Abstract This paper provides an American-centered look at the issue of democracy and how the United States has influenced other democracies in the world. It compares the United States to other "pure" and "impure" democracies" and draws on the recent September 11th attacks to show how America epitomises this political state.
From the paper:
"Democracy is defined as the "free and equal representation of people: the free and equal right of every person to participate in a system of government, often practiced by electing representatives of the people by the people" . Ever since King George tried to tax the colonies without allowing them a voice in the English political scene, Americans have fought mightily for their freedom, and for the ability to govern themselves. In doing so, they have also become a "beacon for democracy" around the world. Why? Because America's democratic system, although flawed, still works."
Tags: history, freedom, political, liberty, example, vote, terrorism, patriotism
Abstract This paper examines how the existence of the Cold War had many effects on liberal democratic states and also affected to a degree the way in which democracy was, and continues to be, understood in these states. The paper explains that this includes the United States, which in some ways has come to see democracy as a given that more and more people have been willing to give up aspects of a democratic state in the face of a threat, as has been seen in the acquiescence of the people to a variety of intrusions on their democratic rights since 9-11. The paper also discusses how the success of democracy in the Cold War should have solidified that political ideology as to be preferred, but its very success seems to have opened it to new threats from within. In conclusion, the paper shows that more and more, liberal democracies are defining themselves in terms of collective security over individual preference, and this signals a profound shift in thought that only makes the future more uncertain.
From the Paper "Schlesinger says that America in the past has stood as an example of a federal, multi-ethnic society that worked, but he seems to believe that this is no longer the case. The U.S. has worked because it has been able to offer answers to the question of what reasons are there for different ethnic groups to see themselves as part of the same nation. Schlesinger now sees an eruption of ethnicity in America, which may have many good consequences, but which he also believes has many bad consequences."
Tags: autonomy, terrorism, politics, America, security, Cold, War
Abstract The paper looks at the National Strategy for Combating Terrorism (NSCT), a strategic plan to protect American infrastructure from terrorist attack. The paper discusses the main tenets of the NSCT and its strengths and weaknesses. The paper concludes that the NSCT must be revised and improved to implement more efficient, logical means of fighting this war of religion and ideology.
Outline:
Introduction
Tenets of the National Strategy for Combating Terrorism Strengths of the National Strategy for Combating Terrorism Weaknesses of the National Strategy for Combating Terrorism Revisions and Improvements
From the Paper "The NSCT lays out its efforts in a comprehensive manner to facilitate a clear understanding of the strategies that will be implemented to combat terror, and terrorism. The main objective, of course, is to defeat violent extremism, which poses a definite threat to our way of life as a free and open society; and create a global environment inhospitable to violent extremists and their supporters (NSCT 2006).
"The NSCT clearly indicates that its strategies are taking into consideration the fact that terrorists and terrorist organizations have adjusted their strategies in response to United States actions, therefore the NSCT is continually being refined."
Abstract This paper explains Baudrillard's argument on "unequal returns" put forth in his article "The Violence of the Global". The paper looks at Baudrillard's analysis of the emergence of terrorism and its gradual prevalence in the period of globalization, as well as his position that universalization, globalization, and terrorism are linked together through the theory of "unequal returns", a process that occurs throughout human history and eventually leads to violence, wars, and, in present times, terrorism.
From the Paper "Baudrillard's discourse posits two important generalizations relating the three concepts enumerated earlier (universalization, globalization, and terrorism). The first assertion that he claimed was that the death, or rather, the suicide of universalization was due to the emergence and eventual dominance of globalization in the modern to post-modern societies. The second assertion that he discussed in the essay was that, due to the 'unequal return' of the opportunities given to the West by the Enlightenment-that is, usage of these positive effects of the Enlightenment and modernism without giving these benefits to other societies in return-societies that have learned to cultivate an anti-universal social culture have later resorted to acts of violence against United States through terrorism."
