How successful was the Security Service during the early part of the twentieth century?
Chris Punch How successful was the Security Service during the early part of the twentieth century? 'Despite impressive activity the Secret Service did not supply accurate intelligence, but slowly reinforced prejudice' 1 When addressing a question such as this, it is imperative that its terms are defined. In this case it is important to explain what is meant by the Security Service, and also what is meant by the 'early part' of the twentieth century. In October 1909, following a recommendation by the Committee of Imperial Defence which had been considering the danger to British naval ports from German espionage, Captain Vernon Kell and Captain Mansfield Cumming established the Secret Service Bureau that became 'MI5' in 1916, along with the addition of many other specific sections devoted to the intelligence service in Britain. Naturally then, October 1909 should be the starting point of the period to be covered, and the end point, the outbreak of the Second World War2. We must also be clear about what is meant by success. The primary role of the Security Service was to protect Britain by prevention. The nature of its function was to gather intelligence and act on this to prevent any threat. Therefore the extent to which the Security Service carried out its fundamental function is the measurement of how successful it was. The early years of the Security Service showed an
Globalisation is always good - Discuss
Globalisation is always good Contents Page Introduction 2 Globalisation in History 2 Globalisation: Good or Bad 4 Conclusion 8 References 10 Introduction Globalisation can be defined as the increasing interaction among, and integration of, the activities, especially economic activities of human societies around the world (Mussa, 2003). Globalisation is not a new phenomenon. The twentieth century began when the first wave of globalisation was approaching its peak. It has ended on the rising crest of a second wave far more forceful than the first (Yusuf, 2003). Globalisation, in the sense of increased integration of international markets, has waxed and waned throughout history (Bordo, 2002). The recent wave of globalisation has generated intense debate among economists, attracting both strong supporters and opponents and although characteristics of current globalisation are different from previous ones, but still by turning the pages of history, one can find similarities and learn from past experiences. Therefore, initially the history of globalisation with the focus on the last two waves is reviewed and analysed. The opinion of various researchers have been presented and discussed. Throughout the next section
What are the Major Problems Preventing Immediate Membership of the European Union for the Former Socialist Nations of this Region.
What are the Major Problems Preventing Immediate Membership of the European Union for the Former Socialist Nations of this Region. The changes in Central and Eastern Europe is something that has been studied in a great depth since the collapse of Communism in the late 1980's. There are now a number of contemporary issues facing Europe and in particular its future relations between the European Union (E.U.) and central and Eastern Europe regarding membership of the E.U. The main issues over stumbling blocks that will make it difficult to integrate East with West and that of bringing the two Europe's closer together would appear to be the most pertinent if homogeneity is to be achieved. (Minshull, 1990) Membership of the E.U. is seen as essential to the former socialist nations not only for "the successful transition from Soviet-style command economy to a free market, but also as a guarantee of long term political stability." (Bleaney, 1990). Those nations such as the Ukraine and many of the Balkan states have been firmly set on the path towards European integration and the membership of the E.U. since the fall of their former socialist leaderships. There are those within the E.U. that argue against these nations joining over issues based on the political and economic immaturity of the newly emerged democracies. In addition there are those in the Union that are fearful of a
An initial statement on your choice of case study: Why have you chosen that particular case study? What questions are you particularly interested in?
* An initial statement on your choice of case study: Why have you chosen that particular case study? What questions are you particularly interested in? I have decided to start my portfolio with a famous story from French revolution. King of France Louis XVI observed the protests in the streets of Paris in 1789, he turned to his friend, the due de La Rochefoucauld, and exclaimed, 'My God! It's a revolt!' 'No, Sire,' La Rochefoucauld is said to have replied. "That is a revolution" (Kimmel, 1990). I suppose, I have chosen this story because it represents the lack of government understanding about what is happening within the country, within its structure or even incoherence what the masses need. Revolution was defined by Goodwin as a social movement with a minimum goal of coup d'état. But Conteh-Morgan would strongly disagree with this statement. There were many examples where many soldiers described their overthrow of a government as a revolution, but often the takeover is not profound enough to be called a revolution. He would say that revolution is something profound, dramatic, and intense with regards to its impact in countries status quo. To add on, Revolutions involve changes and alterations of the following: values or the myths of the society; the social structure; institutions; and elite leadership or class composition. These alterations always combine with illegal
The Display of U.S. Power in Terms of Hegemonic Versus Imperial Concept.
The Display of U.S. Power in Terms of Hegemonic Versus Imperial Concept - Exam #2 The United States has been for some time the leading power in the international community, which raises questions as to whether they are a hegemonic power or more of an imperialistic nation. Despite the views of political scientists such as Niall Ferguson an imperialist, America's actions demonstrate that it is truly a hegemonic power. Niall Ferguson in his article, "America: an Empire in Denial," states "It (America) is an empire, in short, that dare not speak its name. It is an empire in denial" (Chronicle of Higher Education, March 28, 2003). Empires are synonymous with imperialistic sovereignties, domination and control. The United States does not seek to expand its territory nor do they purpose to desire control over other nations. The U.S.'s actions in terms of foreign policy have been misconstrued as imperialistic when they are merely exercising their right of sovereignty and national security. Historically, empires did not set out to become empires. Through the dynamics of economy and political strategies they eventually come to be stronger both economically and militarily and thus become aware that they are the dominant nation. When this happens, naturally friction will ensue as other nations struggle to compete. Naturally, to defend itself from other nations, the dominant
How are the problems of reforming the EU's Common Agricultural Policy linked to the problems of enlargement?
