...Democratic peace theory, in its wider interpretation, is the empirical observation that democracies rarely, if ever, fight one another and it is this empirical dyadic observation that that has been described as the “closest thing we have to empirical law” in international relations. [1] Although what is meant by democratic peace is contested, and indeed as its validity as this essay will explore, the theory has been previously under Woodrow Wilson and more currently the Presidencies of Bill Clinton and George W. Bush, a significant conceptual factor in the formation of American foreign policy.[2] Our aim is a democratic peace, a peace founded upon the dignity and rights of every man and woman. America acts in this course with friends and allies at our sides, yet we understand our special calling: this great republic will lead the cause of freedom. In light of this statement, ongoing U.S. policy and its likely persistence an examination and understanding of the democracy peace proposition is clearly with merit. This essay will look at the democratic peace proposition at a several levels of analysis: at the monadic level of interstate war on whether democracies generally are more peaceful and whether transitional democracies are more inclined to war; and at the intrastate level as to whether democracies experience more or less civil war. It will examine the validity of the proposition(s), reasons for is occurrence and postulate on what implication there may be for...
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...Future of Democracy in Africa With the aid of the book, State, Conflict, and Democracy in Africa, I will try to come up with some type of conclusion to the future democracy in Africa. These Africanists that I will mention in my paper have assessed that contemporary Africa has struggled to deal with false starts, unsatisfactory attempts to reconfigure power and varies political reforms. The first theoretical essay is written by Crawford Young on the Third Wave of Democratization in Africa. Young is a Political Scientist, who received a PhD from Harvard and he specializes in development and politics in developing countries, particularly Africa. His works are “The Politics of Cultural Pluralism” , “Ideology and Development in Africa” , and “The Rise and Decline of the Zairian State”. In his essay, Young offers insight on Africa's experimentation on political liberalization. Young starts off by talking about the “third wave” of democratization which hit Africa in 1989 which was seen as a global dynamic. Factors such as modernization, diffusion and power politics helped shaped this transition. In Africa there were deeper structural factors which started first with the economical field. “In dramatic contrast to the aggressive assertion of economic nationalism in the 1970s, a decade peppered with sweeping indigenization programs and widespread nationalism, the 1980 Organization of African Unity Lagos Plan of Action, and the blistering critique of African development performance...
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...Democratic Peace Theory Democratic Peace Theory, which is firstly originated by Immanuel Kant back in 18th century, is a theory in political science that prevents armed conflict among democracies. The Democratic Peace indicates that democratic states will not get into war with each other; they have a separate peace On the other hand, it is possible for these democratic states to go to war with authoritarian regimes or stateless people. Scholars and academicians believe that democracies find an alternative way to get into a war such as compromises and arbitrations. It has been examined that democratic states have not engaged in a war with one another. Inherently, the number of democratic states expected to rise in the upcoming years of 18th century. As there are more democratic states, as there will be less armed conflicts among each other, which is going to lead the world to a better international system. It has been observed that democracies do get into armed conflict however not with one another; they usually get into war with non-democratic states. It is a significant observation. Democratic Peace Theory is consisted from Immanuel Kant’s “Perpetual Peace”. Immanuel Kant claims that peace is a reasonable outcome of the interaction of states with a republican form of government. The main idea behind Immanuel Kant’s “Perpetual Peace” is that ‘Democracy’ must be spread and made a universal system, in order to create peace amongst the states. This idea of Democratic Peace...
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...Huri Tursan, Democratisation in Turkey: The Role of Political Parties, Brussels: P.I.E.-Peter Lang, 2004. Comparative studies on regime changes in Southern Europe and Latin America have shown the central role that stable and strong party systems play in the consolidation of democracy. Although Turkish political parties and the party system have received considerable scholarly attention, their impact on the country’s democratization process has not been systematically examined. Huri Tursan’s book seeks to fill this gap in the literature on contemporary Turkish politics. A modified version of the author’s doctoral dissertation written at the European University Institute in Florence, the study describes the historical evolution of political parties, with particular focus on developments concerning party politics since Turkey’s transition from an authoritarian one-party regime to a multi-party system in the late 1940s. The bulk of the book analyzes the changing electoral fortunes of the individual parties over the past five decades, the impact of the breakdowns of democracy through military interventions in 1960, 1971, and 1980 on party competition, and trends in the party system over the years. The analysis of the changes in the party system concerning volatility, fragmentation, and polarization constitute the book’s main empirical contribution. The picture that emerges from Hursan’s study is that of a party system which lacks strong and cohesive parties and which has experienced...
