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Revolution in Europe, 2008. An analysis of social and political revolution in Europe in the nineteenth century, based on D. Mason's book "Revolutionary Europe 1789-1989-Liberty, Equality, Solidarity." 3,169 words (approx. 12.7 pages), 9 sources, MLA, $ 91.95 »
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Abstract This paper discusses the development of a number of social and political movements based around certain ideas about human behavior and society and the relationship between the two, during the nineteenth century in Europe. The paper focuses its analysis on the genesis, development and progress of these movements in the nineteenth century and how they are described by D. Mason in his book "Revolutionary Europe 1789-1989-Liberty, Equality, Solidarity."
From the Paper "Wollstonecraft was dedicated to the primacy of reason, and it was her belief in reason that permitted her to conceive a world in which women might be seen by the world in a new way, a way that undid the violence of social norms requiring a simple, seemingly serene appearance in women, whose lives were thus molded to fit the dictates of masculine power in society. She also had a freed sensibility that brought her closer to an understanding of the true self. Wollstonecraft's language has a deliberate biblical undertone that is all part of her attempt to restore to women the human right of self-respect. Women resort to artifice in order to place the world, though such assumed feelings are awkward when compared to real feelings. She pleads for women to be seen as they really are. Her view is directly opposite that of Rousseau, though she begins with the same question, noting first that "either nature has made a great difference between man and man, or that the civilization which has hitherto taken place in the world has been very partial" (Wollstonecraft, 1975, p. 7)."
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The Malthusian Trap and Early-Modern Europe, 2008. This paper argues that the economic crisis experienced during the early-modern period of European history was not caused by a Malthusian trap. 2,070 words (approx. 8.3 pages), 10 sources, MLA, $ 65.95 »
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Abstract This paper explains that historians argue that the economic crises experienced during the early-modern period across most of Europe and the subsequent population growth, which led to an inability for many of these individual markets to support their respective populations, was a type of Malthusian trap. The author points out that the Malthusian trap is the principle, based on Malthus' theory of population and economics, which observes that man is inclined to propagate beyond his means to support the population. The paper relates that the application of this principle to early modern Europe is often a misguided attempt to redirect the historical research to a socio-historic perspective rather than a purely economic perspective. The author concludes that, while certain markets in Europe might indeed have become over-populated with respect to their ability to provide basic levels of sustenance for their populations, other countries, such as England, did not suffer such a population growth and, furthermore, managed to maintain relatively stable economic growth in spite of Europe's overall economic decline during this period. The paper includes an annotated bibliography.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Malthus on Population Growth
Technological Impact
Conclusion
From the Paper "In an artificial economy established in an economic lab such set ratios can be accurately predictive. However, in the natural environment, there are many external factors that would affect change on his model, and did affect change. Prices are a key oversight in his theory. While the basic premise that population growth may outstrip the growth in food productivity was true based on the circumstances within which he operated, he didn't account for the economics of food productivity to drive an increase in production worldwide that offset any local market conditions and shortages in supply."
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The French and Chinese Revolutions, 2008. A comparison of the French Revolution of 1789 and the Chinese Revolution of 1911 and their political instability. 1,531 words (approx. 6.1 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 50.95 »
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Abstract This paper analyzes the fragility of new revolutionary governments. It compares and contrasts two revolutions in order to explain its points. It looks at the French Revolution of 1789 and the Chinese Revolution of 1911. The paper discusses each revolution and shows why the new government in each case was a fragile and unstable political environment.
From the Paper "From outside China, Sun and other revolutionaries attempted to form a new revolutionary party. Sun, having noted that Shikai had out manoeuvred the revolutionaries at every turn, decided to consolidate the various factions into one larger group that could respond better to the President's actions. Sun was to be in total control of this confederation of rebel organizations. Thus even the revolutionaries of China had reverted to an authoritarian model, one that many of the smaller revolutionary sects considered completely wrong. It was during this time of tenuous and dispirited rebel planning to topple Shakai that World War I erupted, and parts of China were occupied by Japan, completely disrupting the revolutionary process and leaving Shakai more or less completely unopposed."
