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The Role of America in the Current Global System, 2008.
An examination of America's rivals - political, economic, technological and cultural.
2,830 words (approx. 11.3 pages), 13 sources, MLA, AU$ 122.95
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Abstract
This paper argues that the United States faces a powerful, upcoming challenge from Asian rivals - most of all, from India - that may lead to the end of the Pax Americana by the end of this century. The paper examines how America rose to pre-eminence in the world, in part, because of war; that is to say, the Civil War allowed it to develop a formidable army, infrastructure and communications network, while the Second World War so enervated Europe that the US was able to confidently step into the vacuum. The paper also looks at how America's enemies or rivals can engage the US by fighting a variety of different "wars" that are not military in nature - wars that are technological, economic, political and cultural in nature. The writer suggest that although the pillars of American prosperity and might have been historically durable, shifting currents could change all that. The writer then concludes that ultimately, America must start re-assessing the course it is on or its empire will end up in the dustbin of history.
From the Paper
"The origins of the rise to power of the United States may be found in the nineteenth century. Obviously, this was the century that saw America overwhelm natives at home, settle the vast expanses of the west, capture Texas and New Mexico, and finally resolve the painful slavery issue that had taken so much out of the union for so long. More than that, the nineteenth century was a period in which the country emerged as a formidable military power - ironically because of the very Civil War that resulted in so much carnage. Specifically, the American Civil War was the first war in which "mechanized and electrified devices" like railroad trains, aerial observation, photography, telegraphy, mines, torpedoes, ironclad ships and rifles were all used; in short, these recent innovations were modified and adapted to the exigencies of war."
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Computers and American National Defense, 2008.
A discussion on computer terrorism in the United States.
1,483 words (approx. 5.9 pages), 4 sources, MLA, AU$ 71.95
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Abstract
This paper examines how the electronic defense system in America (one of the world's most powerful states) is protected and how vulnerable it may be. The paper explains what the consequences of a security breach could be, and what additional steps we should take to protect ourselves. The paper then discusses computer terrorism. The writer believes that being the world's hyper-power is a bulwark in many ways against attack, but the elevated position of the US does not leave it invulnerable. The writer concludes that the US needs to integrate its human resources and to "lean" a little more on the expertise and crime-fighting capabilities of allies, and if it does those things, the risk of computer terrorism will be reduced.
From the Paper
"The most obvious step that the American military takes in combating hackers and terrorists is to prepare its young cadets for the challenges these individuals pose. Unsurprisingly, the Air Force Academy, the Military Academy at West Point, the Naval Academy, the Coast Guard Academy and the Naval Postgraduate School have all spent the last six years conducting something called the annual Cyber Defense Exercise. This competition pits student representatives from each school against professional hackers, with the school that enjoys the most success against the "pros" receiving top awards."
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The Nature of War and the Significance of Strategy, 2008.
An essay on the military strategies of various war leaders.
1,987 words (approx. 7.9 pages), 10 sources, MLA, AU$ 91.95
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Abstract
The paper discusses many well-known ancient commentators of war and highlights the thoughts expressed by one of the most famous of these commentators, Sun Tzu, who lived some time between 500 and 300 B.C.E., during the warring kingdoms period in China. The paper goes on to discuss the five factors Sun Tzu saw necessary for implementing war and then compares his ideas with that of Henri-Antoine Jomini, who was influenced by the Napoleonic era, and many others. The paper concludes that with the power of nuclear warheads today perhaps mankind has realized that "warring" is no longer an option.
From the Paper
"While there are many commentators in western history, including notably Thucydides and Julius Caesar - both of them practitioners as well as commentators - perhaps the most notable of the ancient commentators is a person of who we know very little. We believe Sun Tzu lived some time between 500 and 300 B.C.E., during the warring kingdoms period in China. His various teachings on war were written out some 200 years later."
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State-Led Development vs. Foreign Investment, 2008.
Examines if Third World states should pursue economic development through state-led development or through foreign investments as in the cases of Malaysia and Uganda.
2,490 words (approx. 10.0 pages), 11 sources, MLA, AU$ 109.95
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Abstract
This paper argues that Third World states should pursue state-led economic development over development achieved through foreign investment. The paper states that Third World states that are indebted to other states and organizations will be susceptible to conditional loans and to the withholding of needed aid. The paper relates that countries that insist upon state-led development instead of upon foreign aid/investment are in a better-position to maintain appropriate working standards for domestic workers and to distribute resources to indigenous sectors that will spark economic growth and diversification. The paper then compares Malaysia, a country that tries to avoid reliance upon foreign investment to Uganda, a nation that is heavily dependent upon foreign investment. The paper concludes that Malaysia's approach works better.
