...NOTE #6: EUROPE (Patrick Ellwood, Fall, 2011) Page 1 NOTE #6 relates to Chapter 2 of the text. In Chapter 2 pay particular attention to the following pages: Map, p.44; Main Points, p.43; FIGURES 2.10 and 2.11, p.53; FIGURE 2.12, p.55; Wine, p.56 and 57; Europe’s Golden Triangle, p.62 and 63; The Southern Crescent, p.65; FIGURE 2.29, p.71; A “European” Identity?, p.72; FIGURE 2.34, p.75; FIGURE 2.35, p.76; FIGURE 2.36, p.77; Future Geographies, p.77; FIGURE 2.37, p.78; Main Points Revisited, p.78. Movie: "Blue Danube" 1. Physical Geography The boundaries of Europe have been determined more by politics and culture than any physical barriers like mountains and rivers. Today, the eastern boundary is the western frontier of Russia following the disintegration of the Soviet Union in 1991. So countries like Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Belarus, Ukraine, and Moldova are considered part of Europe. These countries had been forcibly incorporated into the Soviet Union in 1940, but had previously been independent from Tsarist Russia since 1919. Moving westwards from Russia are some plainlands, but Europe mainly consists of a peninsula of Eurasia fragmented into smaller peninsulas (Scandinavian, Iberian, Balkan, and Italian) and large islands (Britain, Ireland, Sicily, Iceland and Sardinia). ( 1, pp.59-65 ) Europe has benefited from its location and major physical features. It has direct land and sea routes to Asia (through Southwest Asia, Middle East, and Africa (post 1488 around the...
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...integration over the past two decades. The European identity can be classified as a set of values shared by all the citizens of the European Union. The most tangible illustration of a European identity is the European Union (EU), a political-economic union that consists of 28 member states within Europe. Individuals and nations within Europe subordinating parochial interests is an imperative influence for the assimilation of Europe, as it achieves a common sense personified by the identity, based on the beliefs, values and norms. The concept of European identity can be demonstrated through cultural, social and political factors in varying degrees, with reference to the French society. Cultural and social identities involve the existence of a European identity that exceeds the distinctiveness of individuals based on native factors such as national identity or culture group identity, whereas political identities considers the strengthening expansion of a European identity through the influence of European identity. Supporters of European integration regard the development of a European identity as part of the quest to a culturally, politically, economically and influential united Europe. A European identity can notionally exist simultaneously through national or cultural identities, with individuals establishing a hierarchy of importance or relevance for their identities to their lives. Cultural factors such as social and traditional values supports the foundations of common European...
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...July 2011 European growth and renewal: The path from crisis to recovery The McKinsey Global Institute The McKinsey Global Institute (MGI), the business and economics research arm of McKinsey & Company, was established in 1990 to develop a deeper understanding of the evolving global economy. Our goal is to provide leaders in the commercial, public, and social sectors with the facts and insights on which to base management and policy decisions. MGI research combines the disciplines of economics and management, employing the analytical tools of economics with the insights of business leaders. Our “micro-to-macro” methodology examines microeconomic industry trends to better understand the broad macroeconomic forces affecting business strategy and public policy. MGI’s in-depth reports have covered more than 20 countries and 30 industries. Current research focuses on four themes: productivity and growth; the evolution of global financial markets; the economic impact of technology and innovation; and urbanization. Recent reports have assessed job creation, resource productivity, cities of the future, and the impact of the Internet. MGI is led by three McKinsey & Company directors: Richard Dobbs, James Manyika, and Charles Roxburgh. Susan Lund serves as director of research. Project teams are led by a group of senior fellows and include consultants from McKinsey’s offices around the world. These teams draw on McKinsey’s global network of partners and industry...