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The Decolonization of India, 2008. This paper argues that internal factors played as large a role as any other in the decolonization of India. 2,520 words (approx. 10.1 pages), 9 sources, MLA, $ 76.95 »
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Abstract This paper explains that the most notable internal factors influencing the decolonization of India is the gradual handing-over of more and more power to Indian political elites in the Legislative Councils of India in the late-nineteenth and early-twentieth century. The author points out how collective memory, while well-concealed during the apogee of British might in the last-half of the nineteenth century, also fueled underground resistance to British rule. The paper explores how the rise of nationalist associations and a series of reforms by the British - the 1861 Indian Councils Act, the 1892 Act and most significantly the sweeping Morley-Minto reforms of 1909 in response to the foolishness of former Viceroy George Curzon - led to India being slowly introduced to responsible government and to the parliamentary traditions, which would sustain it when it became wholly independent after the Second World War.
From the Paper "It is axiomatic that empires cost a lot of money; it is also axiomatic that empires eventually must respond to the demands and concerns of the repressed - at least somewhat - or destructive rebellion, the disruption of trade and commodity production, and a general rise in hostilities will result. For the British, the 1857 Uprising and the subsequent 1861 Councils Act were only the first steps towards recognizing that the cultural imperialism of the past was no longer going to suffice as the twentieth century drew nigh. To wit, in 1892 a revised Indian Councils Act was passed that permitted "local comment" and criticism for legislation passed by the provincial legislative councils."
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Jelaluddin Rumi and Sufism, 2008. This paper discuses Jelaluddin Rumi, one of the most well-known of Persian poets, who is largely credited with infusing Sufism with its highly intimate relationship with aesthetic traditions. 2,850 words (approx. 11.4 pages), 9 sources, MLA, $ 84.95 »
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Abstract This paper explains that classically trained Jelaluddin Rumi, who was born in 1207 in the region that is now part of Afghanistan, lived most of his life in Turkey and the surrounding area. The author points out that Rumi created the Mevlevi Order of Dervishes or commonly called the Whirling Dervishes of Sufism. The paper relates that the Whirling Dervishes are most recognized for their unique dance movements, oblique body posturing, acute mental focus and their musical facility, which is said to combine to bring them closer in union to God. The author states that Rumi's poetry is regarded as the cultural epicenter of all thought, literature, dance and music in the world of Islamic aesthetics. The paper reports that the traditional approach to studying the impact of Rumi's poetry on Sufi music has been to examine the text from a critical theoretic perspective.
From the Paper "The natural academic tendency, regardless of academic specialty, is to examine the concepts contained within the lines of verse; to question 'what is the tree of wisdom' and to ask what or how one identifies one's internal "fairy." These are important metaphysical questions that can and should be asked of the text through critical analysis. However, therein rests the academic pitfall that most researchers and even casual observers typically get trapped in: the interpretation of the text which is made even more complex in translation."
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Darfur Crisis, 2008. This paper looks at the causes and complications of the Darfur crisis. 1,213 words (approx. 4.9 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 41.95 »
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Abstract In this article the writer discusses that the Darfur crisis as it exists today is the result of a convergence of domestic political and cultural causes, within the context of regional political and environmental circumstances, all of which are being looked upon with good-intentioned neglect by the international community. This essay explores the Darfur crisis with a focus on discerning the root causes of the crisis from its more immediate direct causes. The thesis is argued, while its direct causes seem to lie in a botched counter-insurgency program launched by the Sudanese government which coincided with drought and regional environmental issues, its root causes lie in the structuring of the Sudanese state in the wake of colonialism. As is seen, the inability of the Sudanese government to address the complex needs of diverse groups within its state lies ultimately at the root of the Darfur crisis, with implications both for the Sudan and other post-colonial states.
From the Paper "Prunier's observation is valuable in two respects: first, he cites the fact that the Sudan has been internationally recognized for another long-running civil conflict in its recent history, and secondly that the causes of the Darfur crisis are not immediately clear or easy to understand. The reference to the Sudan's history of internal civil conflict is particularly significant, as it suggests that there are systemic problems in the Sudanese state that extend beyond the confines of the Darfur crisis. It may be argued that these problems are the "root" causes of the Darfur crisis.
"The Sudan as it exists today is largely a legacy of the colonial era, when the British empire governed vast swathes of Africa. However, a defining characteristic of the Sudan from its colonial period has been the combination of enormous territory and diverse ethnic populations, with an overcentralized state."
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A Change in Liberal Democracy, 2008. A discussion of the shift in the ideology of liberal democracy. 2,142 words (approx. 8.6 pages), 8 sources, MLA, $ 67.95 »
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Abstract This paper examines how the existence of the Cold War had many effects on liberal democratic states and also affected to a degree the way in which democracy was, and continues to be, understood in these states. The paper explains that this includes the United States, which in some ways has come to see democracy as a given that more and more people have been willing to give up aspects of a democratic state in the face of a threat, as has been seen in the acquiescence of the people to a variety of intrusions on their democratic rights since 9-11. The paper also discusses how the success of democracy in the Cold War should have solidified that political ideology as to be preferred, but its very success seems to have opened it to new threats from within. In conclusion, the paper shows that more and more, liberal democracies are defining themselves in terms of collective security over individual preference, and this signals a profound shift in thought that only makes the future more uncertain.