From the Paper
"Supporters of foreign investment as a tool for national economic development may be in the minority, but they keep returning to the fact that struggling countries in need of funds have little recourse but to turn to international lending bodies for assistance. They point to the fact that the IMF sanctioned a much-needed three-year, low-interest Enhanced Structural Adjustment Facility worth nearly $180 million in Special Drawing Rights for Uganda. The World Bank, in the period 1989-90, also approved additional supplements totaling nearly $300 million."
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Economic Realities and Human Freedom, 2008.
An analysis of the philosophies of J.S. Mill, Jean-Jacques Rousseau and Karl Marx with relation to economic realities and human freedom.
2,139 words (approx. 8.6 pages), 3 sources, MLA, AU$ 96.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the philosophies of J.S. Mill, Jean-Jacques Rousseau and Karl Marx. It argues that these philosophers' notions of human freedom are intimately entwined with their respective attempts to address and rectify the increasingly intolerable economic order of the day. More specifically, the paper maintains that Mill's notion of human freedom actually works to preserve the status quo, while Rousseau's and Marx's do not shy away from calling for a complete and systematic overthrow.
From the Paper
"The same can be said of Marx's understanding of nationalism. In The Communist Manifesto, that thrilling duel between bourgeoisie and proletariat, he famously writes that, "The Communists are further reproached with desiring to abolish countries and nationality. The working men have no country. We cannot take from them what they have not got" (Marx and Engels 174). According to Marx, nations and nationalism, like religion, are illusions, as the working poor are barred from participating in the political life of the nations that work to ensure their miserable living standards. Here, Marx erred badly. His instance on the irrelevancy of national differences is, obviously, one of the necessary preconditions for socialist revolution, but the history of the past century emphatically highlighted the link between the poor and nationalism. Poor people are, in fact, far more willing to don uniforms and sacrifice their lives in war than are the sons and daughters of the wealthy, and a casual glance at the disproportionately high representation of this nation's poor in the armed forces attests to the power of nationalism. And yet, Marx would likely argue that illusions, powerful as they may be, are still illusions. Accordingly, much of his work aims to unveil systems of thought that hinder human freedom."
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Sense and Nonsense about Criminal Justice, 2008.
A discussion, based on S. Walker's "Sense and Nonsense about Crime and Drugs", of the political nature of criminal justice in the United States and empirical evidence that should be used in making it independent.
3,477 words (approx. 13.9 pages), 1 source, MLA, AU$ 142.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the link between the criminal justice system and politics in the United States. It suggests that independence for the criminal justice system would have to be paired with strict oversight, but could permit the development of new criminal justice policies that were based entirely on the empirical evidence and not on the political ideologies of politicians. The paper bases its arguments on "Sense and Nonsense about Crime and Drugs" by S. Walker.
From the Paper
"Perhaps the most significant reason why criminal justice policies have had such limited effect is because they have not been based on available evidence and rigorous testing. Evidence-based policymaking is only recently coming into its own in the United States. This trend in criminal justice is perhaps the most important one to date. It should be encouraged without question. Evidence-based policymaking will help actors in the criminal justice system to sort through the current policies and weed out the ones that simply do not work to reduce crime or, worse, actually have an adverse effect on the goals of the system. Additionally, this approach to criminal justice can help design new, more effective, policies that are based on sound science and evidence instead of wishful thinking and faith in commonsense metaphors. It short, the lack of evidence-based testing in the criminal justice system has been a major factor in the limited effectiveness of existing policies. Incorporating empirical evidence and testing into the policy process will improve the quality of criminal justice policies in the future."
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On Leadership: Sun Tzu, Clausewitz and Machiavelli, 2008.
A summary and review of the assessments of leadership of Sun Tzu, Carl von Clausewitz and Niccolo Machiavelli.
1,436 words (approx. 5.7 pages), 3 sources, MLA, AU$ 68.95
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Abstract
The paper discusses aspects of leadership as discussed by Sun Tzu, Carl von Clausewitz and Niccolo Machiavelli as well as the evaluation of one's situation in decision making and the shortcomings of incorrect planning and strategic action. The paper emphasizes that leadership is in no small part the ability to sort through the chaos of a situation and to persevere in imposing order. The paper states further that the ability to discern and to be flexible in one's approach, coupled with the relentless pursuit of a goal, are the keys to final success.
