Module 3: Globalized Islam Paper

Islamic terror group

1

            Islamic terrorism refers to any terrorist act committed by either a group or people who portrays the Islamic aims. These people show their violent actions through the elucidation of the Quran and Hadith according to their personal intention.  For many people in the Western, they live in life that seems to have the Islamic threat. These drastic Muslims are everywhere, mentioning the societies and changing the lifestyle of the existing politics.  In a successful view of this article, Roy demonstrates a different approach; political Islam is a failure.  Even if the Islamic fundamentalists take control in other countries, they will not be able to change the economics and politics in the given countries based on Islamic universalism. Roy shows how the present Islamism is still the Third glossary of the 1960’s.  This increases the awareness of politics and the merged economies for the rich and subventions of the poor. In Roy’s explanation, those based on the Islamic grounds experience dim probabilities of success.  This description by Roy entails about Sociology of radical Islam about many ideas and assumptions of the subject (Roy, 1994).

2

            We are aware that in Islamic, there is no clergy but there is a group of lettered men, doctors of law and the Ulamas.  The Ulamas fulfill many functions but they do not have domination any house of worship.  The Mullahs who have increased religious preparations serve many Islamic mosques and not face any control from any power.  The main need of the Ulamas and Mullahs is the engagement of the Sharia without basis of the political system. The ethical issues are at the main points of the Muslim political principles.  The fundamentalists’ clergy is that the law matches to the Sharia and demands the right to criticize and not to utilize power.  The ancient fundamentalism that is the main approach of the Ulamas is also the philosophy of many Mullahs (Roy, 1994).

            When doing a comparison between Islamism and Jihadism, there are also several similarities. Despite their resemblance used to show the difference between both approaches of activism, jihad fundamentalists reject the notion of using state groups and politics as a way to Islamize the society.  Unlike other political based Islam, they have increased their local strive to a global level as a result to the strategic approaches.  This is what differentiates the political Islam from the international jihadism. Islamists try to gain the global state with all its organizations through which political power implemented.  As Muslims have their say that Quran is their constitution, this illustrates their approach to politics, religion and state (Roy, 1994).           

            Two approaches differentiate within this fundamentalism, traditionalist and reformist.  The ancient recognizes the progression between the rooting texts and other documentaries and takes its basic standard simulation.  This shows the rejection to innovate which admitting to what said before.  Its vision according to Sharia is fundamentally legalistic and it relates to the accepted appearances of Sufism. Reformist fundamentalism condemns the ancient beliefs, known religious faiths and false notions.  The approach to fundamentalism developed due to the reaction to an outer threat.  In sustaining the reformist line according to fundamentalist, it marked a difference between fundamentalism and Islamism (Roy, 1994). 

            Politically, Salafist ideas remained ancient.  This did not reject the existing Muslim governments. The condition, as the political power observed less value.  The spread of Islam internationally raises the concept of terrorism between the religion, societies and the borders.  A third of the international Muslims live as members of minority.  At the central point of this development, the settlement of the Muslims in the Western culture increased the awareness and influence of the cultural forms and social customs.  The Africans who are against the western civilization rather than bearing its consequences take the restoration of Islam among the Muslim populations negatively.  Neofundamentalism has been developing among an increasing Muslim youths mainly among the third generation settlers in the west.  This idea is building new forms of radicalism based on supporting Al Qaeda to the rejection of involvement into the Western society (Roy, 1994). 

            In this huge approach of the Islam movement beyond the ancient boundaries and its ignorant westernization, Roy argues that Islamic restoration develops from the efforts of the Muslims that have gained the western culture to put their uniqueness in a non-Muslim approach.  A split has developed between the approaches of the Islamist movements in the Muslim community, including the Islamic terrorist group, Hamas of Palestine and the rejected militants who are all in struggle to develop an imaginary ummah or a new Muslim society that is not set in any society or region.  Roy gives a described comparison of these ancient movements whether peaceful or violent.  He tries to demonstrate how new fundamentalism accepts with no reminiscence the loss of faultless customs, making a worldwide religious uniqueness that exceeds the main idea of the Islamic custom. Thus, modern Islamic fundamentalism is not an only reaction against the westernization but a produce and a mediator of the complicated forces of globalization (Roy, 1994).  

3

            In the context of the Western Europe Muslim communities, the approach on whether Muslim faith and practices are changing or not in historically new approach has raised. In a highly politicized region where changes continue to be reviewed by the approach of compatibility with the European values, this focuses on the structure of the religious life in the Europe’s Muslim community.  This raises other questions on whether the Muslims are turning to Europeans through identity and whether ideas suggested by Islamic groups need to be considered by the public actors (Maitra, 2009). 

            Many arguments have recognized individualization of the religious faiths as the major growth in the Europe Muslim communities.  Researchers consider the issue of religion authority in Islam and its inflection in the Western European approach. Islamic terror group used religious violence movement to construct their religious authority. The movement grounded as a moderate one forming new terrorism.  Terrorist acts reflect the aspects of religions.  Construction of the religious authorities by the terrorist groups highlights the role of religion in explaining religious violence showing the way religious philosophy causes violence.  Roy argues that something inherent in the religious tradition lead to not only violence but also violence in a large level. Islamic terror violence grounds on religion nature and religious traditions. Religious violence therefore increases development to the contribution of the religious authority (Maitra, 2009). 

            The terror group takes the appearance of the violent religious ideas and reviews how they cause violence once formed.  This contribution by the terror group through the principles they make, makes them fight for their purpose with violence and thinks that this will be helpful.  While the terror groups fight for their religion say, they struggle to show and define the nature of their religious custom with a particular approach to the public.  The reason for the religious contribution and authority of the terror group, they demand to gain the resources to increase the public support and political supremacy.  When a group is fighting for its religious ideology, they frames struggle as a violence and concentrates on convincing the public of their new strength.  This causes serious violence and reluctance to compromise on their purposes.  Therefore, it is not the religious presence that causes violence but the way in which groups shows the religious symbol to struggle for power.  Conflict over religious matters involves the players attempting to make and acknowledge a certain approach of religious custom and its application to the political matters.  Huge religious aggression does not form religious struggles on its tradition, but shows the religious symbols constructed through political disagreement (Maitra, 2009).    

