Abstract This paper analyzes the view of constructivism on the military and strategic trends in the world today. It is structured around Christian Reus-Smit's proposition, that state military behaviors are characterized by its normative structures, identity and the mutually constitutive relationship between agents and structures.
From the Paper "For roughly the last two decades, the studies of international relations have evolved around two great debates. One is between neorealism and neoliberalism, the successors of the longer debate between realism and liberalism. Both make up the rationalist theories, believing that states are still the most important actor that seeks to maximise their gains, and ignoring moral questions. By focusing on actors that are seen to interact with each other carrying a fixed set of preferences, rationalist theories have engaged in a narrow debate."
This paper discusses whether U.S. security has been enhanced or if U.S. security has declined both economically and militarily due to the effects of globalization.
Abstract In this article, the writer discusses the question of whether globalization makes the U.S. more secure economically and militarily and looks at related reasons. This work defines globalization in its original and realistic sense and then defends why the proposed security effect is stated as an answer to the original question in this study. The writer concludes that this study clearly demonstrates that the economic and militarysecurity of the United States has been greatly reduced due to the effects of globalization and that national security is no longer limited narrowly to considerations of national defense and the preparedness of the military. Further, the writer maintains that instead national security must also take into consideration international conditions of security necessary for the preservation and enhancement of economic prosperity in the U.S. in a manner that serves to enhance free trade. Several tables are included with the paper.
Outline:
Objective
Introduction
Globalization - What is it Really?
Globalization and the Impact to DOD
Economic Aspects of Globalization
Privatization
Globalization, Free Trade and National Security Discussion
Conclusion
From the Paper "Furthermore, globalization cannot be viewed as an option of policy but instead it is simply a given that must be adapted to by policymakers. Globalization's affect to defense is in two primary ways that overlap one another. The first of these is the composition of DOD's supporting industrial base being altered in a fundamental manner requiring that DOD reengineer its business and acquisition practices and secondly, globalization has resulted in the competitive environment both militarily and technologically to be reshaped. No longer is the industrial base of DOD one that is of the nature of a dedicated industrial base for developing, producing and providing services and equipments and this is because of large defense cuts since the late 1980s, an expansion in commercial sector high-tech R&D investment and technological advancement, a sustained acquisition reform effort on the part of DOD and a transition in emphasis on the procurement of weapons and platforms to information technology that is more sophisticated and that amplifies capabilities."
Abstract This case study examines the issues surrounding the influence, intervention, sanctions, and programs applied toward Indonesia support. Key to this study are the individual people, groups, and institutions surrounding the successes and failures in this assistance and the motivations, perceptions, and agendas involved.
Table of Contents
Introduction
History
Historical Overview of Indonesia and United States' National Security Interests
U.S. Military Assistance Prior to Sanctions and How Funding was Used
Sanctions
Aim
Objectives
The Informal Universe
Issue Leaders
Overview
Indonesia Players
Institutional Linkage
Human Rights Watch
Nike
United States Military Collaboration
Issue Clusters
Assessment
Appendix A
Appendix B
Bibliography
From the Paper "According to the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs , Indonesia is a strategic key to our National Security interests. Located strategically alongside several important international maritime crossroads, ingress to the United States from the sea must be managed from such strategic locations. The United States enjoys a reliable relationship with Indonesia at this time; playing a significant role in its independence and supporting its anti-communistic position during the Cold War has worked to repay our nation in 'cordial and cooperative relations' today. Jemaah Islamiyah - a terrorist organization - made its presence known to Indonesia during terrorist attacks on Bali (October 2002) and Jakarta (August 2003). Occurring so close to the United States attacks of September 11, 2001, the alliance - although not a formal treaty - has meaning and value to both countries."
Abstract This paper presents an analysis of the Department of Homeland Security. There are four research questions that are answered in the paper:1) Does the information collected through a thorough literature review regarding the creation of the Department of Homeland Security give individuals enough information about the Department and what it does? 2) What do individuals that are in the military think of what their government is doing with this department? 3) What do civilians think of what their government is doing with this department? 4) Will the Department of Homeland Security be willing to discuss their department, their objectives and what they feel has been accomplished? The paper presents a literature review, discussion and conclusion.