From the Paper
"In this conduct toward the goal, there is no substitute for lucid thought. Discernment, and with it the ability to be flexible in one's approach, coupled with the relentless pursuit of the goal, are the keys to final success. A strategic leader often has control over nothing more than his own talents: his imagination, his creativity, and his intuition. The skilful and successful leader is the one who can, in the chaos of a situation, use these attributes, along with their "iron will and a powerful sense of purpose" to overcome the chaos and the opposition that confront him. Remarkably, one of the most profound statements that Clausewitz made about war remains true about war and about virtually any demanding situation:"
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The UN and Iraq, 2008.
This paper contends that the United Nations is plagued by bias, as shown by the Iraq war.
719 words (approx. 2.9 pages), 4 sources, MLA, AU$ 37.95
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Abstract
The paper contends that although the United Nations presents itself to the world as a neutral body, it is plagued by the rivalries between its member states. The paper discusses how rivalries and bias at the UN were especially troublesome during the Security Council debates preceding the invasion of Iraq by the United States. The paper contends that ultimately, the UN is going to be plagued by bias, for its member states will always be far too inclined to place their own national interests above the interests of the international community as a whole.
From the Paper
"Over the past sixty years United Nations operations have reflected the peacekeeping mission statement of the UN, and have most commonly been implemented in order to supervise and help maintain cease-fires, to assist in troop withdrawals, and to provide an internationally supervised buffer zone between opposing and hostile forces. However, peace-keeping operations are flexible instruments of United Nations policy and have been adopted to a variety of uses, including helping to implement the final settlement of a conflict. (Rikhye 55-61)"
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Free Trade and World Hunger, 2008.
This paper discusses why free trade, as it is presently constituted, does not diminish world hunger.
1,447 words (approx. 5.8 pages), 4 sources, MLA, AU$ 70.95
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Abstract
The writer of this article, notes that as trade barriers come down and as the world grows more inter-connected and inter-dependent, it is tempting to suggest that free trade is the antidote to world hunger. This paper explores how free trade globalization has compelled some areas of the globe to specialize or concentrate in the harvesting/cultivation of foodstuffs that are anticipated to sell well in foreign (western) markets or have done so in the past. The writer argues that free trade has not, and will not, as it stands right now, reduce global hunger inasmuch as those markets that have sufficient wealth to "fatten" the bottom lines of agricultural corporations will continue to be catered to, while the economic and health-related needs of the global poor will be cast aside in the quest for profits. The writer concludes that unregulated free markets that do not demand a social conscience on the part of producers or corporations do nothing to alleviate world hunger.
From the Paper
"One other thing that happens is that free trade as it is presently constituted advantages the wealthy populations of the world while disadvantaging the poor peoples of the globe. This occurs because, as we in a free market global economy relentlessly define food productivity by production per unit of labor, any technological or business "advance" that can be implemented in a developing part of the world with the end goal of boosting food production - or at least foodstuff production when it comes to a desirable commodity - is coveted to the exclusion of all other concerns, such as fears of environmental displacement and social/labor dislocation. Suffice it to say, new adaptations may include the aforementioned introduction of new pesticides as well as new forms of bio-engineering; not to be overlooked, food producers may look at the re-deployment of the infrastructural or manufacturing resources of a region in ways that facilitate the production of one or a few types of "in-demand" foodstuffs as opposed to deployments that facilitate the production of many different types of foodstuffs. These so-called "innovations" frequently do little more than result in over-specialization, resource exhaustion, and in a loss of jobs for those who are not involved in the cultivation of in-demand goods."
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The Presidency of George H. W. Bush, 2008.
An analysis of the success and failure of the presidency of George H. W. Bush.
2,170 words (approx. 8.7 pages), 5 sources, MLA, AU$ 97.95
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Abstract
This paper examines some of the major events during George H. W. Bush's presidency. The paper analyzes his accomplishments during his presidency and explains that his influence was such that it is at times difficult to remember that he was only a one-term president. In fact, some of the events that took place during his presidency, as well as his response to them, are still having an effect today. The paper concludes that President George Herbert Walker Bush is an intriguing blend of both success and failure. The paper suggests that though his military actions were swift and apparently successful in terms of accomplishing certain set goals, they were not significant in reducing the overall problems in either Panama or Iraq.
Outline:
Major Events
Panama Invasion
The Savings and Loan Bailout Scandal
The Americans with Disabilities Act
The Collapse of the Soviet Union
Persian Gulf War
Success or Failure?
