...effectively influence the direction that government policies should take. This corporate power uses a certain number of mechanisms, strategies and processes whether legal or illegal, official or unofficial, to reach that end (Domhoff, 1990). In this essay, I aim at establishing and describing these processes as well as evaluating their impact on society. Concurrently, I shall evaluate and analyse this argument. Before establishing these strategies, I believe it is important that one be aware of what makes the corporate power elite and how it has managed to create a network or upper class and even corporate community network to determine domestic/national policy. Modern capitalist societies are not simply made of the upper class and corporate communities who as Domhoff argues, include all large income-producing property owners who also happen to control all the source of capital, thus constituting both a social and economic class (Domhoff, 2010: 7) at the top of the social hierarchy. There are also a variety of non-profit associations that are significant because they structure and determine the different discussions over public policy as well as the public opinion which, indeed, matters most to governments (Wetherley, 2008). Although they have been qualified of non-partisan or bipartisan due to the fact that they are neither associated with politics nor political parties and factions, they constitute in fact the real source of political power of the upper class because they ensure...
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...Europe which has feed-in tariff plans with long term commitment (20 yrs) or jump-start into the nascent but high potential US market. The other problem plaguing him is the pricing and sales strategy to be employed. A low-pricing strategy is imperative for the US market as there are many players in it, as for Europe having a reliable pricing schedule- it’s all about pricing vis-a-vis its major competitor First Solar. Sales Strategy The major markets for Nanosolar is going to be Europe and US, and in the long-run they have to go for the emerging economies which promises immense potential. First Solar the major player in thin-film panel category is a major competitor and must be kept in mind while deciding on the strategy. European Market Germany * Germany is having a stable pricing schedule, with feed-in tariff plan starting at $0.57/kWh (for free field systems) and $0.72/kWh (for residential) * It then declines at 6% annually, so assuming a 20 year commitment by the germen government we have a minimum price of $0.176/kWh in the 20th year * So the average price comes out to be $0.337/kWh * Profit is thus 0.261 ( assuming LCOE of $0.076/kWh without including the cost of capital) * With the total solar demand of Germany expected at 1.86 GW, there is enough potential in this market * In all, with a long-term commitment by the government this is a key market to be exploited in Europe Spain * Spain has a comparatively higher rates than Germany, but its...
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...The United States government adopting federalism. Even though federalism isn’t mentioned in the constitution, the principles of federalism are mentioned in various articles. For example article 1 section 8 displays the power available to congress. It contains the ‘elastic clause’ that potentially gives the federal government so much power over the states. And the amendments provide a list of ‘can’t do’s’ for the states. For example states can’t enter into treaties with foreign powers. As the aspects of federalism is displayed in the codified constitution, signifies the importance for the US to collectively follow this system. However, Federalism is a method of government that also allows the states to maintain their sovereignty, without the fear of intervention of the central government, unless they violate or clash with the constitution. This is evident as each state has its own constitution and its own executive, legislature and judiciary all working within the limits set by the national constitution; executive; legislature and judiciary. An example of a state constitution that has relevant articles to its needs is Idaho. For instance in their constitutions article 16, section 1 the constitution talks of the need for the Idaho legislature to pass laws that protect livestock from disease. The federalism structure helps create an adaptive US state as laws concerning them individually are taken into account, which prevents ignorance from the central government and a more effective...
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...Federalism is defined as a system of government where power is divided by a constitution, between local government and federal government. Under this rationale of governing, power and authority are designated such that each unit (state and federal) has exclusive authorities only it can exercise while other powers are required to be shared. Though Texas has its own constitution separate from that of United States, the supremacy clause prevents the Texas constitution from over ruling the US constitution and its laws. As the supremacy clause is defined in Article IV, Section 2 of the United States Constitution, it is the supreme law of the land and shall prevail over any conflicting state laws or as it relates to Texas any state issued constitutions. With over 93,000 words, 16 articles, 474 amendments resulting in 6 total constitutions, no other state within the US is structured and run so similarly to that of the US government. For example Texas has a clearly defined separation of power where no one branch of government shall be attached to either of the other branches (with the exception of the lieutenant governors role in the Senate. In 1866 after the civil war Texas was back in the Union and many actions were taken to bring the state into compliance with President Johnsons’ policy of reconstruction. At this time Texas did not adopt the 13th amendment that abolished slavery. In 1869, Under the Congressional Reconstruction Act of 1867, the US Constitution was declared to be the...