            The other contribution of the group is of the connectional approach on the provision of ways from existing struggles that can show how the process happens. The first approach involves the trial by the group to make an approach on religion develops through political works.  This shows that the terror group merges the various commonplaces to make new approach of the political status and gain support of their action.  This joining of many groups is the significant feature to conflict.  The other way of contribution is the outline of position that arises from the social movement group principles.  This shows how the perspective is an outline that joins different symbols of the group’s criticisms on how to form a mobilization element to gain support of strive.  Much of the conflict arises when the groups improves their agendas to show their interpretation of political status as prevailing and mobilize the public in support of their demand (Maitra, 2009). 

4

            As the radical terrorist group spreads globally, there has been a great effort to seize strategies used to recruit these terrorist groups.  To acknowledge the tactics to attract new followers, oppression and supporting are the main tactics used to entice members into these groups.  The Islamic terror group uses the winning idea in whether one is either with them or against them. This approach threatens people and makes them victims to engage in the new fight in response to the threat.  In doing this, these groups make threatened members to be part of them (Dienel, 2010). 

            The Islamic terror group ignores some descriptions in the Quran that appears non-violent and focuses on disrespect and vengeance to make sure that outside conflict fails.  They also move to the communities to promote a sense on them, increasing their options arguments in the given communities. This strategy is working successfully within the Islamic youths in the community who have a non-conflict approach.  Social Media tools such as Facebook, twitter and others are a source of recruiting tool for terrorists.  This demonstrates how everyone who recruits through the social media feels concerned towards the group cause and they become people who feel that something is missing from their lives thus becoming more vulnerable than others do (Dienel, 2010). 

            Social media is different from the ancient media in many ways.  The modern social media helps the terrorist group to reach many people are spread its message globally.  They ensure that the group’s misinformation is online forever.  The terrorist groups use the social media to promote their organizational communication and the fake communication has spread widely and effectively.  It is mainly the use of social media platforms that any terrorist group passes their fake information (Dienel, 2010). 

Reference

Dienel, H.-L. (2010). Terrorism and the Internet: Threats, target groups, deradicalisation strategies. Amsterdam: IOS Press.

Maitra, G. (2009). For whom the bell tolls: America or the jihadists? Victoria, BC, Canada: Trafford Publishing.

Roy, O. (1994). The failure of political Islam. Cambridge, Mass: Harvard University Press.

The American Dream is dead

The American dream has been eroded by a growing wealth inequality which is a strong pillar of for the dream.   The wealth inequality has been informed by factors such as income inequality, unequal growth in wages and income which has lead to a few individuals controlling the larger portion of wealth. In addition, over 1 out of 5 Americans have experienced negative or zero net worth over the past decades.  The society has not provided an environment where citizens can have a fair playing filed while competing for economic rewards that lead to wealth creation. The greater the inequality in accessing the opportunities for improved wages and incomes leads to reduced economic mobility so that the society continues observes a widening gap between the rich and the poor.  The American dream involved an individual being able to access opportunities so that they are able to make more wealth than their parents did (Morton & Sawhill, 2007).  The dream is also being shattered by the slowing of economic growth over the recent decades, so that the growth of economic pie is much slow that in the past and this makes it difficult for every generation to surpass their predecessors.

Wealth refers to an individual’s net worth and it is a major determinant of the standard of livings of American households. It includes the liquid assets which enable households to deal with cash emergencies,   assets that are tangible provide opportunities to participate in community life, work and school. Wealth also comprises of assets such as retirement plans that facilitates business investments and education investments. Considering the importance of wealth, growing gap between the rich and the poor is more than increasing inequality in income and wages (Economic Policy Institute, n.d).  A good measure for the widening gap is income inequality.

A good measure that can determine the increasing wealth gap in America is the growing gap between the different economic classes of individuals.  This measure is based on financial inequality that has been rising, with the rising being observed across all economic classes.   The rich individuals have more wealth and a larger portion of their wealth is derived from various lucrative assets as the source. In fact, the top 1 percent of rich Americans own almost half of the wealth invested in mutual funds and stocks, while those at the bottom 90% have their wealth being derived from major principle residences (Economic Policy Institute, n.d).  The measure of the gap can be seen in the difference in growth of wealth shares, which are indicated to have grown much at top class in recent decades. Within 1974-2012 period , a calculation of part of  majority families shows that wealth has not doubled , with an increase of 12 percent  - 8- 22 % - while those at the  top has risen to 2.5 percent from11.2 percent (Institute for Policy Studies, n.d) . This measure can be extended to the indictor of wealth for Forbes’ list of 400 richest individuals. By 1982, the poorest of people to be listed first in the magazine were worth % 80 million with the average individual on that list being worth $ 230 M in net. As per 2015 list, rich Americans had to have $1.7 billion to enter the list and an average person was $5.8 billion in net worth which is more than 10 tomes average shown in 1982 (Institute for Policy Studies, n.d).

Trend in wealth accumulation

These figures indicate that wealth inequality has been increasing even among the richest individuals in America, and it is logical to conclude that even the low income earners have experienced the same trend. The standards of living could be lower considering the effect of inflation.

A major cause for this trend is variation in level of income which affects the individual’s ability to accumulate wealth. The low and middle income households have not had better growth of income over the past decades due to economic policies that direct most of economic growth fruits to the America’s wealthiest and highest earners (Piketty, 2015). This means that the economy has rarely worked for the American households, so that part of the wealth of the median households has been erased over the last 3 decades.  Further causes include the lower wages for middle class Americans than previously, irregularities in wage and income which has increased sharply over the last 3 decades and poor economic policies (Piketty, 2015).

Wealth inequalities have also been observed across the racial divide and according to Forbes’ list of 400 richest people, their wealth is as much as the wealth of 5 million and 16 M African- American families (Institute for Policy Studies, n.d).  Furthermore, the rate of homeownership among the black families reduced by 44.9 % and is far much behind the rate among the whites at 73.8 %.  Since less than half black households have their own homes, median typical black households’ home equity is zero. These families also have no stock ownership meaning that they have not wealth derived from this asset class.  There is also extreme uneven distribution of wealth within each age group, with people below the age of 35 being the least wealth (Institute for Policy Studies, n.d).  This means that most wealth is concentrated in the hands of the older generation.