Table of Contents
Chapter One
The Problem
Introduction
Statement of the Problem
Research Questions/Assumptions
Main Question
Significance of the Study Definition of Terms
Chapter Two
Review of the Literature
Introduction
Availability of Literature
Organization of the Literature Review
Literature Review
Summary
Chapter Three
Survey Methodology
Description of Research
Instrumentation
Data Gathering
Data Analysis
Limitations
Chapter Four
Presentation and Analysis of Survey Data
Presentation of Data
Analysis of Results
Summary
Chapter Five
Conclusions and Recommendations
Conclusions
Recommendations
Works Cited
From the Paper "It can be concluded from this study that it is necessary to work with the public more carefully to ensure that they understand the purpose of the Department of Homeland Security and what the Department really does when it comes to keeping them safe from terror. It appears that many people are dissatisfied with the job that is being done by the Department, but this could stem from the idea that there is simply not enough known about the Department and therefore it appears as though they are not doing anything. The military seems happier with the Department, and it is also likely that military individuals have a greater understanding of what the Department is actually doing."
Tags: public, safety, terror, threat, government, military
Abstract This paper discusses the history and use of private military corporations (PMCs), which are private organizations that provide services that have traditionally been relegated to state defense and security forces. The paper gives a general overview of private military corporations and then discusses a potential research study which will include a qualitative review of relevant literature.
Table of Contents:
General Overview
Identification of Relevant Literature
Key Research Questions
Methodology
Timeline
From the Paper "Another key piece of literature that will be explored is former Secretary of Defense William Cohen's remarks on his Defense Reform Initiative. Just as businesses in a variety of industries have needed to change in order to remain competitive, in 1997, it was determined that the Department of Defense also must look at changes to be more competitive. There was a realization that the once state of the art American DoD systems were now antiquated when comparing them to the business practices of the corporate world. And, for those systems that were developed specifically for the defense industry, it became clear that many never were up to the best business practices standard of private industry."
Abstract This paper examines how a researcher must think about the available methods that suit both the research and the goals of psychology and how human behavior is thought to be too complex to predict an individual's actions precisely. It looks at how researchers seek to develop a high degree of reliability in their measures, as well as constantly seek to improve that reliability and discusses different methodologies.
Outline
Introduction
Research Methodologies
Research in Psychology
Social Constructivism Postmodern Thought
Conclusion
From the Paper "Researchers have long debated the relative value of qualitative and quantitative inquiry (Patton, 1990). There are two types of research: phenomenological or qualitative which uses a naturalistic approach that seeks to understand phenomena in context-specific settings and logical positivism or quantitative research, which utilizes what is commonly thought of experimental methods to test hypothesis (Hoepfl, 2001). Much of the research done within human relations attempts to combine the two by designing measures which represent the reaction and, or, interaction of the individual with a specific setting. Humanistic psychologists such as A. Giogi, are among the strongest advocates of research designed to take into account all aspects of the human experience. Giogi, 1985, developed the Duquesne approach in an effort to instill an element of language diversity within the field of psychological research."
Abstract This study explores the degree to which "groupthink," as defined by Irving L. Janis in "Groupthink: The Desperate Drive for Consensus at Any Cost," proliferates small to medium-sized military organizations. The sample of the study is the employees and supervisors of a small division of the military. The research design of the work consists of a self-report survey of employees and supervisors in which they self-evaluate the degree to which 'groupthink' exists within their particular organization. The data analysis of the plan is a comparative evaluation of the responses of both employees and supervisors to evaluate the degree to which 'groupthink' is actually present.
Table of Contents
Abstract
Introduction
Definition of Terms
Review of Literature
Method
Data Collection Plan
Data Analysis Procedure
Limitations
Implications
Appendix
References
From the Paper "The concept of "groupthink" has been applied to troubling group dynamics for many years and yet it is still one of the most prevalent problems with association to group failures and poor decision-making. When decisions are made within the context of cohesion that limits the input of the often-wise individual members of the group, and excludes the in-put of the out-group, groupthink is often the cause. (Chen, Lawson, Gordon & Mcintosh, 1996, p. 581) Logical intellectual consideration is often not even considered because of the false security of the groupthink dynamic and an idea of a need for consensus, real or otherwise, despite individual misgivings or unexplored alternatives. (Janis , 1971, p. 43) "
Abstract This paper presents an analysis of the constructivism leadership model with regard to its use in education reform. It contends that in contrast to the traditional hierarchical structure of leadership, the constructivist leadership model distributes powers and responsibilities to all stakeholders in the community.