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...Introduction The public’s awareness of sustainability promoted the emergency and growth of renewable energy power (e.g. solar PV generated power). Traditionally, SolarWorld US is the dominant player in solar industry in America. However, with the entry of Chinese companies, SolarWorld’s market share has been reduced to a great extent, leading a financial difficulty recently. SolarWorld US needs a strategic change to survive. Based on the SolarWorld USA case study, this report will briefly analyze the solar power industry in three perspectives, namely, industry-based view, resource-based view, and institution-based view to figure out the competitive advantages and disadvantages by comparing to its competitors. Accordingly, strategic actions will be put forward for SolarWorld USA, as well as for Chinese company for their survivals in US market. Industry-Based View Under industry-based view, the strategies taken by MNEs are based on the conditions within the industry the company focus on (Peng 2013). Porter’s ‘Five Forces’ framework outlines the competitive forces within an industry. Respectively, the five forces are rivalry among competitors, threat of potential entry, bargaining power of suppliers, bargaining power of buyers, and threat of substitutes (Porter 1980). On demand side, the government policy initiatives (i.e. federal tax credit) and direct injection of capital drive the growth of the industry, for both commercial and residential purposes. Additionally, the consumer’s...
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...Depression in 1929 because of increasing restrictions on international trade to a small extent, as it was indeed a significant factor in creating the onset of the Great Depression, as it acted as one of the long-term problems with the US economic system. Source 7 supports this argument, and suggests that it made world trade more difficult as it led to the USA not being able to 'expand its foreign markets as rapidly as its production'. However, other factors could also be considered to have started the Great Depression more significantly, with source 8 suggesting that it was due to long-term problems in the economy associated with a lack of purchasing power and the effects of the Wall Street Crash, along with source 9 demonstrating that it was due to the laissez-faire policies pursued by the Coolidge administration. The USA was arguably hit by the Great Depression in 1929 because of the combination of under consumption and overproduction linked to the maldistribution of wealth in US society during the 1920s. The problem with under consumption was mainly due to the fact that a substantial segment of the population that was farmers and workers in declining industries had not shared in the general prosperity of the early 1920s. In 1929, American farmers annual income averaged at $273, whilst the national average was $750, demonstrating the significant lack of purchasing power they had. This was a problem before the onset of the Great Depression as farmers debts were also increasing significantly...
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...AMERICAN INVOLVEMENT RELATED TO COMMON PROBLEMS OF CHINA, JAPAN AND NORTH KOREA This paper identifies some common issues that East Asian countries are struggling to deal with and how they are unique in some aspects and similar in others to problems that Western nations face. This paper focuses on the countries of China, Japan and North Korea and look primarily at the issues that arise from these nations’ struggle to shape their national identity on the world stage as well as how these nations are dealing with the ever increasing force of globalization. This paper also looks at the role that the United States plays in shaping or dealing with these issues, as well as how an American citizen might play a role in perpetuating or resolving these dilemmas. Through this work it should be made more clear what problems East Asian nations share and reveal that they must deal with them in a way that is both uniquely domestic but also influenced by factors that arise from the United States and other International actors. Common Problems in China, Japan and North Korea and American Involvement There are two major dilemmas that are addressed in this paper that are shared by these three nations. The first can be identified as an issue of International Sovereignty where these countries all have a vested interest in exerting their will in the international arena but all have limited ways of making this happen. Associated with the issue of establishing their sovereignty ...