 In order to solve the issue of wealth inequalities, there is need for policy changes to be enacted relating to wealth tax. This includes increasing taxation brackets for the income of extremely wealthy individuals and using such funds to provide amenities that present opportunities for the poor. This will allow the government to distributed and smooth manually over this wealth gap. In addition, policy changes should focus on ownership of stock by employees and profit sharing in the corporate world.  These policies can open a level playing field for all people while preventing accumulation of too much wealth in the hands of few individuals.

An alternative argument to this is that wealth inequality has not eroded the American dream since despite such inequalities have not influenced economic mobility.  However, such an argument cannot be complete since such mobility is only available to a limited section of the population that is quite wealth. In the midst of slower economic growth, few individuals can benefit from any extra income generated.  Furthermore, the various economic recessions have lead to erosions of part of the wealth owned by low and middle income earners who hold less of the nation’s wealth while richest can recover easily from such effects.

References

Morton, J. E., & Sawhill, I. V. (2007). Economic Mobility: Is the American Dream Alive and Well?

Economic Policy Institute. The State of Working America. Retreived from: http://stateofworkingamerica.org/?s=wealth+inequality&x=0&y=0

Institute for Policy Studies, (n.d).Wealth Inequality. Retrieved from: gabriel-zucman.eu/files/SaezZucman2014.pdf

Piketty, T., (2015).The Economics of Inequality. Harvard University Press

 South China Sea causing tug of war between US and China

Introduction

South China entails, as the best coastal lines in the world because of it is rich resources within the region. Additionally, the sea is used for trade, navigation, and exploitation energy richly resources such as gas and oil from the sea. The activities at the Sea region make the use of the sea important and favorable for use for many people in the region. Besides, other states such as Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines’, Taiwan and Vietnam have shown interest in the use and exploitation of the resources creating debate and unending development of policies that tend to control the use of the sea by China authorities in the region. The need to exploit and use the resources has generated heated debate and development of policies that work towards the protection of the resources by China authorities in the region. The commitment of China towards the use of the resources has formed differences and tension among other states influenced by the presence of resources and economic potential of the resources at the coastal region of the South Sea (William & David, 2016). The paper discusses a thesis question on china’s government commitment to peace that does not reflect it is policies and actions in association with the China Sea Spratly Island from 2016 to 2017, thus leading to the following question. What’s behind Beijing’s drive to control the South China Sea and will there be a price to pay to gain control of it. This therefore makes the paper to analyze China’s commitment to peace, which does not match up with the actions or policies taken into the protection of the China Sea Spratly Island in the years 2016 and 2017. Additionally, evaluation of the situation revolves around. In addition, the increased sense of security taken by china through dominating maritime approaches along the coast line and securing Sea lanes in the open pacific sea. This analytical research paper will therefore argue that China’s claim to almost 90% of the South China Sea is part of a grand strategy to 1) increasing the country’s sense of security by dominating the maritime approaches to its long coast, and securing sea lanes to the open Pacific. 2) overcoming long standing historical grievances. Finally, 3) becoming a super power to rival the US, a goal that Chinese leaders have always been determined to meet.

II Concept definition

Concepts and Methodology

The concept of South Sea as one of the resourceful and useful sections of China’s powerful tool revolves around concepts such as nationalism and balance of power as argued by Morton (2016). The strategy to protect resources in the southern sea includes:

The actions that China citizens take as members of a nation with the objective of sustaining political sovereignty as suggested by McDevitt (2014)

On the other hand, balance of power concept definition revolves around a weaker nation that seeks to increase its powers as a way of countering a stronger power.  Ideas such as the nature of disputes (De Castro, 2016), legal basics that maintain exploration and Chinese claims of owing South Sea in China incorporates important concepts of definition in the paper (Rustandi, 2016).

Most countries have also show their interests in taking over the South China Sea, due to its rich resources. This move is therefore threatening the world peace, since most countries are at the verge of war in order to win over the Sea. China, which is the powerful country as compared to its competitors, is likely to wage a war against the USA, since the USA is likely to interfere with the actions of China.

Research methodology

The methodology of the research involves qualitative aspects that evaluate historical description, logical inference and theoretical analysis that focus on China’s involvement and protection abilities of the valuables found in the Southern region of the Sea. The methodology incorporates introduction, arguments and a conclusion based on the thesis question. Some of the academic sources that I will include Mingjiang, L (2013). In addition, the methodology also looks at the arguments and reactions of the countries involved, thus coming up with concrete reasons as to why the South China Sea is currently experiencing different issues. Chinese Debates South Sea Policy: Implications for Future Developments. RSIS Working Paper No. 239. Pp. 1-21.

Yang Razali, Kassim. 2016. South China Sea Disputes, The: Flashpoints, Turning Points And Trajectories. New Jersey: World Scientific, 2016. Discovery eBooks, EBSCOhost (accessed May 2, 2017).

Research design

The research design focuses on the thesis question, which is the China’s commitment to peace that does not reflect the policies and actions taken in the protection of South Sea. The design of the research maintains a structural combination of objective investigations on the concepts of definition and methodologies that answers the thesis question and intensive research on the thesis statement. Additionally, the design of the research maintains logical ideas on the influence of Chinese contribution from the values found in the Sea that tends to pose threats to the countries borders at the South Sea. Besides, the use of relevant case studies and influence of the neighboring countries contributes as key features that give insights on the Chinese participation to protect the Sea border and prevent the existence of the USA at the boarder as China tends to become the super powers though the use of the available resources at the Sea. The design focuses on some of the problems that have contributed to the Protection Sea. Therefore, the influence of other neighboring states such as Taiwan, Vietnam, Brunei and Philippines’ in the Sea in competing for jurisdiction and territorial aspects with the exploitation of reserves such as gas and oil is highlighted in the paper.

Literature review

The literature review focuses on ten academic sources that talk about China’s policies and actions on the protection of the resources found in the Southern region of the Sea.  The section incorporates a literature review table that summarizes the ideas and concepts related to China’s action in the protection of the Sea from other neighboring countries as a way of pursuing power in the world and overcoming the America.