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...Sunshine Kline Professor Sherman English 122-Essay#2 15 March 2010 The Trouble With Technology In a society overwhelmed with technology, gizmos and gadgets, people fail to clearly see what is happening to this once engaged country. With all of the new technology being used to make everyone’s life easier, people have become increasingly detached from society. More importantly, they grow further apart from each other, unaware of the separation caused by these gadgets and new evolutions. A chronicler of the American experience, Daniel J. Boorstin, wrote a book called Democracy and Its Discontents: Reflections on Everyday America (1974). In the chapter called Technology and Democracy Boorstin argues that “the nation’s problems arise not so much from our failures as from our successes” (391). He insinuates throughout the whole chapter and in his thesis that he believes democracy in America has failed. Four specific consequences are discussed in this chapter, revealing the detrimental ramifications that technology has had on America. The most important being the lack of community and self isolation. Seeing the obvious metamorphosis that has taken place in this country since the rapture of technology— it is easy to say that America’s attempt to combine technology with democracy has failed miserably because it has caused such a severe decline in the assemblage and congregation among the people. The first consequence Boorstin writes about is “attenuation: the thinning or flattening...
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...The role of the middle class in achieving democratic reforms in Asia Table of Contents 1. Abstract 3 2. Introduction 3 3. What is Middle Class? 3 4. Democratization (Democratic Reforms) 4 5. Democratization in Asia 4 6. Historical Cases of Democratization from Asia 4 6.1. Philippine 4 6.2. Taiwan 5 6.3. South Korea 5 6.4. Indonesia 5 6.5. Thailand 5 7. Middle Class & Democratization in Asia 6 8. Conclusion 7 9. References 7 10. Discussion Questions 8 1. Abstract This essay is about the role of middle class in the democratic reforms in Asia. It briefly discussed significance of middle class with many examples of democratic transitions in the region. 2. Introduction A question that is commonly raised about the democratization is that who make and strengthen the democracy, whether it is consolidated by elites or middle class? Many studies have given much emphasize to the role of elites in creation of democracy but the reforms happened in last two decades in Asia suggests that the contribution of middle class to the process of democratization can never be overlooked. In Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand and South Korea we cannot imagine the completion of democratization if we ignore the role of middle class although it is mostly seen in supportive role but successful democratic transition was only possible with its active participation. 3. What is Middle Class? Middle class is relatively vague concept as it has different meaning for different people...
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...Worldwide, non-Western cultures faced fundamental challenges to their cultural identities: a recentering of culture but a decentering of culture Introduction Recentering of culture is an international process resulting from the socialization of state-society units into the modern global culture which originated some two centuries ago in the West (Bull,1977). Contrary to the assumptions of world-polity and some recentering theorists, however, state socialization to democracy as a constitutive norm is far from assured, and in particular, some states (guardians) resist socialization fiercely while others embrace it. Guardian states such as China and India developed their traditions of resistance as a result of being unable to resolve the ‘‘tiyong crisis’’ in a way that would finesse geopolitical and geo-symbolic decentering[2]. Elites in the pre-modern Siamese state resolved their tying crisis by re-imagining the Thai national essence as consistent with modernity’s basic presuppositions development that eventually helped facilitate Chinese recentering. Once transformed in the 1990s, the Chinese state became an agent of socialization by proselytizing for democracy within Asian[3]. Successful decentering is a complex historical process resulting from, among other things, the socialization of state-society units into an international normative order ‘‘modern’’ and Western in origin. Numerous actors at home and abroad promote decentering in the process of socializing...
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...Democratization in the developing state: a review of current challenges and problems By Bayan Dotchev Comparative Political Systems Richmond, the American International University in London 27th June 2013 Introduction During the 1980s and the 1990s, the world experience a period of democratic progress, times during which authoritarian regimes or political systems based on undisputed segregation came to an end. From the military coupes of Latin America, to the apartheid regime in South Africa and, most important, the fall of communism in Eastern Europe, democracy has spread around the world. As successful as these events might have been, democracy is still vulnerable; the main reason behind this situation is the fact that, unlike other forms of governing, democracy cannot be installed by force and maintained without the support of the people. Competitive free elections, combined with gradual institutionalization and the construction of a political system which appraises the universal values of democracy have proven to be challenging to deliver. As mentioned by former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, “no nation is born a democracy”, but democracy has proven to be the key success factor towards building peace, ensuring economic growth and development, consolidate judicial systems and protect human rights (Current Challenges to Democracy). This essay sets to discuss the main current challenges and problems that young democratic government are facing...