From the Paper "Schlesinger says that America in the past has stood as an example of a federal, multi-ethnic society that worked, but he seems to believe that this is no longer the case. The U.S. has worked because it has been able to offer answers to the question of what reasons are there for different ethnic groups to see themselves as part of the same nation. Schlesinger now sees an eruption of ethnicity in America, which may have many good consequences, but which he also believes has many bad consequences."
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Politics and Transformation of Asia-Pacific, 2008. A discussion on the causes of the Korean War and how it led to the transformation of the Asia-Pacific region. 2,205 words (approx. 8.8 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 68.95 »
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Abstract This paper argues that the most significant conflict in recent times over a major ideal was the Korean War. It suggests that the ideology of communism versus democracy was responsible for the rise of the developmental state and the economic Asian "miracle," which led to the conflict of the East Asian financial debacle of 1997-1998.
From the Paper "Consistent with the Japanese model, in South Korea, the industrialization that spurred such "breakneck economic growth" (Sang-Hun 2005) in one generation from 1960-1994 "was driven by government initiatives rather than market forces [as a] planed economy" (Hasung 2006). In South Korea large financial conglomerates, family-owned and operated chaebols, backed by the government were key players in this drive to lift Korea from poverty to power by developing Korean industries where capital markets were not yet established and competition in domestic markets was low. CFOs like Daewoo's Kim Woo Choong was committed to building a Korean industrial empire and mandated by President Park Chung to do so. The incessant amassing of wealth, popularly patriotic, was the general consensus invigorating that generation and sustaining the chaebols system."
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Caribbean Culture and Cultural Imperialism, 2007. A discussion on whether the Caribbean society is too receptive and diverse for its own good. 1,633 words (approx. 6.5 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 53.95 »
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Abstract This paper examines the Caribbean culture and at how its dynamic polyglot, diverse nature - and its ability, and even willingness, to accommodate different cultures and ethno-social traditions - has actually made it vulnerable on a number of profound levels. It explains that the Caribbean nations have shown a marked inability to throw off the cultural, linguistic and educational encrustations of the European nations which took over the region generations ago and which re-shaped their new fiefdoms in ways that effectively did away with pre-European values, codes, religions and dialects. The paper also looks at how many Caribbean young people attend English or French schools and prepare themselves for entry into a "global village" that is controlled by the very ethno-racial groups which turned their own lands "upside-down" in the seventeenth through nineteenth centuries. In essence, the paper shows that by looking at the fragmented nature of the Caribbean world and by looking at the impress of foreign language upon its peoples and formal structures, a region is revealed that has lost much of its ability to marshal its forces against external imperialistic forces. The writer believes that the Caribbean must start doing a better job of privileging its indigenous traditions and dialects or it will finally, ineradicably, lose them forever.
From the Paper "Many observers are of the view that the Caribbean is a melting pot; that it is a place wherein European and non-European types "creolize" and thereby shed their different historical-national identities in favor of one that is "West Indian" in nature. This argument, however, has been vigorously challenged by others who assert that the Caribbean is really a collection of different regions which have their own unique, distinctive features. Simply put, while there may be regional similarities vis-a-vis food, music, dance, dress and a host of other elements, there are many more (or at least as many more) differences as there are similarities (Allahar, p.1-2). Simply put, Allahar appears to be to arguing two things: firstly, West Indian/Caribbean is diverse; secondly, despite this diversity, the region has certain societal features that distinguish it from other regions and which bind together its disparate elements."
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Empires in the First Half of the 20th Century, 2008. A comparison of imperial China and the Austro-Hungarian empire during the first half of the 20th century. 1,760 words (approx. 7.0 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 56.95 »
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Abstract This paper examines the transformations in political structures that took place in the first part of the 20th century in China and Europe, in particular the area of Austro-Hungarian Empire, which was territorially-reconstructed after World War I. The paper points out that China was an Empire for two thousand years and Austro-Hungary was Europe's oldest great power. The paper argues that nationalism was the leading cause of the changes that took place. While imperial China stayed territorially more or less the same, its political structure changed significantly. The Austro-Hungarian Empire on the other hand ceased to exist, and the Empire collapsed, much like most European Empires at the time, giving birth to new nations and various forms of governments. Noting the general trend of change in both China and Europe, the paper concludes that, as empires crumbled, they were replaced by several forms of governments ranging from democracies to totalitarian regimes.