            The interest that other states have shown towards the resources available in the Sea has resulted in disputes and lack of peace, especially originated from the China. China facilitates and establish disputes because of their interest in using and exploitation the resources as a way of assembling to power and developing more resources for Chinese people and neglecting other states neighboring the Sea. Countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia, and Taiwan have had unrest and heated disputes with China to enable them to become relevant and use the available resources at sea. Additionally, China has caused tension towards other neighboring states bordering the Sea because of preventive measures and development of policies that do not represent the fair use of the Sea. The ideas and concepts that China has risen towards the importance of the Sea has favored only China state and hence contributing to unfair presentation and need for equal distribution of resources from the Sea. The troubled waters of South Sea have become the world’s interest from super power countries affecting the position of America in the world because of the potential and available resources noticed in the region especially in the years 2016 and 2017. Additionally, tension continues to build at the South Sea because of China's influence on development and implementation of strict policies on maritime frameworks that represent security, peace, and stability with the intension of protecting the resources available at the Sea region. The development and implementation of the resources have resulted in heated disputes and lack of peace despite China claims of peace and stability in the region. The building up of strong security forces and stability at the border against other states by China has resulted into disputed negotiations and the need for war to enable for shared use of the available resources at found in the Southern side of the territorial waters found in China.

Negative Impacts of the Disputes

            China’s commitment to peace does not reflect the policies and actions that have been developed and implemented with the association to sea Spratly Island found in the South Sea. The challenges that other states have noticed and raised to Chinese government have failed because of the manipulations’ of regulations and legislations’ that allow for fair use of the Sea resources at the region by the Chinese government. The differences in ways of managing and handling the resources available at the Sea remain unanimous because of Chinese government influences to protect the sea resources as part of their national obligations and interest in becoming the world’s superpowers in the future.  Chinese government leaders have developed and maintained high maritime security and policies that prevent other countries and states neighboring the sea to enjoy the resources available at the Sea effectively. Disputed arguments with Chinese government officials over the sea use focuses on territorial sovereignty, maritime boundaries, and the responsibility of protecting the natural resources that are available within the region. However, the government of China has refused and created tension because of the above interests terming it impossible as they focus on utilizing the resources for themselves and becoming the world super powers. Japan and South Korea have become very aggressive between the years 2016 and 2017 as they wish to exploit the available resources present at the South Sea region. However, the government of China has constantly refused to heed to the plea of the neighboring states into the use of the resources terming it impossible and unnecessary to jealously guard the available resources at the South China Sea for themselves without any agreements to be made or negotiations into sharing the resources at the South Sea. Ironically, China has an advocate for peace in the use of resources from Sea that does not reflect the policies and actions established by the same China administration in their commitment to shared obligations in the exploitation of the available resources at the Sea. The presence of the Sea and it is rich resources, has generated debates and disputes with other states because of resources found in China, but instead the China administration has remained firm by protecting the Sea for their interest and focusing on developing globally and becoming the world’s super powers in the near future.

This is therefore likely to lead into a war between the US and China, simply because the country does not consider the interests of other countries. In addition, due to the efforts that China has been making in order to become a super power, it has not been considering the interests of other countries. The US on the other hand, is keen on making sure that China does not affect other countries negatively, in order to become the super power. The US may therefore look for possible ways of dealing with the issue, a move which may lead China into a very huge war with China. In a time when Russia is being issued with trade sanctions by the international communities, the US is likely to impose such sanctions on China, in order to further weaken its economy, hence being the super power.

Literature review

The academic resources used in the development and establishment of this paper while focusing on the research topic originate from articles, books, videos, presentations, daily publications and journals that give reliable information on China commitment to peace at the Sea region that does not reflect the policies and actions taken in protecting the sea from exploitation from other neighboring States boarding the sea.

Castro (2013) talks about disputes that are developed from Sea and influence of Australia’s institutions responsible with taking care of the environment discusses some of the disputes and challenges that Philippines’ face from the exploitation of the resources available at the South Sea in China. Castro explains some of the legal actions that the Philippines' have taken to allow for the exploitation of resources at the resources at the Spratly Islands to no avail. The book explains the role played by Captain Thomas Cloma in 1956 as he made discoveries of the Islands present at thee the South China Sea and called the Islands Kalayaan to mean freedom. Additionally, it important to note that Philippine has managed to occupy six Islands at the Spratlys and claimed ownership formally in the control of the Islands by the development and issuance of a Presidential Decress which enabled for the formation of Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone.

Additionally, Castro maintains that Philippines’ government has continued to strengthen legal considerations by the involvement of International bodies such that discuss national issues and Conventions of Laws of Sea and to boost up of legal claims in the use of Spratly Island and land features that have faced a major challenge by the China. On the other hand, the Chinese government has constantly fought the Philippines' through legal claims on reefs and banks, which have focused on the growth of naval prowess, and banking on coercive diplomacy.  The book gives insights on ways and claims of managing the Island privately by the Chinese government as a way of protecting resources and jealously guarding the interests. Legal claims from both the Philippines and the Chinese government has generated challenges on policies and exploitation of the resources preventing shared use of the resources at the South China Sea.

The article on South Sea illustrations and Assessment of the US Policy and Options for the Future by McDevitt (2014) explains the influence of policies and actions associated with the United States issues, which has taken to promote and allow for fair use of South China Sea resources. Additionally, the article has managed to give theoretical aspects based on additional policies which are supported by the United States might want to introduce and develop as a way of pursuing Sea interests across the globe. Moreover, the article gives detailed information on the current existing US policy that tend to enable for exploitation of available resources present at the South China Sea. Theoretical and ideological perceptions based on policies that the article tends to exploit allow for heated debates on the recognition of policies, which allow for the exploitation of use of the available resources at the South China Sea despite China’s great influence.

Besides, in the article McDevitt recommends and provides numerous policies that tend to give approaches on how to generate stable, peaceful and non-confrontational laws which tend to abide by the laws and regulations of environmental concerns that need to be used in the South China Sea. Additionally, the insights of the article on policies provide more procedures and processes relevant in handling various stakeholders to allow for regulations which not only favors China but also the neighboring states and stakeholders interested in the South China Sea presence. The article recognizes US influences through the presentation of policies, which contribute to fair sharing and environmental concerns necessary in the management, and provision of stable and peaceful environmental laws and policies.