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...Assess the impact of Napoleon on Europe The Napoleonic Empire came into existence following the coronation of Napoleon Bonaparte as Emperor of France at Notre Dame in 1804. The frontiers of the ancien regime had been expanded up to and beyond France’s natural borders, with the momentum of expansion following in direct correlation with the pace of France’s military conquests under the leadership of Bonaparte himself. The ‘Great Empire’ is often referred to as a single entity embracing French controlled Europe, but territories were in fact separated depending on the levels of French control. Territory ruled directly from Paris was known as the pays reunis which compromised of France’s natural frontiers (borders of the Rhine, Alps and Pyrenees) as well as annexed territories of Piedmont, Parma, Papal States and Holland after 1810. It was also divided into the pays conquis, which were nominally independent satellite states and formed a zone protecting the borders of the French Empire from attacks from countries such as Britain. These were ruled by Frenchmen who were usually close to Napoleon as a family member or as a close friend, such as Jerome Bonaparte who was King of Westphalia and Joachim Murat who was King of Naples. When discussing impact, the effects of Napoleon and his policies on factors such as economies, religion and nationalism in satellite states that composed the Napoleonic Empire will be taken into account, whether positive or negative on the states. Napoleon...
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...Managing a Migrant Diaspora Poli 328 Peter McCauley - 260453861 As Europe becomes increasingly open, and its internal makeup begins to change, an important light has been shone on the internal identity politics of a swiftly changing continent. As the EU adapts its policy, borders, and even membership, the internal cleavages become increasingly pronounced. None more so than relations with European Muslims. This paper will examine identity politics as it relates to European civilization formation, looking at how Muslim political aspirations compare with those of other minority groups, as well as the changing face of Muslim political organizations and their role in changing perceptions. In determining the extent of Islamic challenges in Europe, it is important to understand how Muslim desires for identity recognition and respect compare to similar desires by other minority groups, as well as what constitutes equality in the contemporary epoch. Attitudes towards race and identity have developed beyond a mere colour blindness, towards a what has been termed “positive racial explicitness,” that is, taking pride in previously marginalized identities or in creating new identities as “a way of negotiating a position of equality and dignity” in today’s world. This hasn’t been limited to ethnic minorities either, but can be viewed in the identity politics of LGBT and feminist movements, especially in places where class politics have declined in salience. What is it that these movements...
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...A politically and economically united Europe is desirable The prospect of a united Europe has been in the minds of people since ancient times. The Romans, during their heyday, desired to conquer the entire European continent, and nearly succeeded. Between then and now, there have been other attempts to unify the European continent under one ruler - people such as Charlemagne, Napoleon and Hitler. It is only now that the unification of Europe seems to be possible, but in such a way as has never been thought of in the history of civilized man. No longer is the move towards a single ruler or a conquest of land. Today's unification is one of political and economic borders, in which the "conquered" nations gain a seat in an international High Authority and all people involved prosper. At least, this is the goal of the growing organization in Europe. In the course of history many famous people have spoken or dreamt of a United Europe, ranging from George Washington, Napoleon Bonaparte, or Giuseppe Mazzini to Richard Coudenhove-Kalergi. But probably the clearest, most concrete vision was articulated by the French writer Victor Hugo. This vision can only be understood against the background of the historic upheavals in nineteenth-century Europe that Victor Hugo experienced at first hand: several wars between France and Germany, Victor Hugo’s enforced exile in the Channel Islands because of his opposition to Napoleon III, the traumatic annexation of Alsace-Lorraine...
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...Similarities and Differences between American and European Values Shalonda Cotton Cross-Cultural Perspectives Allan Mooney 3/29/2015 Even the United States and Europe is just a flight across the Atlantic, Europeans and Americans are very different, but have some similarities also. Europeans and Americans both agree and disagree what we deem are basic values are. There is a view that supports opposing views of the world and foreign relations obviously stands in need of clarification. The Pew Research Centre reported a very wide public, single opinion poll, taken of public attitudes in several different countries. It shows that America's old faithful image has slipped a bit. The Pew study found that many Europeans support “the US-led war on terror” and about 60% called Iraq a serious threats. Many countries love and admire America culture because of our science, technology and new modern way of thinking. In both the Marshall Fund and Pew studies, there were a few differences in attitudes towards our armed forces, neither was there much difference in a positive opinion to use force abroad. The Marshall Study points out that institutions such as NATO of the United Nations is just as strong in America as Europe. Majorities in almost every country said the world would be less safe if there were a competing superpower, based off the Pew Study. Some Americans say they favor a firm intelligent leadership from the European Union, while some...