From the Paper "There were many consequences of World War I, including the ten million casualties in the armies (Esler, 2004). Also, this war significantly changed the map of Europe. The Austro-Hungarian Empire collapsed and in its place several new nations were born. The Slavic nationalists were somewhat appeased by the treaty of Versailles. Yugoslavia was formed, unifying Southern Slavs, with its core in Serbia. Czechoslovakia too was a Slavic country formed with the break up of Austro-Hungary (Sontag, 1971). The Russian Empire crumbled and was replaced with a communist revolution and regime. The treaty of Versailles also significantly weakened Germany. It was stripped of its colonies, disarmed and forced to pay reparations. Parts of it were given to Poland and the Czech Republic."
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Mikhail Gorbachev, 2008. A look at the rule of Mikhail Gorbachev and the changes he made to the
international system in the 1980s. 4,072 words (approx. 16.3 pages), 13 sources, MLA, $ 109.95 »
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Abstract This paper examines the era of the Cold War and in particular, the role played by Mikhail Gorbachev in influencing the course of historical events in the 1980s. The thesis is argued that Gorbachev initiated the processes that brought about the end of the Cold War not so much in response to international conditions so much as to the domestic situation in the Soviet Union - both economic and political. It also argues that he realized that immediate steps to reform were required if the Soviet Union were to meet the challenges of a new era.
Outline:
Introduction
The Soviet Union Before Gorbachev
The Domestic Climate of the USSR
Gorbachev's "New Thinking" and the End of the Cold War
Riding the Dragon of Reform
Conclusion
From the Paper "While it is undeniable that Mikhail Gorbachev is the single most important Soviet figure during the 1980s, and arguably the personality most responsible for the end of the Cold War, his rise to power in the Soviet system represents a fascinating problem for students of Soviet history. Indeed, several years after Gorbachev had come to power George Kennan - the U.S. diplomat who had played a key role in the development of the "containment strategy" in the 1940s - was asked in a television interview how so unconventional a figure could have risen to the top of the Soviet system that had - during the long Brezhnev era - being characterized as moribund and extremely conservative. Kennan's response is illuminating: "I really cannot explain it." "
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American Presidency and Political Time, 2008. An analysis of Stephen Skowronek's theory of presidential leadership and political time in his book "The Politics Presidents Make", applied to the Bush administration's handling of the war in Iraq. 3,330 words (approx. 13.3 pages), 11 sources, APA, $ 95.95 »
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Abstract This paper examines the concept of presidential leadership and the theory of political time delineated in Stephen Skowronek's "The Politics Presidents Make". The idea of political time means first that the given president is situated at different points in the life-cycle of a given political regime and, second, that presidents stand in different relation to the dominant political regime and its "regime party." The paper also focuses on what Skowronek calls "orthodox-innovators", or leaders whose actions are strongly influenced by the ulterior motives of his regime. The paper considers how this applies to the current war in Iraq and to the actions of George W. Bush in taking the U.S. into that war. It concludes that this issue has been much argued since the start of that war and will continue to be discussed far into the future, not simply until the war ends but long after as historians and others seek to understand the rationale for this war.
Outline:
Introduction
Political Time
Political Regime
The Orthodox-Innovator
Iraq
From the Paper "Skowronek identifies the orthodox-innovator as a "faithful son," meaning not a son of a political leader but a son of a political party, movement, or regime that shapes the faithful son's political leanings and career. These are also the presidents who are associated with "a resilient set of governmental commitments" (Skowronek 41). The presidents considered here all fit the mold, meaning James Monroe, James K. Polk, Theodore Roosevelt, Lyndon Johnson, George H.W. Bush, and George W. Bush. All emerged from a political tradition they could be expected to support and yet that they in part denied as they pursued their little wars, often in order to assert American power not just to other countries but domestically as well, supposedly correcting earlier failures to do so and thus affirming the strengths their followers want supported, or doing so to counter charges by the opposition of weakness. It is considered less surprising when a Republican president affirms American power by engaging in a military action, for instance, while a Democratic president might do so just to show that the view that Democratic leaders are not able to handle the need for a military response."