Conclusion
From the Paper
"Even before Bush's presidency, Manuel Noriega was considered a serious problem. The Reagan administration had attempted to provide Noriega with aid for the Contras, which he then used to send illegal drugs into the United States (Childress 83). In addition, Noriega had already been found to be involved in money laundering for the considerable drug trade that went through Panama. Finally, this dictator was considered guilty of many human rights violations of his country's people. According to Ryan J. Barilleaux and Mark Rozell, George Bush himself expressed the desire to see Noriega removed from his position, in May 1989 and, for the reasons mentioned above, the American public favored his overthrow (28)."
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A Rugged Individualist, 2008.
This paper looks at Thomas Paine as a rugged individualist.
962 words (approx. 3.8 pages), 5 sources, APA, AU$ 50.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer explains that rugged individualism can be defined as a belief that all individuals can succeed on their own with very little help from government. The writer notes that Herbert Hoover's administration was a proponent of rugged individualism possibly to the detriment of the country, as the stock market crash of 1929 and the Great Depression took place during Hoover's presidency. The paper then demonstrates why Paine was a rugged individualist through examination of his writings, "Common Sense" and "American Crisis". The writer maintains that one can take the creating of the American Constitution as a call from a rugged individualist to separate man from government while bringing him into an interdependent relationship with government. The writer concludes that this type of involvement with government and rugged individualism is different than the Hoover Administration's definition of government and rugged individualism.
Outline:
Definition
Introduction
Analysis
Conclusion
From the Paper
"The rugged individualism that Paine was defining called for lack of government oppression not lack of government. The constant increase in taxes and rules of movement and trade were suffocating the Colonists to a point where they developed hate for government and in relation to getting English rule out of the Colonies they became rugged individualist. But when the Colonist talked of the government they would create it was an interdependent government and the rugged individualist fervor was not part of the Constitution."
"History shows that even before Paine's "Common Sense' pamphlet came out there were strong sentiments in blaming the British for the sufferings of the colonies. "Common Sense" sharpened this focus and placed direct responsibility onto King George III."
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Diplomacy and International Terrorism, 2008.
An analysis of the purpose of the official face-to-face talks held recently by representatives of the United States and the Islamic Republic of Iran.
1,274 words (approx. 5.1 pages), 5 sources, MLA, AU$ 62.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses diplomacy and international relations with particular regard to official face-to-face talks held recently by representatives of the United States and the Islamic Republic of Iran. The paper discusses the contradictory nature of the foreign policies agendas of the two nations and concludes that the recent face-to-face talks were little more than a superficial public relations stunt and will have little if any impact on combating international terrorism.
From the Paper
"In conclusion, the first official face to face talks in thirty years between the United States and the Islamic Republic of Iran generated a lot of media attention and speculation, but they are unlikely to produce any meaningful progress in dealing with international terrorism because of the diametrically opposed worldviews of these two nations. Iran and the United States have incompatible foreign policy agendas--the Bush Administration is implacably opposed to any expansion of Iranian influence in the Middle East and the Teheran government is implacably opposed to the expansion of American influence in the region. Consequently, the recent face to face talks were little more than a superficial public relations stunt and will have little if any impact on combating international terrorism."
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Philosophers' Conceptions of Human Freedom, 2008.
Compares Karl Marx's conception of human freedom to that of John Stuart Mill and Jean Jacques Rousseau.
1,260 words (approx. 5.0 pages), 7 sources, MLA, AU$ 61.95
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Abstract
This paper stresses that philosophers have long pursued a deeper understanding of the nature of human freedom. The paper describes the beliefs of Jean Jacques Rousseau, which purport that human freedom is achieved through the rejection of the modern and the material in an effort to reach a more primitive and natural human state. The paper then relates that John Stuart Mill accepts modern society but dictates that it must be structured to facilitate happiness in the greatest number of society's individuals, thus arguing that human freedom is achieved through personal-political freedoms. The paper then suggests that both of these philosophies are too unrealistic, allowing for little or no clear path toward freedom. The paper concludes that a more realistic Karl Marx provides the idea that society can only move toward freedom after understanding the material conditions of society.
From the Paper
"Marx would say that this definition of freedom is too abstract. By Marx's terms, Mill's definition is not really freedom because it does not take into consideration the many factors of politics, society, and history. For example, a man in Mill's ideal society cannot achieve freedom simply through the pursuit of happiness and the lessening of pain. The man must still work, whether or not he is encouraged to choose the type of work. In a capitalist society, a larger body or industry will inevitably control his work."