Mingjiang (2013) discusses Chinese Debates on Sea Policy and Implications for Future Developments by recognizing the maritime institutional reforms relevant in handling the issues presented for the concerning Sea. Mingjiang argues that the introduction of issues that explain relevance of maritime framework and security policies assists in handling issues related to Sea through a fair presentation. Theoretical perceptions of the need to intensify efforts on some of the neglected maritime space provide information on ways of concepts that Chinese government tends to establish to realize fair use of the South China Sea to a majority of people. However, maritime policies and frameworks formed by the China government affect the use of South China Sea selfishly to the Chinese government. Frameworks of Maritime policies contribute to a new leadership aspects that need to be implemented in the China to allow for exploitation of resources that favors the Chinese government only.

The article contributes and manages different aspects that are required in maritime policies associated to the China administration needs to form and implement as a way of promoting evolving policies on maritime territorial elements as a way of solving disputes in the management of South China Sea. Theoretical concerns and aspects that the Beijing government tends to influence the management of South China Sea is addressed through the article to promote proper handling of China maritime territorial disputes and formation of strong leadership responsibilities that allow for the exploitative use of South China Sea resources. Therefore, Mingjiang maintains that new leadership, maritime territorial disputes, and policies allow for the exploitative use of the resources in available in the Sea that favors the China administration.

Morton (2016) discussions on China’s Ambitions with the presence of the Sea and possible legitimate Maritime order on International Affairs explains the possible expansion of personal interest and developmental of policies to assists in guarding the resources available in Sea.  The Journal explains some of the leading tensions noted by America has facilitated as a spiral movement that affects littoral concerns in the management of South Sea resources especially the valuables’ found from the East of Asia. Evaluations of concerns of possible maritime policies explain ambitions and aspects that enable for legitimate processes, which promote fair use of resources and exploitative abilities. South China Sea resources have generated debates on ways of handling conditions favorable through conventional analysis that accepts resource exploitation. Clear and concise recognition of the available resources found at the Sea promotes and establishes more conventional approaches that promote legitimate maritime orders to allow for possible secure of boarders and use of resources privately at the South China Sea. Therefore, China’s ambition into controlling and managing the resources is based on the development and recognition of aspects that are relevant in handling conflicts in major regions and neighboring states to allow for the legitimate use of the resources available at the South China Sea effectively (Wu, 2016).

Morton maintains that international affairs on maritime resource exploitation need to focus on the establishment of more and legitimate policies by conventional ways to allow for inclusivity that prevents any incidences of conflicts and disputes on the resource use. The article tends to focus more on China’s ambition to broaden maritime orders and transformations. However, it contributes to effective understanding by recognizing that exploitation of resources through Chinese government must be legitimate and focused on growth and establishment of fair resource use of South China Sea while incorporating relevant policies of maritime ambitions.

The Journal that discussed aspects which determine rights and affiliations’ of sea resources while focusing on Challenges and Policies Responses by Ningbo (2016) explains some of the important Sea policies and theory that focuses on maintenance. The Journal explains and illustrates some of the important aspects that relevant in handling important aspects that discuss the presence of Sea resources. Additionally, some of the challenges and policies that might affect effective operations at the Sea are also discussed to promote effective exploitation as well as enabling other states to have economic values from the presence of Sea. Moreover, the journal explains various issues that relevant in managing and handling aspects of control required in ocean management and how it brings great influence to the elements of fall and rise of states. Researchers have taken keen interests into issues related to Sea power control theory in the management of South China Sea need to consider the importance of other states and the roles they play to enable participation in the allocation of resources are used effectively in the region. Exploitation of resources and the presence rights and interests in ways of handling South China Sea resources need to consider the available policies and challenges that might develop in the process of promoting exploitation and utilization of resources(Lanteigne, 2016). The article maintains and recognizes some of the important duties and responsibilities that maritime interests and rights promote through international standings and responsibilities to allow for economic prosperity and growth in various sections of South China Sea resource use and other states.

The challenges and policies that Ningbo evaluates in the journal evaluate the possible presence of national security issues and features that explain aspects of political considerations that influence international standings and promotion of maritime power especially in the Sea region that is almost three million kilometer.

Rustandi (2016) discusses the influence of the Sea Presence that generates Dispute and Chances of the involvement of the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) body that enhances its Policies to achieve Resolution. The book as written by Rustandi exploits insights on the current disputes associated with Sea knowledge in the management of resources in the available. Rustandi tends to focus on the disputes while analyzing some of the important elements and opportunities that the Association of Southeast Asian Nations has into achieving policies and some important resolutions into the management valuables’ found from the sea. The long-standing disputes that might be existing on China's influence of the South China Sea contributes to long resolutions and debates on how to handle the disputes while focusing on the achieving peaceful settlement procedures.

The solving of South China Sea disputes through dialogues, and commitment and associations do not show important resolutions as suggested by Rustandi but instead, requires a more powerful system that will handle the disputes effectively.

In the article, Back to Future and East Sea South China Studies by Valencia (2012) explains some important insights into dispute ownership depending on jurisdictions, islands, and maritime boundaries. Additionally, Valencia explains some of the important aspects that need to be implemented in the handling both the living and non-living marine resources especially in the East China Sea regions. The theoretical aspects of the article focus on China and Japan relations that need to be reviewed to allow for healthy and historical factors into the use of the Sea resources. Additionally, the article tends to expand the important information on cultural factors that contributed to World War II and the need to promote nationalism through vital incorporation o governance aspects. National aspects that promote and establish solutions for disputes are discussed through the journal to give insightful abilities to the management of resources in the South China Sea.

Valencia insists in the creation of associations from the States found from East of China Sea that establish laws and allow for the exploration of resources as a way of solving disputes that have developed between japan and the neighboring country China relations through cultural considerations and affiliations’.

Sterling-Folker, (2013) in the article Making Sense of International Relations Theory explains the importance of China's involvement in international relations that assists in managing disputes and challenges. Sterling insists in the article explains some important considerations that need to be established to promote and enable solutions for that solve issues of the Sea.

