International Liberalism Theory

International Liberalism Theory Liberalism Views Liberalism earned its recognition in the 18th century from Western political philosophy where German writer Immanuel Kant and French author Baron de Montesquieu determined its relevance to international politics. In the 19th century, British philosophers John Stuart Mill and Jeremy Bentham wrote about liberalism as it affected the world. Many global leaders examined the elements of liberalism in their policies and wrote about them applying them to international situations. Liberalist views have a positive factor that people, countries and governments can work together to solve their problems and make peace within the world. Liberalism Theories Some liberalism theories show there are many challenges that have not been overcome that would ease the suffering of the world. Liberals view international relations as cooperative, constructive efforts between countries and governments to aid poor nations to promote global welfare and economic stability. However, liberalists also believe in promoting capitalism and economic prosperity through global democracy, self-regulation of the markets, equality, liberty and restricted governmental control. Modern liberalism supports coordinating both state and non-state relations to promote global peace and improve the political, economic and social situations around the world (Burchill, 2001, 54-69, 9-10). International Liberalism Liberals are optimistic about the role of the organization. International organizations include not only intergovernmental organizations IGOs but also nongovernmental organizations (NGOs). â€Å"Liberals also see international organizations as shaping the international landscape. International organizations include not only intergovernmental organizations (IGOs) but also nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) that can have both public and private functions.† (Doyle, 1995, 74-77). Governments are important because they have independent and indirect influences on the domestic and foreign policies of states. Cooperation between state governments is needed for organizations to achieve their goals. The nature of international relations combines conflict and cooperation between states and non-state organizations because they rely on one another. Competing interests can control or lobby the government to achieve their goals. Liberals are also concerned about the individuals involved because they are part of the society. There are many organizations other than the state that believe in the realist approach and focus on the nation-state, while liberal thinking analyzes the individual person. Liberals view the international world as it deals with each other through global trade agreements, travelers visiting or studying abroad, and international institutions like the United Nations, where no governmental control from the realist’s point of view does not quite cover all the different contexts of daily life. Liberals feel that realists view nations as warring forces that try to balance power through force. However, that is not the liberalist view (Doyle, 1995, 60-65). Liberalism Among Nations Liberalists believe an international society that can work together with all countries can help them solve their problems. This involves international trade between nations, and a different outlook where disorder is not useful and wars should end so people can work together and live in peace. Liberals feel that realists make countries out to be always conflicting with each other, and never getting along or having a balance of power. Liberals view the future as full of growth and independence that will make the differences between international and domestic politics lead to a universe that has no borders. Environmental problems are an example of how the world is all in the same situation, no matter how developed or wealthy their nation is. However, realists that that the Middle East may be the exception to the rules, since there may always be political problems there due to oil profits and the threat of Muslim terrorism to countries like the US (especially after the problems with the World Trade Center hijackings and the fact that 16 out of 19 of the terrorists were from the Middle East) (Brown, 2005, 4-8). The US believed Iraq needed government intervention to ensure the stability of their society because through liberalism, they would be able to achieve peace. No getting involved in the internal affairs of states should be a basic international law. The US was willing to get involved in Iraq because they saw an opportunity to appear to be helping them solve their problems and also gain military presence within the Middle East. Without outside interference, the Iraqi situation might have become much worse, according to the US, since Saddam Hussein’s dictatorship was overpowering the poor people and destroying their economy. Neoliberalists believed that the US could invade and gain cooperation with the Iraqi people so the state’s issues would be resolved. (However, now everyone knows that the US only wanted to gain control of Iraqis oil supply) (Brown, 2005, 153, 155, 158, 255). Comparing Liberalism to Realism and Idealism Theories The liberalism and