trade policy try to create fair grounds for commerce between two nations, as seen through the example of Japan and the United States. The writer states that protectionist policies, as used in managed trade, have been the anthem of the past and have led to war and conflict.
From the Paper "Trade is the exchange of goods and services between two countries. In order for trade to be successful, both sides must perceive that they benefit from the exchange, or the trade will not take place. In a perfect world, both parties go away from the trade happy that they have ridded themselves of something of which they have surplus, and gained something of value to them. However, in the real world, this does not happen all of the time and one party or the other walks away feeling ?cheated.?
Tags: world, trade, organization, wto, globalization, capitalism, capitalist, policy, global, economy, equality, tariff, japan, usa, united, states
This paper is a detailed analysis of the literature relating to the United States trade policy with China and its affects on civil liberties within China.
Abstract This work makes a thorough review of the available literature relating to U.S. trade relations and policy with China, as well as the impact that free trade has had upon human civil rights and democracy in the country of China. The paper states that one of the important outcomes of free trade in the country of China has been the reduction of poverty. This in turn, according to the paper, has lead to growing power vested in citizens of the country and less power vested in the ruling party. Furthermore, it asserts that the rapid change in China has been termed to be a 'transformation' in many primary aspects of living demonstrated in the improved economic and financial aspects in China, as well as serving to impact political aspects in the country as well. The paper concludes that the government in China does not appear to be ready to shun the economic benefits of trade liberalization even if that means making room for the effects of democratization that goes along with economic benefits.
Outline:
Introduction
Idealism versus Realism
Free Trade: U.S.and China Trade Relations
Trade Liberalization and Democratization
Creeping Democratization (Minxin, 1995)
Summary and Conclusion
From the Paper "The work of Ying Ma relates that in spite of what the United States or even the citizens of China may desire, 'the Chinese Government has so far quashed and neutralized pressure for fundamental political change. Beijing controls and stunts precisely those instruments that contribute to the success of broad-cased domestic opposition: It cracks down on political opponents, co-opts potential ones, and indoctrinates the masses. It is eagerly attempting to maximize economic modernization while minimizing its liberalizing effects.' (Ma, 2007) Ying Ma states that there are several 'concrete steps' that might assist promotion of democracy in China. The first of these steps is that 'the United States should not wade into the quandary of slowing Chinese economic growth and cannot stop the Chinese government from institutionalization itself or co-opting its rival political groups,...' however it is possible that the U.S. can do more toward combating 'other sources of authoritarian resilience by strengthening China's political opposition and countering the regime's restriction of coordination goods that range from press freedom to the ability to organize.'"
Abstract This paper deals with the imperialism of free trade and the expansion of this trade between many countries in the world and England of the time. The paper also includes a review of how trade was organized then and how it is organized now. In addition to this, the paper details a few controls which have resulted in our modern day trade that also allow many of us to enjoy vast trade benefits which might not have been the case if imperialism of trade had not occurred.
From the Paper "In the early 1800s the British Empire was still recovering from the economic blow to their nation from the fight for the American Colonies, as well as massive industrial growth within their own country. Financially the bill was significant but the trade issues that faced the country were new and would only improve the financial state of the government, as well as the company owners and traders. However, as with all things, trading would be a very sensitive issue with some countries and obviously a political issue in England, as well as the chosen countries of trade."
Abstract This paper discusses the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the free trade that it supports. The paper presents and discusses the debate over the WTO and free trade and presents the views of those who support it and are critical of it. It examines the fundamental inequality in global trade that is fostered by the WTO and suggests that global trade serves to support the wealth and power of a global economic elite.
From the Paper "As this example suggests, while global trade and its associated wealth may be expanding rapidly - a process which the WTO seems to support - in many cases this expansion serves to promote inequality on a global scale instead of shared prosperity. When we consider that only 1/200th of the price of an average coffee beverage is actually paid to the original harvester of the crop, we can understand the extraordinary profits made at different middle stages of the trade before coffee is actually consumed in the wealthy markets of the world. The expanding and highly profitable global trade in coffee thus allows us to understand that while trade may expand and greater wealth is created as a result, this does not necessarily have to be equally or fairly distributed wealth. In fact, in many cases, global trade seems to support greater inequality."
Abstract This paper examines how economic development of any country promotes the trade and business and how free trade and liberalization in trade policies, on behalf of the governments, help the businesses to flourish and effectively compete in the world market. The writer covers the issues related to the economic development of the developing nations and discusses the aspects that have caused hindrance in the economic development of these countries. Finally the paper cites the example of a developing country (India) and discusses how liberalization in trade has helped it in making remarkable achievements with respect to economic growth and to bring improvements in its industry and trade.
From the Paper "In an era of increased globalization and advancements in technology, it has become increasingly important for all of the nations of the world to keep bringing improvements in their economic infrastructure and to expand their businesses on the global scale. It has been observed that without a reasonable level of economic development any country cannot gain a competitive position in the world market. This is the dilemma faced by most of the developed nations of the world."