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...The Decline of Christianity in Europe Over time all things in life deteriorate unfortunately that’s how life goes. That car you bought years ago is beginning to show signs of age. We can mask or disguise things to make them look better than what they are but at the core its dying. Our bodies could be affected by illnesses but who can actually see it? It is a nearly impossible to name every factor playing into the decline of Christianity in Europe. As scripture suggests judgment should begin in the house of God. The Church in Europe has to its credit centuries of violence and oppression of other cultures and its own supporters, which consistently glare out striking the perceptions of the Church’s history of compassion and charity. The Church has also gripped tightly to its tradition as the root of its once great social and political power. This territory that was at one time the hotbed of Christian growth has become a land, which has become more and more liberalized. The liberal views are in direct conflict with the authoritative back and white nature of the Church, Christian morality and Christianity because they are slanted with no absolutes. It seems to that the New European Union is distancing itself from the memories of the checkered history of Christianity on the European land. The Churches in Europe have been in a sweeping down swing over the last 100 years. Not ever country in Europe is having an immense collapse, some are having success while others...
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...Europe Language: Russian Mitchell Brownie AIU Abstract The Russian language is one of the many languages that have taken root in the European continent. The foundation of the USSR, where Russian was used as a means of international communication made it possible to be understood on the whole territory of former socialist countries with a population over 250 million people. The Russian language helps in scientific, economical, and cultural communication, creating new interest and importance in its study. Russian is taught in more than 100 countries of the world. The government of Russia takes great care in popularizing the Russian language. Latin is included from the many varieties of languages and well known to the continent as the most popular language in the EU which is discussed later on in this essay. The history of a language is nothing less than the history of a culture. Although we cannot use Latin today as extensively as in past centuries, it still helps us understand better meaning of legal concepts and use the terminology adequately. Europe Language: Russian The Russian language is one of the many languages that exist in the European economy that has influenced many of the EU citizens to speak such language that has originated since the 14th century ancestors of the modern Russians. The ancestors liked to call themselves ruskiye spoken dialects of the old East Slavic language, related to the dialects of other East Slavs. During the 14th century this spoken...
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...ccsenet.org/res Review of European Studies Vol. 4, No. 3; July 2012 Europe and the Middle East: From Imperialism to Liberal Peace? Raymond Hinnebusch1 1 School of International Relations, University of St Andrews, Scotland, UK Correspondence: Raymond Hinnebusch, School of International Relations, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, Fife KY16 9AX, Scotland, UK. Tel: 44-1334-462-861. E-mail: rh10@st-andrews.ac.uk Received: November 24, 2011 Accepted: April 26, 2012 Online Published: July 1, 2012 doi:10.5539/res.v4n3p18 URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.5539/res.v4n3p18 Abstract Europe’s relation with the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) is discussed in the context of normative (International Society) and materialist approaches (World System’s Theory). First, European imperialism’s export of a flawed Westphalian state system is summarized. How Europe is “caught” between MENA and the US and co-opted into a division of labour toward the region is then surveyed. The gap between the normative rhetoric and actual inequitable outcomes and structures constructed under the Euro-Mediterranean partnership is examined, looking at the three “baskets” of economic developmental, political reform and cultural convergence. Four “hard cases,” EU policies toward Palestine, Iran, Syria and Turkey, illustrate the ambiguities of the EU’s approach to MENA. MENA public opinion’s ambivalence toward Europe reflects these realities. The conclusion is that the EU’sMENA policy is...