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The Black Plague, 2008. This paper looks at the history of the Black Plague. 1,200 words (approx. 4.8 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 41.95 »
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Abstract In this article, the writer discusses that throughout history the Black Plague has emerged in some societies and then laid dormant, only to become active again, killing massive numbers of populations. The writer points out that primarily carried by rats and the fleas that feed from them, the Black Plague has been cited as existing in a growing number of cases in modern times, although its roots began centuries earlier. The writer notes that there have been several pandemics of the Black Plague, which is the most devastating infection that the world has ever known. The writer maintains that statistics indicate that the Black Plague still exists and is increasing in the numbers of the population that it kills each year. The writer concludes that it is for this reason society, medical science and those that lead nations must begin to act on the plague in order to save millions more within societies today and in the future.
Outline:
Introduction
Beginning of the Plague
Emergence
Affects on Society
How it Spread
Second Mass Occurrence
Origins
Countries it Impacted
Affects on Society
New Types
London
Appearance in London
How it Impacted Society
How it Ended
Modern Society
Existence of the Plague in the 20th Century
Existence of the Plague in Modern Society
Statistics
Conclusion
From the Paper "In the 1300s the Black Plague emerged in Asia and quickly spread throughout Europe and once again in Italy. This pandemic was directly related to the trade that existed between these countries, as it followed the waterways that carried goods from one port to another. In this pandemic the plague was capable of taking in excess of 20 million lives and adversely impacted all civilizations that it spread to. This occurred through the inability of farmers to harvest their crops and workers to produce goods that were required to maintain businesses. Bishop contends that the affect of the plague on the populations where it existed included families abandoning their children, physicians refusing to care for patients and the Catholic Church proclaiming massive forgiveness for all who died because of the lack of clergy to hear the confessions of the dead."
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The Iran Revolution of 1979, 2008. This paper discuses the events leading to the Iran Revolution of 1979. 2,000 words (approx. 8.0 pages), 7 sources, MLA, $ 63.95 »
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Abstract This paper explains that, in 1979, millions of Iranians succeeded in ousting Muhammad Reza Shah Pahlavi (1941-1979), the Shah of Iran. The author points out that, while the Shah was known as a 'darling to the West', he tried to authoritarianly modernize too rapidly and did not adapt his political institutions sufficiently to the economic and social changes he had brought about. The paper relates that, inspired by hopes for democracy, economic prosperity for all classes, gender equality and a leadership that would not allow Iranian culture to be swallowed up by Western values, many Iranian women joined the rebellion. The author reports that the world was surprised by the Iranian Revolution, which was led by Ayatollah Rudolph Khomeini in exile in Paris. The paper relates that the Muslims believed that the modern age was 20th century remake of the Jahiliyya of ancient times that had to be destroyed as Mohammed the prophet had destroyed its predecessor.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Background
Conclusion
From the Paper "Let's take a look at the historical elements that lead up to the Iranian Revolution of 1979. Post World War II created a very different world. Colonial (English, French, Dutch, and other) control of much of the Mid-East, Asia, Africa, South American (the Third World) was on the wane. Two superpowers emerged, the United States and the USSR (Russia). The USSR leaving regimes were based on a military government with socialist tendencies and a strong tribal, regional or ethnic minority base; this was the case in Algeria, Syria, Iraq, South Yemen and Egypt."
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The Origin of Russian Marxism, 2008. A explanation of the origins of Marxism in Russia. 2,109 words (approx. 8.4 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 66.95 »
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Abstract This paper studies the origins of Russian Marxism that originated from the theories and writings of Karl Marx and Freidrich Engels and which called for the overthrow of capitalism and the establishment of rule by the proletariat. The paper relates that, although Marx's intended audience had always been primarily the working class people of Europe, especially in Germany, it was the Russian Marxists who were the first to lead a successful revolution against capitalism.
From the Paper "Das Kapital and The Communist Manifesto had a profound influence on the origins and development of Russian Marxism. These books described why the exploited working classes of capitalistic societies would suffer from alienation, rise up against the middle classes, and overthrow the system of capitalism. Then, according to Marx and Engels, after a brief period of rule by the dictatorship of the proletariat, the classless
society of communism would emerge. (Marx and Engels 99-102)
"The Communist Manifesto was basically a written version of everything Marx had been saying for years. Although it was Russian Marxists who were the first to lead a successful revolution against capitalism, Marx's intended audience had always been primarily the working class people of Europe, especially in Germany, and he spared no effort to incite them with his inflammatory rhetoric of class warfare. His intention was to persuade the workers of Germany that revolution was not only the sole answer to their oppression and misery, it was historically inevitable because of the scientific laws of history.