Abstract In this paper, it is shown that the elements of liberal democracy are not truly present in Iraqi, as the United States is controlling elections and policy made by the Iraqi government. The paper argues that democratizing Iraq will not yield positive results, as the American presence only increases terrorism and the need for the Iraqi people to demand sovereignty of their country. Though an aspect of American imperialism, there is little success in this format of foreign policy in American plans for the Middle East.
From the Paper "This governmental study will analyze the difference between liberal democracies and those imposed democratized American institutions that now reside in Iraq. By divulging the process of government, which is now present in Iraq, one can reveal how the United States holds a greater power of influence in recently ousting past President Saddam Hussein. By understanding the economic and militaristic dominance of America over Iraq, the form of government of both of these countries present their differences in power and issues of sovereignty in development. In this manner, one can understand how democracies cannot be imposed, and that democratization is unsuccessful in the current Iraqi government. The new government of Iraq, since the overthrow of Saddam Hussein in 2003, has been a burgeoning republic, which has been being developed through American intervention."
Abstract This paper discusses the theory of religious freedom and democracy in the United States and analyzes whether the country has lived up to the ideals that it was created with. The paper suggests that religious freedom and democracy in America today are more imperiled than they have ever been in the nearly four hundred years of the land's history and it discusses some of the issues that are affecting the ideals of the country.
From the Paper "The interplay of individuals, each helping his or her fellow to achieve his dreams - with Divine Aid - that is so clearly depicted in A Prayer for Owen Meany is disturbingly absent from Rothko's work. Instead, it is the entrepreneur's America, a place in which the science that provided the know-how for invention and wealth has taken over our lives and reduced them to mere blocks of drab color. It is the industrial wasteland of the brooding Industrial Age philosopher, the deep thinker who has witnessed the carnage of two world wars, and America's battle to preserve its ideals in a world of violent ideologies and rampant technology."
Abstract This paper argues that the attacks of 9/11 were the catalysts of a world culture of terrorism that is used by propaganda and censorship to blur the politics of globalization and technology and to restructure a totalitarian society. It describes the correlation between censorship and propaganda. The paper suggests that the culture of terrorism is the pretext for government and corporation control of politics and resources, including the Internet.
From the Paper "The immense profits generated by globalization dovetail neatly with military and industrial expansion in the name of democracy and the War on Terror, and they keep the population surfeited with a plethora of goods. Globalization is the direct outgrowth of the remnants of 19th century capitalism which was stuck in the nation-state, piece-meal ideology. It is insufficient to power the new global economy because "capitalism needs to fight for its legitimacy all the time" (Glasbeek, 2002); that is not profit, it is more profit through deregulation and the flattening of global dominance, the branding of "us" [U.S.]" (Klein, 2000, p.31) on the planet."
Abstract The paper shows that defining the relationship that exists between political power and international relations is a task that draws its conclusion upon a very fine line. While both of these entities have direct association with each other, they also possess their own particular arrangement within the wide and varied scheme of bureaucratic function. The paper discusses how a strong nation needs the combination of power and government in order to enact any level of global politics; however, there does not necessarily have to be any sort of democratic considerations by which to reach that objective. The paper explains how this specific point speaks directly to the concept of distorted power and its relationship to the history of terrorism, a deceptive and coercive political ideology that impacts every sector of an otherwise civilized global society.
From the Paper "The foremost aspect of war is that of force; if the element of force did not exist, there would be no motivation for battle. With this in mind, it is relatively easy to understand the notion of terrorism, inasmuch as the ultimate goal of any terrorist is to obtain the desired commodity through drastic and often deadly means of force. By understanding this obvious correlation, one can effectively argue that without the support of force on their side -- political, economic or cultural -- terrorists would not have the ability to pursue their violent protests. Part of the problem is that terrorist activity demands to be noticed, a fact that ultimately constitutes the need for force; however, if the terrorist is not acknowledged, this may lead to the need for even greater force in order to draw attention to the demands. And the incessant cycle continues."
Tags: arabs, center, democracy, freedom, fundamentalism, jews, pentagon, trade, world
Abstract The paper explains why the U.S. began anti-terrorist activities in Afghanistan in 2002 and why United Nations forces are still in Afghanistan today. The paper discusses how terrorism against foreign forces and opposition to the current democratic government are on the rise in Afghanistan today. The paper concludes that until the government can prove that it will provide a better lifestyle for all Afghan people, bin Laden and his Taliban will continue to grow and gain the confidence of the people.