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Wealth and Democracy, 2008.
This paper provides a review of Kevin Phillips' book, "Wealth and Democracy: A Political History of the American Rich".
1,255 words (approx. 5.0 pages), 1 source, MLA, AU$ 61.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer notes that Kevin Phillips' book, "Wealth and Democracy: A Political History of the American Rich", examines the impact wealthy Americans have had on politics since America's colonial days in the eighteenth-century. The writer points out that the author's purpose in writing this book was to analyze the interaction between American governance and the accumulation of wealth. The writer also discusses that Phillips warns that such interaction have undermined the functioning of democracy to such an extent that our system of government resembles a plutocracy much more than it does a democracy. The writer concludes that the greatest strength of this book is its comprehensiveness and that readers should agree with Phillips' theme and conclusions despite the complex format of his book.
From the Paper
"The logic behind the topics of the chapters is based upon Phillips' intention to systematically reveal and analyze the interplay between politics, finance, and economics. For the most part, the chapters go together well to form the book, but coherence is lost at times because there is so much material to cover and the dynamics are so complex. The fit between the thesis of this book and the logic of the book's organization is not perfect by any means, but the historical, economic, political, and social scope of Wealth and Democracy is so broad that its organizational format had to be flexible in order for Phillips to support his thesis from all of these perspectives.
"Phillips places his work into the historiography of American politics and government by making a convincing case that democracy in this country has never really existed as the Founding Fathers intended it to exist."
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Distinctive Cultural Region, 2008.
This paper looks at the religious and political ties in eighteenth century Quebec that turned that part of Canada into a distinctive cultural region.
808 words (approx. 3.2 pages), 4 sources, APA, AU$ 41.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer notes that Quebec is unique within English-speaking North America because it is a large, self-contained geographical region that is characterized by a strong, if no longer overwhelming, French-speaking presence and by a culture that is still informed by Roman Catholicism. With this in mind, the writer looks at how the religious and political ties of eighteenth century Quebec (Upper Canada as it was known then) into a distinctive cultural region that remains distinctive even today. In so doing, the paper emphasizes how religion became a means of producing a society that was highly hierarchical even by the standards of its time - and how politics reinforced these unbending class cleavages. The writer explains that to understand why Quebec today is different from its Anglo counterparts, one must understand how religion and politics worked together more than two hundred years ago to create the French Canada of today.
From the Paper
"During the seventeenth century and, by all accounts, into the eighteenth century, as well, these religious orders sought to convert the indigenous peoples to the Roman Catholic faith. As an example of just central the Roman Catholic Church would be to eighteenth century French Canada, it is instructive that the priests actually pre-dated the farmers or habitants who would later be charged with trying to make the inhospitable lands of the area yield sustenance fit to maintain a thriving colony. Be that as it may, one should not be left to think that Roman Catholic French Canada in the eighteenth century was entirely under the sway of the Church and its stern injunctions; to wit, while the people of Lower Canada were, by and large, devout and pious, there were never as many priests around as the Church would have liked and creeping secularism was always a threat to the social fabric."
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George W. Bush's Presidency, 2008.
An analysis of the failing of the presidency of George W. Bush, focusing on the war of terror.
2,453 words (approx. 9.8 pages), 7 sources, MLA, AU$ 107.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the presidency of George W. Bush, focusing on his failings, particularly with regard to the war on terror. The paper argues that Bush has proven himself to be an ineffective leader, but that his leadership failings are due to the extraordinary events that happened during his tenure. The paper suggests that in calmer times, he may well have been an unremarkable, adequate president.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
The War on Terror
Patriot Act
Antagonizing Secular Society
Conclusion
From the Paper
"Bush is a poor leader, and his presidency will be remembered for his ineffective handling of Iraq and American civil liberties. He has bungled a war, compromised his people's freedom, and created rifts within his own society. Even if he is not a deliberately treacherous individual, he is a menace to his country. He was not up to the job. It can only be hoped that in the future the Republican Party will forward a smarter, tougher, and more imaginative candidate.
"And yet, there is also the lingering anxiety that George W. Bush was not chosen because he had the capacity to be a strong president. Just like his father's Vice-President, Dan Quayle, Bush does not seem to have been chosen because he would be good at his job. Part of this suspicion is hinged on the bizarre fact that George W. was chosen to succeed his father in campaigning for the presidency. For one thing, George W. was a bad student in school, had a scanty political history, and was generally not much of a man to begin with. On the other hand, brother Jeb Bush is a career politician and regarded as intelligent."
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