"The Communist Manifesto was published in February 1848 in order to fan the flames of revolt which were then smoldering across Europe. Marx had declared that Germany should be the chief focus of Communist interest because the proletariat in that country was more developed than it had been when either the French or English bourgeoisie had struggled for their independence. He believed that the proletarian revolution would arrive first in Germany, so when unrest broke out there in March of 1848, he traveled with much anticipation to the Rhineland to observe unfolding events."
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Nationalism, 2008. An overview of the definition of nationalism and its effect on 20th century European politics. 4,263 words (approx. 17.1 pages), 11 sources, APA, $ 113.95 »
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Abstract This paper explains that nationalism developed as a political ideology and a state reality in the nineteenth century, emerging once various groups of people began to see themselves as part of a nation rather than some other geographical designation. This paper discusses how nationalism shaped several of the states of Europe leading into the twentieth century and how nationalism as an ideology was strong in Germany and added to conflicts leading to World War I. The paper also examines how World War II was a continuation of many of the same forces, again with Germany as provocateur against many of the other states in Europe.
Outline:
Introduction
National Boundaries
Italy and Germany
War in the Twentieth Century
Conclusion
From the Paper "Security has always been a major component of social relations, with groups of people intent in protecting themselves from encroachments on their territory and prerogatives banding together for greater strength. The idea of national security extends beyond the immediate neighborhood, village, or town to a larger entity known as the nation-state, and people only began to develop a sense of national identity after the feudal era. The trend began in the sixteenth century with the breakup of the Holy Roman Empire (Manchester, 1993, pp. 159-160). "
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Globalization and the Middle East: Iran, 2007. A discussion of the Iranian response to globalization. 1,745 words (approx. 7.0 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 56.95 »
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Abstract This paper argues that modern-day Iran is behaving in response to long-held grievances with western powers (like the United States and Great Britain) and because the globalization and integrated world that the West champions (most conspicuously the United States) is perceived as a direct threat to Iran's status as a theocracy, and a direct threat to the austere, non-consumerist tenets of traditional Islam. The paper explains that globalization threatens the very fabric of present Iranian society and the country's leaders therefore want to combat it and those they feel embody values inimical to their own interests. The paper also looks at what it is that has prompted the Middle Eastern land's angry denunciations of Israel, its stubborn adherence to a nuclear development program that is condemned by many in the western world, and its frequently negative characterizations of the United States. The paper concludes that one of the most compelling reasons for Iran's 'odd' actions is that globalization brings with it many threats to Iran and to its leadership; it is also a reminder, surely, of the western imperialism which impressed itself upon Iran in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries.
From the Paper "To begin with, Iran is a nation that is comparatively insular and one which is dominated by a religion that frowns upon the "decadent," consumption-driven and even hedonistic lifestyle of the west. It is also, if its sometimes hysterical rhetoric and habitual defensiveness about what it is doing and why it is doing it are any indication, a nation that is deeply insecure - or, at the very least, its leaders are very insecure. More than that, Iran is a nation which has long bristled at the projection of western power via globalization and changing technologies and this has pushed it to the forefront of Middle Eastern nations committed to turning back that projection anyway they can."
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A Democratic Audit of China, 2008. A look at the forces that have hindered China's movement towards a democratic government in the past 20 years. 2,515 words (approx. 10.1 pages), 10 sources, MLA, $ 76.95 »
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Abstract Through a detailed analysis of 3 key topics from the democratic assessment framework in application to China, this paper attempts to understand how China is today a country still far removed from the promise of democracy. The paper looks at how important the issues of collective identity/citizenship, the rule of law, and economic rights are to the future of China and recognizes that it is difficult to come to a conclusion since China is still fundamentally an authoritarian state in which power is monopolized by the political-economic elite.
Outline:
Introduction
Nationhood and Citizenship
The Rule of Law and Access to Justice
Economic and Social Rights
Conclusion
From the Paper "It must be acknowledged that this development of an authoritarian economic state was essential to the survival of China's ruling elite in the wake of the global collapse of communism in the early 1990s (Huang 54). In this analysis, it is was primarily through the ruling political elite's reaching out to the emerging business classes and co-opting them that allowed the Chinese system to survive the collapse of communism as an ideological system. However, it must be acknowledged that this has occurred at a great cost as one of the consequences of the development of this new elite has been a marked increase in corruption that parallels economic dislocation for much of the population (Fuller 152)."
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