From the Paper "Terrorism is not new to Afghanistan. The Afghan people have lived through several monarchies and regimes, and in December 1979, they were invaded by the Soviet Union. It took ten years, but insurgents and Afghan rebels defeated the Soviets in 1989. One of the insurgents who fought tirelessly against the Soviets was Osama bin Laden. He formed his al-Qaeda network to recruit and train terrorists to fight against the Soviets. After the Soviet-Afghan War ended, bin Laden returned to his home in Saudi Arabia, but continued his terrorist tactics, which eventually got him banned from his home country and began his intense hatred of the United States. He returned to Afghanistan and continued to recruit and train terrorists."
Abstract This paper analyzes America's position regarding global terror and questions whether U.S. wars foster worldwide hatred of Americans. The writer of this paper contends that the ongoing U.S. war on terrorism is misguided and can only promise more terrorism as a result. This paper examines the fundamentals of terrorism, which need to be understood as a means of waging warfare, usually adopted by those who possess significant strategic and militaristic shortcomings. This paper details President Bush's stance on terrorism, which became clear at the September 2002 national debate. In his speech, of which various portions of the text are cited in this paper, Bush laid out what he believed to be the primary function of the U.S. government. While many people have applauded Bush's active policy against terrorism and supported his reasoning behind the war in Iraq, there are those, like former president Jimmy Carter who feel differently. This paper touches on Carter's 2002 speech in which the former presidents brought up a number of problems he had with the movement towards Iraq. This paper also discusses the manner in which the Bush administration has chosen a particular perspective, that is intended to justify the employment of the U.S. military as a tool in rooting out terrorism.
From the Paper "Not everyone has been as enchanted by Bush's war on terrorism as Charles Colson. Jimmy Carter, in his speech to the Nobel committee in December of 2002 brought up a number of the problems he sees with the movement towards Iraq as an aspect of the war on terrorism. He quotes Ralph Bunche as having said, "To suggest that war can prevent war is a base play on words and a despicable form of warmongering." A more concrete objection is the continued unilateral actions of the United States under the Bush regime. He states, "If we accept the premise that the United Nations is the best avenue for maintenance of peace, then the carefully considered decisions of the United Nations Security Council must be enforced." This is a criticism of Bush's continued assertion that the United States needs to continue working through the United Nations, while simultaneously operating without its support."
Tags: u.s., america, war, terror, terrorism, iraq, jimmy, carter, government, political, military
Abstract This paper attempts to take an even-handed approach to understanding international terrorism. The author presents three examples of terrorism and shows why an organization would resort to terrorist activities. The types of terrorism discussed by the paper include ideological terrorism, terrorism for the liberation of an oppressed minority and state sponsored terrorism. The author concludes that international terrorism is motivated by an organization's inability to use traditional, accepted, and legitimate channels of activity to accomplish the political, ideological, or religious goals of the group.
From the Paper "An example of ideological terrorism, the Baader-Meinhof group in Germany became a leading left wing group in West Germany. As West Germany was dominated by United States notions of democracy, the left wing Red Army Faction was thus going against the grain of society. Described by government forces as a terrorist group, it saw itself a military group who was forced to rely on urban guerilla tactics to achieve their aim. The roots of the organization were those who were originally students, but the opposition grew as Communism was outlawed and many ex-Nazi right-wingers came to assume political office. This growing threat of right wing influences in the government motivated the youth as did a series of inciting events including a death of a student, shot by a member of the military. The rising tension led to a strong left opposition and a right counter-response which led to the formation of the Red Army Faction. After training with the PLO, the Red Army Faction returned to stop the urban imperialistic course of Germany instigating a series of bank robberies and arson attacks. The actions of the Red Army faction culminated in the German Autumn in 1977 in which there were substantial amounts of deaths, an important hi-jacking with Arab ties, and the ultimately resulted in the death of many of the key members of the Baader-Meinhof Group. This time was a time of fear among Germans after World War II. The objectives were never clear, but the group was in opposition to the right wing tendencies of West German and was in support of a more leftist government. Thus it was an ideological war being fought that resulted in failure as there was fear, but not substantial gains made by the Red Army Faction. "
This is an argument for the libertarian conception of self-ownership as the foundation for democracy, as opposed to other values such as republican non-domination and deliberative democracy, with treatment of empirical work on the phenomenon of voter igno
Abstract This paper looks at the notion of western democracy, and how by its very definition, impinges on our everyday lives. The author defines democracy, and looks at what democracy was intended to be, and how, as government expanded, and its influence expanded that democracy has had the opposite affect, and is not limiting our freedoms. The author also suggest ways in which we can regain the benefits that democracy was designed to provide.