From the Paper "For this activity I selected the constructivist leadership model for further analysis. In view of the difficulties and the challenges confronted by educators with implementing educational reforms to improve the quality of education ..."
Abstract This paper discusses the US military strategy equation as applied to the African country of Niger. The writer looks at national security concerns. In this article, the writer discusses uranium resources and exports. The writer also raises the matter of a possible security threat to the U.S.
From the Paper "Niger is a landlocked country in northwest Africa. A former French colony, its name is pronounced in French fashion roughly Nee-jheir. With about twice the land area of Texas, it is one of the world's poorest countries. Of the seven countries that border Niger, the most important from a geopolitical and strategic perspective are Algeria and Libya to the north ... "
Abstract This paper examines one of the ways in which the Chilean armed forces have continued to exert power and influence in post-dictatorship Chile -through the National Security Council, a quasi-governmental institution given the role of convening to discuss threats to national security. This paper shows how, due to the failures of the council to engage in legitimate national security discourse as well as the symbolic nature of this tool of military intervention, it is in actuality a body that is not conducive to the furthering of unity, stability, and democracy within Chile.
From the Paper "Although the power and influence of the military has been diminished since the end of the Pinochet dictatorship in 1990, the Chilean armed forces nonetheless have managed to maintain a substantial political and civilian role in Chilean society after the transition back to democracy. One of the most important manifestations of this lingering power and influence has been the National Security Council, a near-perfect representation not only of the Chilean military's perpetual political ambitions but also of its fixation upon the notion of ?national security.? The symbolism of this institution has consequently cast the very existence of the National Security Council in the national spotlight, and it has been one of the most debated and controversial issues of contemporary Chilean politics, especially in the current administration of Socialist Ricardo Lagos. The negative consequences of a sustained opportunity for military involvement in civilian and political affairs, even on a seemingly small scale, such as exists with the National Security Council in its present form is not conducive to further democratic growth and unity in Chilean society. What this paper aims to do is identify the importance of the National Security Council in its implications on civilian-military relations, national unity, stability, and democracy, and to explain how it is an obstacle to these principles."
Abstract This paper details how the homeland defense roles of the U.S. Department of Defense and the military have changed since the 9-11 terrorist attacks. The paper also describes the differences between homeland security and homeland defense.
From the Paper "Just as the end of World War II and the rise and fall of Soviet power had significant effects on U S foreign policy of that time, the tragic and terrifying events of September have changed the context of national security. The shocking realities of America's vulnerabilities and a shift in the identity of its enemies became grossly apparent as the entire nation watched the Twin Towers fall on national television. No longer is the enemy a great..."
Abstract This paper examines how the success of a terrorist act depends on the nature of the terrorist activity and the aims of the organisation. It looks at how there have been a number of successes in terms of securing specific demands in the past such as 1970 'skyjacking' operation by the PFLP. In contrast, it also discusses how terrorism can be divisive and how it can engender the very opposite of what it sets out to do such as the 2005 London bombings. It looks at how a post 9/11 society is one that treats the threat of terrorism as a consequence of modern city living and how this is perhaps the ultimate irony of terrorism and the main reason why it could never be considered a reasonable military strategy. The more terrorist activity there is, the less political value it has. It concludes that terrorism is perhaps the only strategy that many disenfranchised groups have which may account for its constant presence on the global political stage.
