Analyse the IMF and IR Theories
Analyse the IMF and IR Theories Word count: 3, 252 Realistically, when considering history it can be held that many of the Northern states were colonial powers and the Southern states were exploited by the North, the South were meant to 'catch up' ensuing the end of colonialism but in some cases this just isn't true. The answer to the problem then, international development assistance, underdeveloped states are being recognised as key factors in maintaining international order and the success of the rest, as a result international development is included in foreign policies of states and international organisations. The IMF was established in 1944, it acts as a monitor of World currencies by assisting and maintain and system of payments between countries, when countries have a problem with paying because of national deficits the IMF provides loans to member countries in exchange for policy reforms. The idea behind this is that underdeveloped systems are not developed because of a lack of domestic capital, so stimulating economic growth is a matter of external aid. Stimulating economic growth needs external aid, foreign direct investment, increased external trade and as a prerequisite micro-economic reform. Micro-economic reform is the policy reform that the IMF exclusively manipulates, for example if state A needs/wants economic growth it must first remove trade barriers
The impact of public opinion on Foreign Policy and the role of media as a linking mechanism - a US perspective
The impact of public opinion on Foreign Policy and the role of media as a linking mechanism - a US perspective. . Introduction The question about the relation between foreign policy and public opinion is far from clear. However, according to Holsti and Sobel there is some evidence that public opinion constrains foreign policy decisions and that there is a general correspondence between public opinion and policy decisions. It is certainly clear that public opinion provides an important input to policy decisions. Despite some early scepticism about the rationality of public opinion regarding the foreign policy, most studies show that public opinion on foreign policy issues is relatively stable, driven by specific events, generally anti isolationist, and strongly multilateral (Holsti 1996; Kull and Destler 1999; Page and Shapiro 1992) . Although there is a reasonable understanding of the nature of public opinion about foreign affairs, there is much less known about the sources of this opinion. Many studies have revealed that mass media content is the most likely source of over-time changes in individuals' foreign policy preferences. The mass media are the primary connection between the public and policymakers. Policymakers follow media reports on public opinion, and the media are the public's chief source of information on what policymakers are doing. According to Soroka
What are the principle advantages of third wave globalisation theory? Illustrate your answer with examples
School of Politics and Sociology COURSEWORK COVER SHEET Student Number: 12510219 Programme of Study: MSc Government, Policy and Politics Title of Course Unit: Core ? Option ? Essay 1 ? Essay 2 ? (Please tick as appropriate) Essay Title: What are the principle advantages of the 'third wave' globalisation theory? Illustrate your asnswer with examples Word Count: 3,244 Mark: Mark: Tutor signature: Tutor signature: Date: Date: For official use only What are the principle advantages of 'third wave' globalisation theory? Illustrate your answer with examples This essay will be examining the question, what are the principle advantages of the third wave globalisation theory and illustrating the answer with examples. It will firstly begin with giving an overview awareness of the first two theories put forward by academics and political literature. These are the globalist approach and the sceptical approach respectively. The essay will then explain and seek to give examples of advantages for the third wave view in real terms of actions and events for today (2009). It will then discuss and analyse that the advantages of the third wave theory are very similar to that of the sceptical view and that the transformationalists are taking an intermediate approach on the idea of globalisation rather than having a concrete or new idea on the changes occurring
As 21st century comes to us, humanity enters into the age of the globalisation. Globalization influences the economic, political, cultural, and ecological aspects of world.
Research Proposal Introduction As 21st century comes to us, humanity enters into the age of the globalisation. Globalization influences the economic, political, cultural, and ecological aspects of world. It is becoming a hot topic in the all areas of society, although it has been true for about 20 years. Many multinational corporations (MNCs) attempt to sustain the competitive advantages and further development by integrating themselves into the global market. Multinational companies invest directly in other countries, and thus have partial or full ownership of affiliates in other countries. Since 1980 worldwide foreign direct investment flows have increased at the rate of about 13 percent a year, reaching a level of $ 450 billion in 1999. There are today over 54,000 multinational corporations that have globalized their operations into a cross-cultural contexts through foreign direct investment. Globalization raises numerous ethical issues that will confront both people in business and academic business ethicists in the years to come. The most notable of these are attempts by developed countries to reduce corruption in less developed parts of the world, the experience of manufacturers who are criticized for contracting with "sweatshops" In less developed countries, and environmental controversies. Research purpose This research would primarily focus on the effects of
The Hydrogen bomb is a pivotal piece of technology in the twentieth century.
Introduction The Hydrogen bomb is a pivotal piece of technology in the twentieth century. Its highly debated and controversial introduction, as well as its political and strategic significance shaped the decade of the 1950's. The bomb's materialization is a defining issue of the Cold War, shaping the relations between the United States and other nations, particularly the Soviet Union. The hydrogen bomb, also referred to as the "Super", served to escalate tensions and an arms race between the United States and the Soviet Union, and paradoxically preventing war between the two super powers. In essence, the hydrogen bomb was created and utilized as a political, economic and strategical device rather than a military necessity. Context Within The Cold War When examining the decision of the United States' to build the hydrogen bomb and the bombs subsequent role in the nations defense, the situation of the United States must be explored. The relevant period begins with the termination of World War II. The Soviet Union was a primary Ally of the United States during World War II. It was the only other power to come out of World War II with enough strength to challenge the emerging American powerhouse. In fighting and winning against Germany, the Soviets occupied practically the entire eastern half of Europe. The Soviets installed pro-Communist governments in these
An Assessment of the Prospects for European Federalism
An Assessment of the Prospects of European Federalism For much of its history, Europe has been a dissolute collection of warring kingdoms, perpetually striving against each other in more or less violent competition. And as we move ever closer towards a single European entity, it is worth recognising that never before has there been a truly European system of rule. The empires of Augustus and Charlemagne were not truly European in geographic scope, while those of Napoleon and Hitler lasted scarcely a decade or less. Furthermore, the great empires of the world were just that Empires. None had any pretensions to a federalist system. So we can truly say that whatever the prospects of a truly federal Europe, the continent is closer than it has ever been to becoming one, however we choose to define it more specifically. And therein lies another point. What is federalism? What do we mean by the term 'A Federal Europe'? The dictionary defines Federalism as "A system of government in which power is divided between a central authority and constituent political units." This is all very well, but if we were to base out analysis solely on the dictionary definition, we would not get very far, for it is almost beyond argument that the European Union already has a 'central authority' and 'constituent political units' between which 'power is divided'. So we must look further afield
Should the Concert of Europe be viewed as an example of collective security?