Sarkesian, Sam, John Allen Williams, and Stephen Cohen in the publication of the US National Security, Policymakers, Processes, and Politics. Boulder 2013, explain some legal standards that need to be maintained as part of solving the disputes at the South China Sea effectively.

On the other hand, it would be wrong for the US, to intervene in the situation, as this might be due to the fear of China dominating the world and becoming a super power. An international body which is nonpartisan, is therefore supposed to deal with this issue, hence enable the world to remain at peace.

Literature Review Summary Table

Roy, (2016) explains the real frustrations that are affiliated to conflict resolution in the South Sea and ways of bringing prospects into examination to bring peace from the opposing States.

Roy explains some important information on the need to resolve disputes and bring resolutions and peace in East Asia.

McDevitt, M. (2014) Sea: evaluates issues related to policy and how to promote future maritime frameworks that is equitable.

McDevitt is well acquainted to issues that discuss policies and Options that the US government wishes to incorporate in the South China Sea

Mingjiang, L (2013). Chinese Debates on issues related to policy frameworks: Implications for Future Developments. RSIS Working Paper No. 239. Pp. 1-21.

Mingjiang insists on debates of the South Sea that allow for future developments

Morton, K. (2016). China's ambition with the presence of the Sea: is a legitimate maritime order possible. International Affairs, 92(4), 909-940.

Morton explains some important ambitions that need to be taken by the South China Sea as part of legitimate maritime order possibilities

Ningbo, W. (2016) discussions on the kind of rights and part of interests: Challenges and Policy   Responses. Australian Journal of Maritime and Ocean Affairs Vol. 8, Iss. 4. pp. 1-27.

Ningbo explains important elements of associated with the interests and responsibilities of Sea issues. Besides, explains of policies and challenges of Maritime Affairs are explained in the Journal

Rustandi, C. A. (2016). The South Sea Dispute and explanations’ on possible interaction of ASEAN to enhance its policies to achieve resolution.

Rustandi maintains that the presence of the Sea dispute need to involve associations’ for instance ASEAN that enhances policies to achieve possible resolutions’

Valencia, M. J. (2014). The East China Sea Disputes: History, Status, and Ways Forward. Asian Perspective, 38(2), 183-218.

Valencia insists on solving disputes of China and the South Sea by looking into historical and status considerations of political aspects related to Sea aspects

Legal basis for rights and jurisdictions of South China Sea

China claims to have legal rights and jurisdictions in the use of South China Sea because of the land that is it seems to be under their territorial boundaries. The idea of legal rights has made them develop the need to exploit the troubled waters as part of their natural resources because of the surrounding Island that the waters cover (Ranero et al.2016). However, the notion has been challenged by various people and states that surround the water covers in the region. The law has clear jurisdictions and obligations of how the waters need to be used by the surrounding states and the expectations of the members in the region which China has complicated by developing legal standards and separated ideas and concepts of the use of water by other states. Laws such as the economic zones within the coastal states have established jurisdictions that give a fair treatment of 200 nautical miles distance of the Seawater from the main territory.

The legal basis and rights of territorial water have been changed and challenged by the China government by increasing the sense of security through dominating maritime approaches along the coast line and securing Sea lanes in the open Pacific sea. The development of maritime security legal rights and jurisdictions does not reflect the kind of peace that the other states would love to be implemented in the region to allow for fair participation in resource utilization by the neighboring states that border the territorial waters of South China Sea. The differences and establishment of more maritime security laws by China do not bring peace and stability in the region as other nations would like to allow for the sharing of the resources in the region (Sarkesian et al. 2013). China insists on legal rights and jurisdictions that allow for maritime responsibilities that take care of their interests rather than the other states in that border the Territorial waters of the region. Moreover, the legal rights and jurisdictions on the use of South China Sea resources have been established and implemented by the Chinese government through recognizing Nationalism ideas. One of the nationalism concepts and ideas that Chinese government has established as a way protecting legal rights and jurisdictions of the troubled waters include the attitude of China citizens to take different aspects in legal understanding as a way of exercising there national identify through protecting the South China Sea (Goh et al. 2016). The Chinese people do not want other nations to take part in resource exploitation of Sea valuables as a way of nationalism, which causes conflicts and heated debates on how to handle issues related to the presence of resources in the region.

The ASEAN states that need to take part in the protection and establishment of South China Sea resources have developed disputes and claimed China’s interest in creating stipulated distance. Additionally, Mingjiang (2013) argues that China has developed mixed experiences in the use of the Sea resources by establishing power status to allow for domination against other countries in the region. The need to develop more power and dominate over the ownership of the Sea has caused tension and legal aspects in ways of handling resources by other states in the region especially members of the ASEAN (Barckhausen et al.2014). Additionally, through research mixed reactions in ways of handling legal and jurisdictions of resources that are found in the sea have created more debated on China's interest to seek Power from the United States and become the word known super powers in the future. China has become interested in ruling over other territories through Nationalism and establishment of security maritime legal standards attracting more tension and conflicts from other states that are also interested in the exploiting the resources available in South China Sea (Sterling, 2013).

The features of the islands present within the South Sea has developed more debate and conventions as it is labeled as part of the human habitat. The legal aspects and jurisdictions of South China Sea have influenced other states interest into handling the waters and promoting trade activities as part of the human habitat. However, china’s perceptions on Nationalism towards the sea have facilitated actions of China citizens as members of a nation with the objective of sustaining political sovereignty.

Political sovereignty in as part of Chinese obligations in the protection of the Sea has established more resistance and conflicts from the neighboring countries in the use of the South China Sea waters. Additionally, in 2016, China government vowed to ensure that the sovereignty of South China waters would be maintained as their right to allow for resource protection. Besides, the idea of political sovereignty by China in the protection of South China Sea has facilitated the country to allow air defense zone to take charge in protecting the sea as part of legal jurisdictions (William & David, 2016). However, disputes have developed more from other states because of recent rejection of Chinese government from obeying international tribunal ruling as part of claims that the resources were only part of china's energy-rich waters. China’s ability to deploy air defense zones in the management of the territorial waters has degraded legal and jurisdictions’ aspects that other countries have claimed to allow for shared resource use in the region. Legal battles in the use of South China Sea resources has prompted China to declare the permanent court of arbitration as an external force that does not preach peace but instead interested in sovereign rights of the Philippines’ and hence endangering fishing, oil projects and ships and several activities that take place in the region as part of economical development. Alford et al. (2015) argue that China has refused to owner legal participation or incorporations that allow for sharing of resources at the South Sea because of the selfish interests of political sovereignty.