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...towns. The approach towards the French government was one based on an assumption of them being supportive of Mouse in the negotiation. Mouse believed that as the government was the deciding authority, they would step in to exercise this power in favor of Mouse if there were to be an impasse. In the context of the exercise, Mouse was engaged in a negotiation with five other French nationals. Being the only American party caused conflicts with the French due to disparities in the way that the two societies conducted their business dealings. American culture is one that is deeply entrenched in its capitalist roots; this is a stark contrast to socialism in France. Capitalism is characterized by its ‘selfish’ tendencies whereas socialism focuses on the progression of society as a whole. Thus, the fundamental differences in the manner through which the two societies operate were possible causes of conflicts. Application of Cultural Frameworks By applying the various cultural frameworks to the French and Americans, it allows for an explanation of why disagreements arose between Mouse, the mayors and the government. As per Hofstede’s theory of cultural dimensions, it is observed that France and United States (US) lie on opposite ends of the spectrum. Thus, it serves as an indication of wide cultural difference between the two societies. When comparing the power distance dimension, France scored 68 (“What About France,” n.d.) as compared to the US score of 40 (“What About the USA?,” n...
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...suitable replacement of the Articles of Confederation in the year 1788. Since then, it has played a significant role in ensuring the security and integrity of the United States of America. It has been accepted as the highest law of the land that determines the enforcement of all other laws by the federal government. The constitution is important for a great number of reasons. Primarily because it was the document that founded our government, and it was the basis of what would form the United States. The constitution is important because it outlines all of our rights as citizens. It gives a complete list of all the things that we can do, and the rights that we have. The constitution, and its amendments protects us, protects us from each other, protects us from our own government, protects us from wrongful prosecution, incriminating ourselves, our right to speech, our right to bear arms, and our right to freedom of religion. The constitution isn't just important; I believe it is the most important document ever crafted in American History, and the one document that affects every single citizen within the United States every single day. It is the foundation of our country. It provides a single legal basis for all the fundamental rights of the citizens in form of the Bill of Rights. It clearly defines the basic civil liberties, and the power and responsibilities of the federal government in the first ten amendments. Secondly, it functions as a strong framework to ensure peace and order in...
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...US AUTOMOBILE INDUSTRY ANALYSIS [pic] Written By: Jennifer Duhaney & Presented to: Professor Kurt Wurthman March 17th, 2011 MAN 4720 1. Industry Overview The US automobile industry has evolved over the years from steam engines, to internal combustion engines, to gas powered engines, and presently the newest innovations, alternative fuel engines, and electric cars. Henry Ford built the first car in 1896, (Gale, 2003). and then revolutionized the industry when he invented the assembly line.(David Highfill, Matt Baki, Sean Copus, Matt Green, Jennifer Smith, Matt Whineland). This invention allowed mass production which lowered the costs of automobiles for consumers. The industry includes a number of car manufacturers competing with each other in their competitive priorities, and competitive capabilities to capture market share. The major players in the industry are, the big three US automakers, Ford Motor Company, DaimlerChrysler, and General Motors. The major Japanese players who are also a part of the US auto industry are Toyota, Nissan and Honda. Ford, Chrysler and GM account for approximately 76% of US passenger Vehicles, Toyota, Nissan and Honda, Subaru and Mitsubishi account for 18%. The European automakers, BMW and Mercedes makeup nearly 2%. (Global Foresight, Inc. 2006 Report on Industry Trends). Over the years several mergers and acquisitions occurred within the industry and contributed to this global view. Some of the mergers and...
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...million survivors were displaced. Island and coastal regions’ infrastructure was also damaged in most countries. The earthquake greatly affected the health, social, and economic gains that had been achieved in the years preceding the disaster. As a result, thousands of individuals were pushed further into poverty. The Al-Qaeda Bombing: The bombing was considered to be a symbolic attack by terrorists. The Twin Towers was targeted because terrorists considered it to be America’s symbol of influence and power. The bombing that occurred on 11th September 2001 killed approximately three thousand individuals, including 19 hijackers. The incident is also known to be the worst attack on the US soil. Occurrence of the two incidents is a clear indication of how the US was not prepared to handle disasters and save lives. Question 2 After the civil war, America’s government was focused on rebuilding the nation by reflecting on people’s interests. For instance, the government considered the country to be new, and its primary interest was to safeguard its independence from European countries that were more...