realism theories involved in domestic politics suggest that the use of force by various groups often leads to the government trying to maintain power through media intervention, turning the public against the attackers, and a show of sympathy by the rulers to gain the public’s support and sympathy. The major assumptions of realism explain that the Saudi government and the terrorists are the only significant players in the situation, that military force is the principal method of solving problems, and that the overall security of the country is the key objective that must be achieved. The main concept behind liberalism is that there is a balance of power that must be kept at all times between the governing parties and those who they are trying to please. The liberalist view explains how war is only needed in seriously dangerous circumstances, not for the development of universal community or for the growth of the economy. In a country like Saudi Arabia, the religious Matawas feel the Saudi government is being influenced and controlled by America and the United Nations to conform to their society’s rules or risk losing oil contracts and other business negotiations (Nathanson, 2002, 48-52). When applying these theories of realism and liberalism to countries with political problems, it helps to explain how their internal difficulties would be very complex to find solutions for. Saudi’s internal political problems relate to what exactly is a legitimate use of force, and when is it acceptable to apply it. The Matawas felt that since the government was not listening to their protests concerning the changing policies that would open up the nation and allow for a totally new society to develop, that bombing innocent people was the just method of retaliating (Voegelin, 1974, 3-8, 205). Although liberalism is a more positive and helpful theory, realism is the most popular concept in international politics where the worst problem is war and military force, and the major characters involved are the countries or states themselves. Realists believe that liberals overstate the difference between international politics and domestic politics, since realists see the state of war as only needed under very critical circumstances, and liberals refuse to see the benefits of economic independence, growth and development of international global communities. Realists believe that states do not always go to war, and they have many other options, such as peace and trade between nations (Brown, 2005, 4-7, 45). While realist views emphasize continuity, permanence and stability within the society, liberal views stress change is needed, especially in the Middle Eastern region, since the world is said to be moving past anarchy to a better overall situation that desires world peace. Combining continuity and change is the best overall solution, however, the mixture of both liberalist and realist views would have to involve altering human behavior, which is almost impossible, especially on an international and political level that depends on unethical governments for their decision-making. Idealists believe international relations should focus more on the actual causes of global conflicts and how they can be changed for the better. Idealists look for ways to improve the situations, and create peace and stability within all nations. Idealists want to reduce illiteracy and inequality in the world and allow for more education and job opportunities. They want to rid the world of poverty and starvation, and fight against liberalists who believe the situation is may be difficult or cannot be resolved without the help of governments (Voegelin, 1974, 120-127). Conclusion Liberalists feel the alliances and contacts that manage to be formed across borders (like the UN and USA getting involved during global conflicts) form a global society that represents a non-warring world that must exist alongside the warring world. Liberalists feel that realists overstate the differences between national and global politics as a state of war, which concentrates only on the worst part of the situation. Liberalists believe that realists overlook the growth and development of economic independence and the progress of a international society. However, countries at war find resolutions and negotiate their way back into society with the help of others, and their economies can then succeed. REFERENCE Steins, J. (2004). Introduction to International Relations, Perspectives and Themes. London: Longman. Doyle, M. (1986) Liberalism and World Politics. The American Political Science Review, Vol. 80, Issue 2. Solomon, B. (1998). Warriors for change. National Journal, Vol. 30, Issue 21. Burchill, S. (2001). Theories of International Relations. London: Palgrave Macmillan. Brown, C. (2005). Understanding International Relations. London: Palgrave. Voegelin, E. (1974). Liberalism and its History. The Review of Politics, Vol. 36, Issue 4. Scruton, R. (1996). Idealism, A Dictionary of Political thought. UK: MacMillan. Nathanson, S. (2002). Idealism World Book. UK: Pearson. Das, R. (1999). Politicism and idealism in state theory. Science and Society, Vol. 63, Issue 1. Groody, D. (2002). Border of Death, Valley of Life. UK: Rowan and Littlefield Publishing.