There exist 150 geographical features out of 40 that the South China Sea offers and requires categorization as part of Spratly Island benefits according to legal and jurisdictions’ considerations that Chinese government has refused to Owner. The neighboring states have been denied the opportunity to exploit the resources of South China Sea as part of the law. The ignorance of the laws and jurisdictions present explicitly claim that China or any other state is ignorant of the provision.  The need to take all the resources in the region without considering other nations has resulted in disputes’ and challenges in ways of handling the resources available while sharing important elements. Although China has enacted laws and claims to be committed to ensuring no disputes with the territorial neighbors, there is a big challenge for implementation of the same when the international law is not clear (Sarkesian et al. 2013).  May nations have influenced and promoted divided opinions on ways of handling the resources which the Chinese government has brushed away because of their interest in becoming super powers and handling the benefits of the Sea as part of personal property. Many researchers, therefore, argue that for China to protect the waters and territories without conflict with the neighbors, there must be proper international laws (Hughes, 2014). The efforts of some people to participate in enacting laws and rules that protect the use of the resources by all the nations has failed because of political sovereignty and Nationalism aspects which do not give the opportunity to use the resources effectively. However, as long as the concession blocks are within the EEZ as measured by the mainland coasts, the problem is going to persist. This is because the blocks are in areas where China claims to have sovereign rights and jurisdiction meaning other countries does not have rights to undertake unilateral exploitation.

China’s Great Power aspirations

China’s interest in becoming a super power and superseding the States has generated debates and disputes on the use of South China Sea resources (Samuels, 2013). China has developed more interest in ways of handling and balancing power by implementing strategies that revolve around a weaker nation that seeks to increase it is powers as a way of countering a stronger power.  Ideas such as the nature of disputes, legal basics that maintain exploration and China claims of the South Sea has resulted in resistance and competition in ways of promoting standards to become the world super powers.

The Southern region of the Sea is estimated to occupy an area of around 3.5 million square kilometers, which extends and hence promoting and influencing their interest into becoming one of the world’s super powers by handling South China Sea resources independently.  The interest of China to become the worlds’ super powers has contributed to claims of taking over Taiwan Strait to the Eastern end of Singapore (Valencia, 2012) through grabbing resources available in the South China Sea. Disputes in the area primarily concern the territorial sovereignty over the two groups dominant in the Highland. One of the groups is the Paracel Islands while the second group is the Spratly Islands, which are claimed almost wholly by China. It should be noted that to solve the issue there is a need for better laws in the area. Although China tried to enact the necessary legislations to ensure peace prevails in the area, the challenge has persisted to date (Valencia, 2012) noted that there is a problem of the State that claims to have better sovereignty and is governed by the customary international laws. Some of the issues and principles are governed and set out by the international courts as well as tribunals. However, China has failed to observe some of the fundamental requirements, which have facilitated continuous crises in the region (Barckhausen et al.2014). In the same regard, there is a challenge of dynamic laws that are progressive enough to ensure that the Sea matters are handled in a manner unlikely to bring disputes. The disputes of the nations on how to use the natural valuables found in the Sea has contributed to challenges and legal aspects to claim the Island since China aims to be the super powers by the use of the resources.

Dispute resolutions on how to handle valuables found the from the Sea require effective development and practical presentation of international laws especially maritime to allow for effective resource use prevention of disputes from the neighboring states boarding the Sea. According to (Valencia, 2012), it is important for the international courts and tribunals to take into account numerous occurrences that impact on the issue resulting in disputes. It has been established that other claims of the disputes occur between certain states because of the support in China’s policies and actions that tend to guard presentation of Sea resources (Gallagher, 2014). For example, some conflicts occurred over the Scarborough Shoal, and although it is not within the Paracels as well as the Spratly, it is claimed by Taiwan, Philippines, and China. Different states have different interests towards the use of the availability of the resources in the Sea promoting disputes and possible occurrence of war. Such an occurrence indicates the level of intensity of the territorial issues that have brought or facilitated disputes. China wants to claim particular Islands by showing certain interests in all the disputed areas (Valencia, 2012). Although there are legal frameworks that try to assist countries from engaging in such conflicts, there have not been fully embraced by China. This is contrary to the commitment they have claimed to show regarding South China Sea issues. Also, another challenge exists when resolving these disputes in the international tribunals as the court may only seek to evaluate the evidence that is given by both parties. Although the law is clear that occupying a particular Island does not guarantee superior title under the international law, it has proven very hard to enforce the same, as countries are afraid of interfering with other country matters. This has been the case even in Chinese South Sea.

This is therefore one of the main factors which is likely to lead China into very many problems with the US, since the country will not allow any other country to be a super power. A move which is likely to lead to a war between China and the US, since the US, will be looking for possible ways of crippling China, hence limiting it from being a super power. Moreover, they country may also be issued with trade sanctions, a move which would therefore see China’s economy collapsing.

Western influences contributing to the problems of the Sea

The problem at the Southern Sea has been influenced by the interest of other western countries because of the need to recognize the resources present at sea. The influence of other countries interested in resources available in the Sea has resulted into disputes of the Sea affiliated to China and Vietnam as well as between China and Philippines have even raised wider issues about the claims of Sea.  The nations influence how claiming bigger shares and hence generating war and conflicts while forcing China to develop policies and actions that do not necessarily contribute to peace distribute resources. According to (McDevitt, 2014), there is a problem over what China claims in the area. The findings showed a conflicting elaboration of the Chinese interests between the rights as well as jurisdiction over the maritime zones or the rights and jurisdictions over the natural resources in the waters surrounding the disputed areas. This brought the issue of the infamous nine-dashed lines that was published by China in the year 1948. Some of these issues that are very dominant in the area show a position where China has a territorial problem as shown by the PRC government that brought the issue into the international arena in 2009 (McDevitt, 2014). The diplomatic note that was sent to the secretary-general of UN shows insights of Chinese intents of asserting jurisdiction and rights in all the territorial waters that are inside the nine dashed lines. This is clearly demonstrated by the fact that Chinese vessels have interfered with the Vietnamese activities for exploration in the area. In fact, both Vietnam and Philippines claims that Chinese activities are not consistent. This implies that even though China might be showing commitment towards maintaining peace in the region, there is a challenge of international arbitration.