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...Master Thesis Ethnic Conflicts and Transition to Democracy in Africa: Recurrence of Ethnic Conflicts in Kenya (1991-2008) Author: Berita Musau Matrikelnummer: 0601567 Academic degree aspired Master (M.A) Vienna, August, 2008 Studienkennzahl: A 067 805 Studienrichtung: Global Studies - a European Perspective Advisor: Prof. Dr. Walter Schicho Table of Contents Dedication ……………………………………………………………………. iii Acknowledgment …………………………………………………………….. iv List of Acronyms …………………………………………………………….. v List of Tables and figures …………………………………………………….. vii Abstract in English …………………………………………………………… viii Abstract in German …………………………………………………………... ix Chapter One: Introduction ………………………………………………… 1 1.1. Introduction …………………………………………………………… 1 1.2. Problem statement …………………………………………………….. 2 1.3. Aim and objectives of the research …………………………………… 4 1.4. Research questions and hypotheses …………………………………... 7 Chapter Two: Literature review and theoretical framework ……………. 8 2.1. Literature review ……………………………………………………… 8 2.2. Transition to democracy and ethnic conflicts in Africa ………………. 12 2.3. Definition of concepts ………………………………………………… 16 2.4. Theoretical framework for analysis of ethnic conflicts ……………….. 18 2.4. Research methodology ………………………………………………... 21 2.5. Significance of the research …………………………………………... 23 Chapter Three: Background to the struggle for democracy and ethnic conflicts in Kenya……………………………………………………………. 24 3.1. A short retrospect in to Kenya’s colonial...
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...Center (RSSC) - EUR, where he plans, engineers, and coordinates satellite communications network accesses for four unified combatant commanders. In this function he interacts great with people from all services, government civilians, and even other country representatives. He has represented the Space and Missile Defense Command and the Army well in many missions and consistently displayed competence and abilities expected of a Warrant Officer. 3. SFC Smith will surely benefit the Army by serving as a Network Management Technician for many reasons. He has all the correct skills and proven experience in tough, high tempo organizations. What really makes him the correct choice to be a 250N is his determination to succeed. During Operation ENDURING FREEDOM, SFC Smith led his eight-man team into a hostile area and installed a communication network in two hours versus the eight hour average. Additionally, he earned the distinction of Honor Graduate during his ANCOC attendance and also secured a place on the Commandant’s list. I am fully confident that he will represent the Warrant Officer Corps superbly. 4. I am available for further discussion of this matter at Commercial (123)...
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...TO: Families of Fallen United States Military Service members and Corporate Sponsors FROM: Doris Straight, Marketing Director Military Veterans Foundation DATE: 11 November 2013 SUBJECT: Donations for Fallen Heroes Monument in Virginia As the marketing director and for a military veteran’s foundation I take great honor in representing our military here in Virginia. When providing marketing communications to our sponsors and military families to discuss getting sponsorship or donations to our organization it is important to look at demographics and psychographics in order to be able to target the correct audience. Demographics and psychographics affect the way consumers buy in to products. The demographics I am appealing to for our organization is location and age. There are a lot of Virginia residents that are have an affiliation with the military either by having served, serving now or as a retiree. Building this monument for Virginia residents gives them a symbol of something meaningful that honors their families and it is right outside their front door. Another demographic would be age. I am appealing to the age range of 15 years old and up. Fifteen year olds are in high school and some of them may be a part of their Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) at their school. Some may be in the class just to get a credit but most times their parents or a family member served or is currently serving in the military. When dealing with psychographics I would try to...