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...independence from the government of Great Britain. The second part is a theory of good government and individual rights generally accepted by Americans from the 1770s until today. In this theory, all individuals are equal in their possession of certain immutable rights. These rights are not granted by the government. Rather, they are inherent to human nature. Therefore, the first purpose of a good government is to secure or protect these rights. Further, a good government is based on the consent of the governed -- the people -- who are the sole source of the government's authority. If their government persistently violates this theory of good government, then the people have the right to overthrow it. The third part of the document is a list of grievances against King George III, who was singled out to represent the actions of the British government. These grievances are examples of actions that violated the criteria for good government stated in the second part of the Declaration of Independence. These grievances, therefore, justify separation from the King's bad government and establishment of a good government to replace it. The fourth and final part of the document is an unqualified assertion of sovereignty by the United States of America. It proclaims the determination of Americans to defend and maintain their independence and rights. The Six Basic Principles of the U.S. Constitution are: 1. Popular Sovereignty- The People are the legitimate and final source of Government Authority 2...
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...Russia an emerging power? S. NEIL MACFARLANE * The notion of emerging powers presupposes a number of characteristics shared by the states in question.1 These include regional preponderance, aspiration to a global role, and the contesting of US hegemony. These characteristics arguably make the group as a whole a useful category in analysis and policy formulation. In particular, cooperation among these states, and possibly with more established powers seemingly equally unhappy with the unipolar configuration of international politics (e.g. France), may create a basis for a coalition having the potential to balance American power.2 There is ample evidence from all of the emerging powers of unhappiness with the existing structure of international politics. There has also been substantial consideration of the potential for cooperation among them and with certain European states to constrain the hegemon—from the suggestion of entente between France, Germany and Russia to the repeated examination of prospects for a SinoRussian–Indian triangle, and the growing Chinese and Russian interest in bilateral cooperation over shared security concerns.3 This article assesses the role of Russia as an ‘emerging power’. How do Russians interpret the international system in which they operate? What kind of system would they prefer? What are they trying to do in the current system and why? How do these considerations affect their relations with the hegemon, with other centres of power such as the EU...
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...Week 1 * Do you trust the government to do the right things most of the time? It’s all really based on you opinion * a 2000 study of undergraduates showed that 64% did not trust the government Why do we care if people are turning out to vote? * Voter turnout is a sign of political efficacy as well as engagement * People who are engaged are more informed, more likely to communicate with their representatives, more likely to advocate for their interests, and hold public officials accountable for their actions. Political culture * The people’s collective beliefs and attitudes about government and political processes * What is it that binds us together as Americans? * Our political ideologies * Our political values – liberty, capitalism, equality, consent of the governed, individualism Ideology * Political ideology is an integrated system of ideas or beliefs about political values in general and the role of the government in particular * Ideology provides a framework for thinking about politics and policy preferences Ideologies * Modern liberalism is associated with ideas of liberty and political equality: * Tend to favor chance in social, political and economic realms to better protect individuals and produce equality What is the constitution? * Fundamental principles of a government and the basic structures and procedures Two US Constitutions * Articles of confederation ( 1781-1789) * Constitution of...
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...Uncertainty and Disadvantage of Nuclear Power NE 471 Dr.Chang South Carolina State University ANTRON CALDWELL ABSTRACT The future global economy is likely to consume increasing amounts of energy considering the increasing demand for cheap, clean and reliable energy from developing countries such as India and China. Though there are technologies capable of supplying this energy these energy sources come at the expense of increased ozone damaging CO2 emissions. CO2 emissions are believed to be a significant contributor to the rise in the average temperature of the Earth’s climate known as global warming. In the United States electric power plants emit about 2.2 billon tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) each year, which is about 40% of the nation’s total carbon emissions (NRDC, 2014). It is generally accepted by climate scientist that if annual carbon emissions are not reduced by at least 80% by the year 2030 then there will be an increase of greater than 2°C (35.2°F) which is considered an acceptable safe level or approximately 4°C (39.2°F) by the year 2100 in the Earth’s climate temperature (Carrington, 2013). These increases in the Earth’s temperature would be catastrophic, however measures taken by the government through the Clean Air Act to regulate emissions from stationary and mobile sources, and groups such as the National Resource Defense Council (NRDC) have somewhat reduced the emissions from stationary sources such as power plants and mobile sources such as motor...
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