From the Paper "Indeed, if we did otherwise, we would be treating people not as full members of the community among equals, but as sheep unto a shepherd, or a child unto a parent. While such relationships are certainly appropriate between the incompetent and the competent, they can hardly be countenanced for the competent, who are entitled to their own private sphere in which they can determine the meaning of their experiences and define their own ends. After all, since people are different, and even individuals change through time, no one can better know his own conception of the good and his unique set of ends better than the individual himself. The state, far removed from the individual, is in no position to make that determination, and therefore, must be neutral to conceptions of the good. The state's disallowing one to choose for himself the sort of life he leads is, in fact, a principal criterion by which we can judge its goodness."
Tags: deliberative, democracy, domination, libertarianism, non, republican, republicanism
Abstract This paper addresses the problem in creating a comprehensive definition of terrorism, noting that defining terrorism more clearly is a beginning point for further discussion. How the term is defined can determine what solutions are offered. International terrorism creates particular problems because what is seen as terrorism in one context or by one particular observer may not be seen that way by another.
From the Paper "Terrorism is a label for various forms of political violence directed at a civilian population by a non-military group trying to spread terror in order to force some political end. Americans more and more use the term as short-hand for attacks by Muslim groups, but terrorism around the world may have nothing to do with a specific religious group or political structure at all. The target of terrorism has often been the West, but terrorism can be directed at any regime that some group wants to influence. The approach taken is to frighten the populace in order to force the government to capitulate to some demand, even to the extent of demanding a complete change not merely of leadership but of the very form of government and of political ideology."
Abstract This essay deals with the topic of terrorism, with focus on the events which occurred on September 11th. The author looks at topics such as the United States' role in the war on terror, the Palestinian perspectives as well as the impacts of such terror on the world. Includes various world leaders' viewpoints on the terror attacks.
From the Paper "Terrorism is a topic that has many different viewpoints. One group's actions can be considered a terrorist act to some while others perceive it as a fight for freedom. Terrorism has become a major world issue that has affected all nations in light of the September 11 attacks. To deal with such a broad issue, many opinions must be heard in order to have any chance at resolving the problems that terrorism causes us to face. This report investigates the different perceptions and views that world leaders, ordinary citizens, as well as the various militant groups have on this controversial subject. "
Abstract The purpose of this paper is to introduce, discuss, and analyze the topic of terrorism. Specifically, it defines terrorism, how it occurs, what happens when it occurs, and the results of terrorism. In the discussion of terrorism, the author uses various examples of terror and terroristic acts.
From the Paper "Terrorism has a long and varied history, and political murder occurs as far back as the Bible. "The assassination of individuals has its origins in the prehistory of modern terrorism, but it is of course not quite the same. Historical terrorism almost always involves more than a single assassin and the carrying out of more than one operation" (Laqueur 10). Historically, groups have also engaged in terrorism since at least Biblical times. The "sicari," were an extreme group of Jews active after the Roman occupation of Palestine, who gave us the word "zealot." Secret terrorist societies have also existed in China and India since before recorded time. Clearly, terrorism is not a modern invention. It has existed for thousands of years, it has become more prevalent in modern times because terrorists have access to much more modern weapons, and can wreak extensive havoc, leaving their mark on thousands rather than just a few."