Richard Nixon Essay -- Presidents Biography Essays

Richard Nixon The President of the United States is often considered the most powerful elected official in the world. The President leads a nation of great wealth and military strength. Presidents have often provided decisive leadership in times of crisis, and they have shaped many important events in history. The President has many roles and performs many duties. As chief executive, the President makes sure that federal laws are enforced. As commander in chief of the nation's armed forces, the President is responsible for national defense. As foreign policy director, the President determines United States relation with other nations. As legislative leader, the President recommends new laws and works to win their passage. As head of a political party, the President helps mold the party's positions on national and foreign issues. As popular leader, the President tries to inspire the American people to work together to meet the nation's goals. Finally, as chief of state, the President perf orms a large variety of ceremonial duties. The thirty-seventh President, Richard Milhous Nixon, was born on January 9, 1913, in Yorba Linda, California. He was the second of the five sons of Francis Anthony Nixon and Hannah Milhous Nixon. At the age of about ten, he began working part time as a bean picker. During his teens, he worked as a handyman in a packinghouse, janitor at a swimming pool, and barker at an amusement park. While in college, Nixon served as bookkeeper and as manager of the vegetable department of his father's store. Always a good student, he was invited by Harvard and Yale to apply for scholarships, but his older brother's illness and the Depression made his presence close to home necessary. So he attended nearby Whittier College, where he graduated second in his class in 1934. He went on to law school at Duke University, where his seriousness and determination won him the nickname "Gloomy Gus." He graduated third in his class and applied for jobs with both large northeastern law firms and the FBI. His applications were all rejected, so he was forced to go home to southern California, where his mother helped get him a job at a friend's local law firm. Shortly after returning home, Nixon met Thelma Catharine Ryan. At that time she was teaching commercial subjects at Whittler High School. They were married on June 21, 1940. The Ni... ...r resigning the presidency, Nixon sought to portray himself as an elder statesman. He published five books on US foreign policy: The Real War (1980), Real Peace (1983), No More Vietnams (1985), 1999: Victory without War (1988), Seize the Moment (1992), and Beyond Peace (1994). By the 1990s, much of the scandal had been forgotten, and Nixon was once again hailed as a genius of foreign policy. He later died on April 22, 1994, in New York City of a massive stroke. Richard Nixon's wife, Patricia Ryan Nixon, was an excellent mother and an even better wife. She was a tireless campaigner when her husband ran unsuccessfully for President in 1960, and was at his side when Richard ran again in 1968 and won. Along with adding over six hundred paintings and antiques to the White House, and encouraging voluntary service; she traveled nearly everywhere with Nixon. She did many things to help the President, one for example, she visited Africa and South America with the unique diplomatic standing of Personal Representatives of the President. And again when Nixon was accused in the Watergate scandal she supported him one hundred percent. Patricia was always a charming and caring person.

Baseball: Then and Now Essay

â€Å"The game of baseball has now become beyond question the leading feature of the outdoor sports of the United States†¦It is a game which is peculiarly suited to the American temperament and disposition:†¦ in short, the pastime suits the people, and the people suit the pastime†(Charles Peverelly, 1866). Although baseball is still America’s favorite pastime, the way it is played has changed greatly since it’s founding in the 1800’s. Baseball was originally created so there would be something the boys could do to keep busy during the summer months. Now, baseball has changed greatly because of technological and technique advancements, rule alterations, and the commercialization of the game. Since its origination in the mid 1800’s, baseball has undergone many changes and advancements in technology and technique. When it was first played, there was no such thing as a glove used to help catch the ball. The fielders would play bare-handed, making line drives automatic hits and ground balls even harder to handle. The bat has undergone many changes as well. Batters used to hit the ball with a bat that had a flat side. This was comparable to a cricket paddle except slightly longer and slimmer. Now, players of any age or level use bats that are cylinder shaped with a slightly wider section on the end. In the 1800’s, the general public was not as safety oriented as is today’s society. This is shown by the complete lack of helmets worn by players in the mid 1800’s. Now, helmets are required by rule to be worn by the batter when he is hitting. Helmets are made of a highly durable, shock absorbent outer shell with soft interior padding for comfort. Other advances were demonstrated by the change in pitching style and technique. The first pitchers threw two kinds of pitches: a high pitch and a low pitch. Then, they added outside and inside pitches. After that, change ups and fastballs were developed. Now, sliders, sinkers, curveballs, forkballs, screwballs, and knuckleballs are routine pitches. As a result of today’s pitchers like Pedro Martinez and Greg Maddux – who throw less hittable pitches – hitting techniques have been worked on, and players have become better hitters. For  example, the first great hitters such as Babe Ruth and Mickey Mantle would not be able to compete with Alex Rodriguez and Barry Bonds – the best batters of today. The advancements in technology and style have completely changed the way baseball is played, as have the many changes that were made to the rulebook. Since its early beginning in the mid 1800’s through 1975, baseball has developed and modified many old rules into new rules that keep the game flowing. In 1889, a rule was introduced that if four balls were thrown during the span of one player’s at-bat, the player was allowed to â€Å"walk† to first base. This was an immense change from the old rule, which stated that if nine pitches total were thrown during the at-bat, the hitter would â€Å"walk† to first base. Also that year, the batter could be thrown only three strikes before he was called out. In 1969, a standard strike zone was added that included the area from the batter’s armpits to the top of his knees. These three rules eliminated the lengthy at bats that slowed down the game, standardized play, and made less room for controversial called strikes or balls. Not only were changes made in the playing rules, there were also many changes in the equipment rules. In 1889, the catcher was allowed to wear a padded leather mitt and a chest protector. This rule made being the catcher more bearable. By 1893, bat size and shape was enforced, and in 1975, the last change was made; the baseball could be covered with cowhide because of the shortage of horses. Because of the plethora of changes that were made to the rulebook, baseball today contrasts baseball in the 1800’s. The most explicit cause of the changes in baseball is the amount of commercialization that occurs today. The professional baseball players of today are shown on TV and in newspapers; their replica jerseys are sold at around $70 per item; and the players make an average of $600,000 per year. Compared to the absence of salary until the 1920’s, this is a major difference. In 1922, Babe Ruth made $50,000 in 1989, Kirby Puckett made $3,000,000 and in 2000, Alex Rodriguez made $27,000,000. Many players of today play for money, not for their love of the game like they used to. This shows that baseball is no longer a game, but a job. Another change is the publicity baseball receives. Stadiums today can hold as many as 62,409 people (Veterans Stadium, Philadelphia). The first ball parks did not even have a place for spectators to watch. Not only do professional stadiums attract viewers, but they attract salesmen and the media. For example, Hormel ® does not provide 7th inning stretch entertainment to show their support for baseball; they do it simply to advertise to a very large crowd for a very small price. Baseball today has grown rapidly into a target for cheap advertising and money-making. With the emphasis and importance of baseball on Americans’ lives today, it has rapidly grown into America’s favorite pastime. Through technological and technique advancements, rule alterations, and the commercialization of the game, baseball has changed greatly from the unorganized backyard game into America’s favorite pastime. â€Å"I think Little League Baseball is wonderful. It keeps the kids out of the house.† (Yogi Berra, 1954)