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...Labour movements in Europe derive from the reaction of the newly urbanized workers to industrialization in the nineteenth century. Marxism made a powerful impact on the emergence of labour movements in continental Europe and led to the formation of socialist political parties (Germany 1869); in Britain the labour movement was reformist rather than revolutionary and in the nineteenth century worked within the framework of the existing system of political parties (Labour Representation Committee formed 1900, Labour Party 1906). The labour movement was strongly internationalist in character, emphasizing the shared interests between workers in different countries in opposing capitalist political regimes. However, 1914 the socialist parties were swept up in a tide of nationalist fervour and, with the exception of a few individuals, supported the war efforts. After 1917, labour movements were strongly influenced by the success of the Russian Bolsheviks. However, the established socialist and labour parties almost immediately turned their back on the ‘Third International’ organized from Moscow to coordinate revolutionary activity by the international labour movement, and separate communist parties were formed. Socialist and communist parties were locked in conflict during the inter-war period. In some countries such as Britain, Germany, and the United States communists played a role within a single trades union movement, while in countries such as France the communists controlled...
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...In this project, I learned about the years between 500 and 1000 in Europe. One thing I found interesting was how admittedly grim the times were, even as people romanticized the Dark Ages. I learned about the “Dark Ages” by examining a set of Medieval Economic Laws created by The Bruce Publishing Company in the year 1936. The point of view of this source is that the Dark Ages in Europe were pretty dark because they were chopping people’s hands for not returning money that they owe. This point of view is conveyed through the quote, “Concerning false money, we have ordered that he who has been proved to have struck it shall have his hand cut off.” This quote shows that laws during the Dark Ages were way more physically brutal than any law that...
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...Amazon Europe Strategy In 2003, Amazon Europe was faced with the challenge of restructuring it's distribution network in order to meet growth demands. After five years of operations through three independently run organizations in the UK, Germany, and France, the company recognized the need to adapt it's business structure and positioning in the markets. Although many areas of the supply chain had already been optimized, there was significant room for further improvement. The European markets were expanding rapidly, and it was certain that the current structure would not be sufficient, even in the near future. Amazon's objective in Europe The original goal, set in 2002 at the US headquarters, was for Amazon Europe to "catch up" with the US operations by 2007. In order to reach the objective, three key measures were considered for implementation: expand the product offering (similar to the US range); realize new Marketplace activities (Amazon's platform for additional business sectors); introduce Amazon in additional European markets. In considering one or more of the above options, the company was also faced with the task of determining the level of centralization for its activities. Depending on the specific construction of the network, there would be potential to bundle tasks which were being performed individually in each of the existing markets. The key would be to find the balance between utilizing synergies for efficiency and keeping sufficient flexibility...
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...Europeans began to take an interest in and focusing more on learning and gaining achievement. Developing new ways of thinking, education, and expanding trade. The coming of humanism. When the European society wants to gain more knowledge of life from classical Rome and Greece teachings. Scholars studied texts. This was known as humanism. Humanism was developed to create a well-rounded civilization. To have the people think for themselves. When humanism began to be a part of life in the 1200s the people introduced themselves into learning. As cities grew in Europe. During the middle ages, societies began humanizing and developing an interest in education. This was when books became popular and more efficient to life after the invention of...
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...Chris Stonecipher CCOT 3/2/2012 5th period Between 1000 C.E. and 1750 C.E., Islam had a great impact on Europe, which affected it politically, economically and culturally. Islam brought and took political power to/from the Church and king through the crusades, affected the economy through new innovations, and finally affected Europe’s society and culture through the Renaissance. Islam absolutely affected Europe in both positive and negative ways, but without a doubt changed the whole order of things for the continent. The Crusades started in 1095, once pope Urban II demanded all the nations in Europe to unite for a single cause. Before this point, Europe had never really been completely united due to civil wars and other disuniting conflicts. The Crusades were directed towards more radical Muslims, focusing heavily on the city of Jerusalem. In addition to unifying Europe, the first few Crusades brought extreme power to the pope and consequently the church. However, the later Crusades were less successful which took away power and popularity from the pope. Before the Crusades against Islam, kings had little power; the land was divided among rich aristocrats who had many small armies. However, many of these aristocrats died on battle without leaving an heir, which would entitle their land to the king. These massive gains of land greatly increased the kings’ power. Islam had a huge impact on Europe’s economy. Before the Crusades, Europe’s technology was very primitive...
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