Should the Concert of Europe be viewed as an example of collective security? The Napoleonic Wars, lasting from 1789 until 1815, were unlike any previously fought on continental Europe. For the first time, it was fought between nations and not just the ruling elites of each state1. In addition, the terrible toll in lives lost and damage done was of a previously unthinkable scale. When, therefore, Napoleon was defeated and France was restored to its original (pre-Revolutionary) frontiers, the Great Powers of Europe sought to create a system between them that would ensure a lasting peace. This system came to be known as the Concert of Europe, and acted to sustain a viable peace from 1815 until the Crimean War in 1848.2 This essay discusses whether this system acted in a way consistent with the theory of Collective Security. This essay will begin by discussing the theoretical framework of Collective Security, its key principles and objectives. Following this, a look at the structure of the Concert of Europe will show its theoretical incompatibility with Collective Security doctrine. The two systems show two clearly different approaches to power among states, and the principles of Collective Security are not the same as those of the concert. Thirdly, it will be shown how the Concert acted in practice, not in line with collective security, but with balance-of-power, the system
What is the likelihood of terrorists using CBRN weapons
Analyse the likelihood of the use of CBRN weapons by terrorists September 11th 2001 was a day that changed history. Terrorists ploughed airplanes into New York's World Trade Centre and the Pentagon killing nearly 3,000 people. Before this incident there was a general acceptance of Brian Jenkins's well-known formulation that, "terrorists want a lot of people watching and a lot of people listening but not a lot of people dead." (Jenkins 1975: 6) Nevertheless, from seeing the extent of how far terrorist will go to instil fear and cause destruction, there has been a dramatic increase in concern over the use of weapons of mass destruction by terrorists and rogue states, and this essay will seek to analyse whether this concern is valid or not, and whether people genuinely should fear a future rife with terrorists using CBRN weapons. The essay shall be divided into a number of sections: the first shall define what is meant by CBRN weapons and will acknowledge the pros and cons of terrorists using these weapons. The second section shall provide the pessimistic argument that terrorists are likely to use CBRN weapons, and the third section shall provide the more optimistic counter argument to this. The fourth section shall talk about the concept of "new terrorism" and how this cannot be used as concrete evidence that terrorists are likely to use CBRN weapons, and the final
What are the social effects of globalisation?
What are the social effects of globalisation? The "communication and technology revolution" (Kegley & Wittkopf, 2001: 660) of globalisation has "shrivelled" time and space and has interconnected countries around the Globe. The increase in technology and, the increase in access to information and transportation have altered countries globally in both positive and negative ways, not only economically but socially as well. This essay will concentrate more on the social affects of globalisation. Through highlighting the effect westernisation has on wedding ceremonies, and the effect sex industry on the sanctity of marriage. To qualify this essay I will make use of a case study I compiled, whilst in Cambodia, of a Khmer family that experienced the reign of Pol Pot and has two daughters married to Australian men. Cambodia has not only had to accommodate changes caused by globalisation, it has had to rebuild itself after years of civil unrest and the devastation of a genocidal, communist reign that lasted only four years in the late 1970s but "led to the virtual extermination of the country's professional and technical class" (Anon, 2000). Civil war continued after Pol Pot's forced exile by invading Vietnamese forces in 1979. In 1998, with Pol Pot's death and the forming of a coalition government, "relative peace" returned throughout Cambodia. In speaking to Khmers in
What are the main differences between classical realists and neorealists? Why did most realists tend to criticise the US invasion of Iraq in 2003?
MIR701 Krizia Mai Elizabeth Ong Krizia Mai Elizabeth Ong Student No. 2764659 MIR701 International Relations Theory for the 21st Century Essay 1 Due date: 2 September 2012 Simon Leitch Word count (3170 words) Topic What are the main differences between classical realists and neorealists? Why did most realists tend to criticise the US invasion of Iraq in 2003? Defining a long-standing and deep-rooted theory like realism may seem to be an easy job. However, different definitions reveal considerable diversity. This should not be surprising because even in traditions such as Marxism and Christianity with recognized and valid texts, it is still common for these traditions to have different interpretations and opposing emphases. Thus, we should anticipate the same for realism. Realism is not a single theory, but a general approach to international relations which has intellectual roots to Thucydides, the chronicler of the ancient Peloponnesian Wars, who wrote, ‘The strong do what they have the power to do, the weak accept what they have to accept’ (Leitch 2012). Although different versions became apparent to provide better explanations for a rapidly changing world, realism continues to be one of the foremost and leading approaches in the study of international relations until this day. This essay aims to give a brief definition and to examine the main