How to Get Out of the Sophomore Slump

In your sophomore year in college? Feeling uninspired and unmotivated? You just might be in whats known as the college sophomore slump. For most students, its what happens during your second year of college: youre over the excitement of your first year but not close enough to graduating yet to be focusing on life after college. So whats a college student to do in the meantime? Take a Class for Fun You might be feeling slumpish because you are having to take tons of prereqs before you can get into the nice, meaty courses required for your major. Or you may not even be sure what to major in. Either way, add a little spice to your routine by taking a class just for fun. It can be yoga, ballet, an art class, or anything thats out of the ordinary for you. Join a New Club or Organization Your first year in school, you were probably so busy adjusting to life as a college student that your time management skills were -- shall we say -- less than stellar. But now that you know the ropes, join a new club or organization that will provide you with a creative outlet and something enjoyable to do each week. Get Involved in Student Government Even if youve never done student government before, see if you can represent your residence hall, your academic class, or even a constituency you belong to (like transfer students, for example). It can be a great way to keep you motivated to talk to other students, stay on top of current issues, and develop some leadership skills. (Not to mention that it looks good on your resume.) Volunteer on Campus No matter where you go to school, chances are that there is some kind of volunteer program you can join. See who needs volunteers this year and you just might end up motivating yourself along with others. Volunteer in the Local Community Maybe a change of scene is more whats needed. If so, see what volunteer options are available in your local community. Mentor First-year Students You just might be in the sophomore slump because you are doing well in college -- which means that perhaps you can be a good role model for incoming first-year students who need some guidance about adjusting to college life. See if your school has a mentoring program you can join -- and if not, see about starting one yourself! Get a Fun Job On Campus True, most students work in college for the money. But if you need to mix things up a little, this can be a great way to still get income while also enjoying yourself. Work in the campus coffee shop, at the theater, or in any other avenue that offers a fun, engaging environment. Get a Fun Job Off Campus Perhaps you do need a change of scene from your campus but dont have the time to volunteer. Try to combine both your financial needs and your need for change into an off-campus job that is interesting and something new. Get Involved Politically What are local politics like near your school? Can you volunteer on someones campaign? Join a national campaign for a person or an issue you care about? Become involved in a movement for a cause that is near and dear to your heart? Start Planning a Great Trip Sophomore year can be a little challenging because there often isnt one big thing to look forward to. So why not create your own highlight of the year? See what your options are for planning a fun trip over Thanksgiving break, winter break, spring break, or even a long weekend coming up. It just might do the trick of getting you out of your sophomore slump and back into your normal groove.