CHRIS POLES - 499103311 ML105B - ESSAY 1 HOW ARE THE PROBLEMS OF REFORMING THE EU'S COMMON AGRICULTURAL POLICY LINKED TO THE PROBLEMS OF ENLARGEMENT? How are the problems of reforming the EU's Common Agricultural Policy linked to the problems of enlargement? The European Union (EU) is currently faced with what could perhaps be described as one of the greatest challenges it has faced in its history, that of expansion into Central and Eastern Europe to take in up to ten applicant countries (and Cyprus) who have only in the last decade or so adopted democratic political structures and whose national incomes are in some cases only a tenth to a fifth of the EU on a per capita basis. Perhaps the greatest problem involved with this eastwards expansion of the EU is that of dealing with the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). It is an aim of this essay to demonstrate that changes or reforms will have to be made to the CAP prior to enlargement for numerous reasons, which, throughout the course of this essay will be explained. The objectives of the CAP were laid down in the Treaty of Rome, Article 39 in 1957. Since then no revisions have been made, so the objectives still apply. Five objectives are identified in the treat but it can hardly be disputed that the farm income objective, assuring a fair income for the farm population, has become the main objective of the policy. Other
The European Union is aware of the necessity to establish not only a common political culture, but so too a common identity for it to be successful
Europe's history has been tumultuous at best. It has been the stage for countless domestic revolutions, interstate conflicts, two World Wars and the Cold War. It is not ignorant of this past, nor is it willing to undergo another great war between states; rather Europe is looking to redeem itself and no longer be a burden to the international community. The 21st Century appears promising for the next stage of European history, as the region moves to establish itself a leading political power through the enlargement of the European Union1. Originally an economic pact between France and Germany after the Second World War, the European Economic Community (ECC) has progressively developed to become the European Union; a power to balance post-Cold War US hegemony, and an example of liberal democracy2. This seemingly utopian theory, though, is not without its flaws, let alone its challenges. In its necessity to expand and incorporate states far beyond the realm of the original Western European members, the EU is discovering the realities of cross political, economic and cultural integration. Although obviously problematic for the European Union, the United States are taking advantage of the often conflicting interests of states in their attempt to remain the single super power of the present international political order. However this is far from being the only complication for the
How 'realistic' is realism?
How 'realistic' is realism? Although the theory of political realism first proposed by Thucydides (c.460 - 406BC) began as a single theory, it has since branched off into a variety of modified theories, each attempting to explain the shifting realities within the international system. However, whilst theories such as Waltz's 'Neo-Realism' and Mearsheimer's 'Offensive Realism' have moved away from the classical realist approach, they still accept the three key principles of classical realism; the emphasis on power and security, the dominance of the state in the international system and the balance of power between states. The aim of this essay therefore, will be to show that these three main assumptions of realism remain relevant within the contemporary international system. Realists assume that states base their foreign policy on 'self-interest' and 'survival', meaning that political leaders will only act if it in their interest to do so. Many IR theorists, especially those from the school of liberalism, argue that this is a very cynical way in which to look at the world. For example, the liberal scholar Robert Keohane postulates that 'on the basis of their own assumptions, the characteristic pessimism of realism does not necessarily follow'1. Conventional wisdom suggests that the US led NATO intervention in the 1991 Gulf War was based on moral opposition to Sadaam Hussein's
A Critical Analysis of David Rieff's Slaughterhouse - Bosnia and the Failure of the West.
A Critical Analysis of David Rieff's Slaughterhouse: Bosnia and the Failure of the West "One common method used was for a group of Serb fighters to enter a village, go to a Serb house, and order the man living there to come with them to the house of his Muslim neighbor. As others watched, he was marched over and the Muslim brought out. Then the Serb would be handed a Kalashnikov assault rifle or a knife- knives were better- and ordered to kill the Muslim. If he did so, he had taken that step across the line the Chetniks had been aiming for...If he refused, you shot him. The Chetniks rarely had to kill a third Serb" (Reiff, 110). Stories such as these and that of the systematic rape and humiliation of Muslim women emerged from a battle ravaged Bosnia, and are used by David Rieff in his book, Slaughterhouse: Bosnia and the Failure of the West, to serve as a catalyst to invoke human conscience and morality for the "just" cause of intervention in Bosnia. Life, liberty, and property; Enlightenment thinkers coined these terms as representing natural, or inalienable rights, rights which all humans are born with. The writers of the American constitution adopted this phrase as "Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness;" the "pursuit of happiness" being a rather vague term. Such atrocious crimes as rape, murder, genocide and ethnic cleansing are considered crimes against humanity
Impact of war with Iraq on American economy.
IMPACT OF WAR WITH IRAQ ON AMERICAN ECONOMY ABSTRACT This research paper focuses on how the American economy has been affected by the war on Iraq. America alleged that Iraq possessed weapons of mass destruction (WMD), which could be used against American interests and the interests of its allies, and thus declared war in early 2003. This paper will explore how some specific dimensions of the financial system of the country were affected by choosing the military option. Introduction America is not only incurring direct costs from the conflict, but feared attacks on the homeland are also adversely affecting the economy. However, some optimists do expect that the country's economy will rise to the challenge. Direct cost of war Unlike in the Gulf War, this time around the US was largely the sole financier of the operation and spent almost as much as $100 billion for military preparation and the war. (LaFranchi). The cost incurred during war preparation was massive. Transporting military equipment to the other side of the planet in addition to two hundred and fifty million troops resulted in an expense of approximately $13 billion. And the monthly cost of maintaining this force is a whopping $9 billion. A 'shock and awe' war strategy raised the total bill several notches higher (Stark). Equipment costs are as follows: $55 bullets; million-dollar cruise missiles; $4