From the Paper "Terrorism shocks not merely through the use of physical violence but through the symbolic transgression of social morality and national security. Terrorism, as many commentators have suggested (Townshend, 2000; Laqueur, 1999; Chomsky, 2001 etc) goes right to heart of what makes us safe; it forces us to pay attention to it whether we want to nor not. The recent proliferation of video taped messages from leaders of suspected terrorist groups such as Al Qaeda is a testament to the symbol over the actual act of physical violent; there is nothing violent in the images of Osama bin Laden addressing the world through the Aljazeera television networks but it has tremendous symbolic presence - in a world that is dominated by media and communication technology, as Van der Veer and Munshi (2004) suggest, one of the major successes of modern terrorist organisations is their ability to use the resources of their enemies: the Internet, satellite television, mobile phones and the mass media."
Abstract This paper looks at how the U.S. plays an important role in maintaining peace and stability in the Asian-Pacific region and has successfully intervened in a number of potentially volatile security situations. It examines a number of alternative security arrangements and their viability as a regional order is explored. The first alternative arrangement is the rise of a regional hegemon to replace the U.S; the second alternative is a multi polar balance of power; and the third alternative is a mature security community. It concludes that each of the three alternatives has shortcomings, and do not compare favorably to the current regional order. Finally, the paper considers the likelihood of the U.S. leaving Asia-Pacific security to the Asians, and what impact current U.S. policies have on that prospect.
Outline:
Introduction
Meaning of the Term
What Role Does the U.S. Play?
Alternative Security Orders
Will the U.S. Leave Security to the Asians?
Conclusion
From the Paper "The U.S. has been at the apex of a unilateral international system since the end of the Cold War, and has the ability to project power across the globe. The disparity in power between the U.S. and other regional actors is enormous, especially in power projection capability, defence technologies and intelligence gathering capability. Although U.S. dominance includes economic, technological and cultural power, these serve an important function of reinforcing military power, with the U.S. able to increase military spending whilst spending a smaller percentage of its GDP. At the end of the Cold War the U.S. pursued a hegemonic strategy and entrenched its role as the guarantor of regional security. Its approach to regional security is a 'hub and spoke' arrangement and includes important bilateral security ties with Japan, South Korea, Taiwan and countries in South-East Asia. "
Abstract This paper presents the concept known as the security dilemma whereby an increase in one state's security produces a decrease in the security of other states. An example of this is seen in the situation which developed in the lead up to the first world war. The writer uses Robert Jervis and his work "Offense, Defense, and the Security Dilemma" as a reference point for many of the issues raised here. The writer also makes use of James Joll's "The Origins of the First World War" when referencing World War One as an example of the security dilemma.
From the Paper "The reason for the effect of the security dilemma is easily seen--when one state increases its security to a certain point, its neighbors feel less secure if they perceive the protective forces of the first state to be capable of attacking them. A more secure state is perceived to be a potentially more aggressive state, whether this is the case or not. The Cold War arms race was based in part on the security dilemma. Each side kept increasing its armaments because the other side was doing so, and any increase in the security of the other side meant a decrease in our own security."
Abstract This paper focuses on analyzing a particular aspect of the National Security Strategy, that is, NSS-2002. It uses the National Security Council Report 68 (NSC-68) as a reference point to understand the difference in the perceptions of threat facing the United States and the difference between the two policies. The connection between the two policies highlights some political, economic, and cultural realms that have been affected by the dimensions of the policy. Overall, it is clear that US foreign policy is reactive rather than preventative, since both NSS-2002 and NSC-68 were devised to counter, rather than to prohibit actions that were seen as harmful to the United States. The paper concludes that even domestic policies necessarily affect global economy, due to the integration of societies, thus careful consideration of foreign policy on use of power is imperative.
Outline:
Introduction
National Security Strategy (NSS-2002) and NSC-68: A Critical Review
Conclusion
From the Paper "What are the similarities and differences between the NSS-2002 and the NSC-68? There is the common misconception that the NSS-2002 is simple about combating terrorism. As can be clearly seen from the eight principles outlines, the NSS-2002 surpasses combating terrorism, but has an overarching aim of promoting free trade and combating all aspects of terrorism. It is necessary to distinguish between state-sponsored and non-state sponsored terrorism, so as to understand how the NSS-2002 integrates all aspects of threats irrespective or origin and devises mechanisms to combat these issues."
Tags: foreign, policy, economy, terrorism, military, force