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...Eqbal Mohammad Cleared Linguist with CI Polygraph 10429 Rapidan Lane Manassas, VA 20109 Cell: 571-839-1523 meqbal30@gmail.com ------------------------------------------------- Profile More than 9 years of experience in translation , interpretation and Linguist management for Senior U.S Military Personnel and Afghan National Security Forces in Afghanistan which included translation of hundreds of documents and simultaneous and near simultaneous interpretation of dozens of Senior Leader Seminars for Afghan military and civilian officials hosted by U.S military. In addition, I have managed and supervised more than 75 linguists supporting Operations Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. More than 2 years of experience instructing Dari and Pashto languages including a working knowledge of Afghan Culture to the U.S. military in U.S. ------------------------------------------------- WORK EXPERIENCE Dari/Pashto Linguist/Translator Feb.2011-Jun-2014 Mission Essential Personnel LLC.| Afghanistan. * Translated hundreds of projects from Dari to English and vice versa. * Translated military, medical, legal and Afghan Government documents from Dari to English and vice versa * Edited translated documents from Dari to English and vice versa. * Translated/Interpreted for U.S army during Detainees Operation in Bagram Airbase, Afghanistan. Dari Instructor Jan.2009-Feb.2011 American Federal Contractor, (A.F.C) Fort Polk, La, USA * Provided professional...
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...Extensive Backlog Time for Equipment Upgraded by Contractors in Afghanistan I served in Kandahar Afghanistan from January 2011 to December 2011 during Operation Enduring Freedom with the 655th Transportation Company (TC). My task was to supervise the maintenance of ground equipment, specifically Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles, and manage Class IX parts to which provided convoy security for movements between outposts. During that period I encountered extensive backlog times for upgraded equipment completed by contractors that often left vehicles dead-lined in excess of 90 days. Observation 1: Poorly operating or inoperable air conditioning units awaiting upgrades left equipment dead-lined for extended periods. Discussion: The 655th Transportation Company was tasked with providing convoy security for supply movements between outposts in the Kandahar region of Afghanistan. Due to the extreme heat experienced in this region during the summer months non-functioning air conditioning becomes a deadline issue for the MRAP classes of vehicles. One MRAP in particular, the International MaxxPro, had an insufficient electrical system to power the air conditioning units resulting in melted wiring and reduced fan speeds. Contract maintenance was doing retrofits of the electrical system for this issue; however, due to the number of vehicles needing conversion, a significant backlog was created. The work could be done by the motor pool mechanics but the kit was not...
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...* Read the scenario. Using the information provided in the references and lesson, arrive with your best possible solution. You are a squad leader in “Sapper” platoon, Special Troop Battalion, 3rd Brigade, 10th Mountain Division. Your unit will deploy to Afghanistan to conduct operations in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. One of your critical tasks in preparing for your deployment is to train your squad on the laws and regulations that we must implement to protect our environment from being damage and contaminated. The 586th Assault Float Bridge (AFB) Company will conduct a five-day FTX in the Anatuvak training area of Camp Yukon. The unit will depart Fort Chilly and convoy 120 miles on limited-access highways. The commander establishes several rest areas and tactical refueling and maintenance points along the route. Reconnaissance team indicated the trip to take approximately 8 hours. Upon arrival at Camp Yukon, the unit will move into the Anatuvak training area and set up a bivouac site, preceded by their quartering party. During the FTX, the company will conduct tactical-bridging operations on the Yukon River. The FTX will involve normal operations (12 to 16 hours a day), with some night and limited visibility operations. The operations will include the use of pyrotechnics and blank munitions. The FTX will not include live fire due to budgetary constraints. The area has hills, wetlands, several winding streams, and one large river. Signs in the area identify and mark...
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...Afghanistan : The Reality Why US is failing in Afghanistan and what should be its response National Strategy. There are a numerous strategic errors committed by US in Afghanistan in the past and these errors are haunting them now. The strategic errors committed are difficult to undo. But , correcting them will be worse. It’s like leaving Saddam in power after the first Gulf war and then tried correcting it with Gulf War II...with worse results and losing all the goodwill and invincibility they had built after the first gulf war. The coalition forces were welcomed by Afghanis when Taliban was dismantled because they looked powerful, asserting and someone who could improve lives of normal Afghani. Today, things seem different. They look powerless, difficult and worse something which is making ordinary Afghani life more difficult than it was under Taliban. For coalition forces , If someone like Taliban can make them look like novice in war-fighting then they have to take a hard look at their national, operational and tactical strategy. I would like to start with what is AIM of coalition forces....is it making life of ordinary Afghani more prosperous and peaceful or ensuring security of US. These aims look different but actually they are co-terminus. One will lead to the other but start point has to be to develop Afghanistan and not the other way around which Secretary of State Hillary enunciated a few days back. If the strategy is making Afghanistan prosperous and peaceful...
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