(no subject)
Kristi Bonus
12/14/2010
World Politics
World Politics Questions.
Q1: what are the goals of science and how are they related to world politics?
A1: The role of the scientist is to use collected facts and data to form and ulitmately support a real world hypothesis or explanation of a situation. These same goals can be applied to the realm of world politics. By collecting and analyzing data, a political scientist can forecast results of political trends, while also making an educated inference into many historic and political precedents. Since collecting data and forming conclusions are cornerstones of both world po,litics and the scientific method, it is easy to understand how the two become interchangeable. Without the scientific method there would be no outline to the complexities of the steps involved in forming a complete, accurate and testable hypothesis.
Q3: What is meant by the term “prisoner of geography”?
A3: The term “Prisoner of Geography” refers to a countries geographical location. To be a “Prisoner” of geography means to be landlocked. Most nations rely heavily on water, not only for survival, but also for trade and transportation. Unfortunately, water has been historically significant in the interchanging of ideas and wealth brought about by the trade routes rivers and seaports provide. Without these vital necessities landlocked countries tend to excersize more of their budget into land trade, which is both more expensive and time consuming (while also severely crippling trading options). This, as well as other factors determined by water politics and scarcity, may be a serious indicator as to the overall wealth (or lack thereof) in these geographically challenged countries. Meanwhile prisoners of geography may also refer to the agricultural fertility of the region itself. A country’s economic growth may be unsustainable based on the fact that its soil lacks the nutrients needed to provide the food and agricultural exports said country may need in order to survive and prosper.
Q4: what is meant by the term “Globalization” and discuss two of its causes.
A4: Globalization is defined as “an ongoing process by which regional economies, societies, and cultures have become integrated through a globe-spanning network of communication and trade”. Although a broad definition, this provides an accurate overview of what is meant by the term globalization. More to the point however that globalization is a sharing and fostering of new technological and political ideals, and their implementation into our global society. Two causes of globalization are Technological Change and Trade Liberalizations. Technological change because its influence on world wide interactions are countless; with the implementation of so many new revolutionary technologies, it’s influence on the shipping and business sector are tangible. Shipping orders can now be processed immediately while refrigeration and nuclear radiation provide newer and longer lasting food products. Trade Liberalizations, or the expelling of tariffs and protective domestic markets influence globalization because it allows for an easier flow of capital goods and services.
Q5: What is meant by “Democratic Peace Theory”, and which argument do you find most convincing?
A5: The Democratic Peace Theory (DPT) is a theory that suggests democratic countries tend not to use force in order to resolve conflicts internationally. I think the most interesting and convincing argument behind this theory is that of The Structural Argument. The Structural Argument suggests that democracies solve conflict through a series of disputes and compromises. Even though this method may be effective only between two democratic states it is still the most convincing and successful. The Structural Argument makes the point that democratic countries behave non-violently in a domestic sense, and that this societal norm of mediating conflict on the home front will carry over into an international forum.
Q6: Unstable Countries are more involved in conflict than stable, which explanation holds the most weight?
A6: Personally, I believe unstable countries are prone to a higher rate of international conflict because of the power theory. Unstable countries, whether religiously, economically or politically, will always be a target due to it’s portrayal of disunity and weakness. In a time when scarcity of resources dictates a majority of political decisions one must assume that these powerful nations will see an unstable country in a time of struggle and exploit these weaknesses in order to gain whatever wealth the unstable country may have to offer. With this piece of information we can conclude that the cause of an unstable nation’s interference in international conflicts is due mostly in part to the more powerful nations who have put them there. An easy example of this power theory in practice can be examined with the analyzation of French and British Colonialism in Africa, where many socially, politically and economically unstable countries have fallen because of international conflict and an increased demand for natural resources.
Q7: Explain a rational decision, list steps, and describe the rational actor model.
A7: A rational decision is a decision made based on carefully collected and analyzed data. The steps in making a perfect rational decision are as follows: 1) be able to perceive changes of the world, be able to recognize that with new problems come new goals. Clearly identify new problems/goals. 2) Order and integrate your new goals and problems into your existing framework of problems/goals. (in other words- set priorities, keep priorities, list ways to reach priorities, and choose the policy that gets you the most for the least).
Q8: Explain how fundamentalist Christians influenced U.S policy.
A8: One example of fundamentalist influence in foreign policy is that of Sudan. Through previously unsuccessful attempts in foreign reformation, US evangelicals decided to ally with Jewish Organizations for further support. With this new backing the evangelicals proceeded to initiate new attempts at ending a slavery movement in Sudan perpetuated by Islamic radicals against Sudanese Christians. Unfortunately the leader of the allied Jewish Organization was arrested. However, they did succeed in popularizing a religious crusade that let to the eventual recognition of a 2001 legislative deal with the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom, while simultaneously convincing the Bush administration to reconsider its stance on creating special envoys for specific dilapidated and underdeveloped regions.
Q9: What is the Pluralist Model? Which istitution has influence on security policies and why?
The Pluralist Model illustrates how certain parties exert influence into the political spectrum and how these influences are received. Pluralists advocate a behind the scenes power scenario where nothing gets done without influence and political clout. This model dictates the many forms in which passing legislature is done- indicating that while certain political practices can only be executed in the political arena, (congress, the house, etc..) it is the NGO’s that hold most of the power in decision making. With this illustration we can easily understand the complexities a decision maker must take into account becfore reaching a decision. The pluralist model suggests that governments, while made up of separate departments each have their own agenda. For instance- the department of defense may try to persuade the decision maker to allow for an increase in military spending. Why? Because this increase in funding will benefit their department, regardless of whther or not it benefits the country as a whole.