Different nations have established legal jurisdictions and laws that do not favor China to use the resources available at the South China Sea. According to (Rustandi, 2016), China has no legal basis for the rights and jurisdiction for the waters inside the nine dashed lines under the LOS Convection or even the international arbitration.  The LOS Convention has influenced the possibility of China developing or participating any legal rights that make them the owners of South China Sea. However, such claims have brought significant disagreements within the region since the nine dashed lines are within the region measured from the Island, “The re-introduction of interdisciplinary concerns straddling law and history illustrates that the historical dimension, which has long been neglected, is an emerging concern that poses looming dangers that may unexpectedly… (Beckman & Koh, 2014)”. The differences and lack of agreement on the already set rules associated to Sea resources facilitate and influence resource use present at the South Sea. One of the notable problems in the area according to the research is the fact that China has not claimed any sovereignty to the waters or claimed that the dashed lines indicate a boundary.  The dashed lines do not represent permanent ownership of the territorial boundaries of South China Sea, and hence China needs to allow for legal rights participation into the determination of resource allocation. Such controversies imply that China can still exploit the neighbors without legal basis or evidence of China humiliating the position for others. Another issue that has brought problems is the historic rights that China claims to have. This has made the country to continue exploiting the waters and territories far from the disputed Islands particularly towards the coast of Vietnam. Although any law cannot bind such claims, they can be evaluated in the claims of sovereignty concerning the dashed lines. Also, China does not seem to limit the allegation on the maritime zones that are measured from the Islands. (McDevitt, 2014) Argued that this is constrained by the Chinese domestic policy, which is not clear on the position regarding the South China Sea territories. While many researchers seek to understand the plausible claims raised by other members, China feels it has a stronger bargaining over the other ASEAN claimants.

Therefore, western countries such Vietnam and Philippines’ generate a lot of controversies on the available resources present at the South China Sea. The influence of Western countries has promoted and attracted China to implement policies and actions that that tend to protect the resources available in the Southern region of the Sea for their use. China pushes away the ideas and concepts of other Western countries to protect and maintain legal rights of maritime responsibilities to emerge as the super powers and protection of Nationalism aspects and balance of power in the resource use available in the region (Franke et al.2014).

Conclusion

China’s actions and policies in the protection of Spratly Island do not reflect the peace required at the South China Sea. Legal and jurisdictions aspects implemented by the China government especially maritime security policies at the territorial borders of South China Sea display personal interest in the available resources present at the region. Although China has claimed a commitment to peace with the neighbors in the South China Sea, it has shown little commitment for the same in its arbitrations.  Lack of a reflection that shows peace at the Sea in the years 2016 and 2017 has attracted debates and disputes on China interest in the use of the resources available at the Sea and need to become the Super powers in the future by superseding America. Also, the actions that it takes are contrary to the claims that it is committed to peace. Researchers in the year 2016 and 2017 have noted that the country seeks to have a dominant approach to the maritime zones; hence, it seeks to secure all the territories that are bound within the waters adjacent to the coast. The main aim in the urge to develop maritime zones and securing territorial boundaries is affiliated with interest into handling the resources as an individual country and later becoming the worlds’ super powers in the future.

 Surprisingly, China has rubbished International laws even vowed to protect the South China Sea by deploying air defense forces in the region to prevent any interference from the neighboring states from accessing any resources in the Sea since 2016 up to the current time. One of the challenges that cannot be disputed easily is the fact that people have an obligation towards waters and resources as defined by the international law.  China claims to reflect on peace on the use of the available resources at the Sea but instead develops and implements policies and actions that do not show peace in the handling processes of the territorial resources and waters of South China Sea. However, this law is not clear which has resulted in top disputes as every country seeks to exploit and taking advantage of the sea areas, has attracted international disputes and challenges in ways of handling maritime security policies and actions because of the incorporation of aspects such as Nationalism and political sovereignty in the use of the resources in the region. Another aspect that is notable in many pieces of research is the fact that China is determined to become a super power and the rival USA hence, they have to exploit many more resources within and without their borders and territory. In fact, the concerns for the countries due to these disputes have attracted the USA and other countries to seek interventions’ and bring back sanity in the region since the year 2016 to 2017. One of the concerns by these international countries is the influence of China actions that tend to influence and threaten the ability to enable navigation and over a flight that later will influence trade and ability to allow for international relations. China pretends to have taken action and policies in promoting peace in the use of the resources and aspects related to international laws. While China has taken measures to show commitment to peace with the neighbors, there exist numerous challenges that still need significant dispute resolution due to sovereignty on the Islands. The challenge of forming relevant policies and laws has attracted disputes that have even forced the United States to develop policies and actions that allow for equal maritime access which China has refused to conform to secretly since 2016 to 2017. The United States has the intension of promoting opportunities that strengthen its relations with the ASEAN countries. However, this has not made China formulate progressive laws or take actionable decisions towards ensuring peace within the South China Sea. The intension of China’s interest to become the worlds’ super powers has influenced the implementation of procedures associated with maritime policies and actions in the South China Sea.

Reference 

Yang Razali, Kassim. 2016. South China Sea Disputes, The: Flashpoints, Turning Points And Trajectories. New Jersey: World Scientific, 2016. Discovery eBooks, EBSCOhost (accessed May 2, 2017).

Tseng, Hui-Yi Katherine. 2017. Rethinking South China Sea Disputes : The Untold Dimensions and Great Expectations. Abingdon, Oxon: Routledge, 2017. Discovery eBooks, EBSCOhost (accessed May 2, 2017).

Roy, Nalanda. 2016. The South China Sea Disputes : Past, Present, and Future. Lanham: Lexington Books, 2016. Discovery eBooks, EBSCOhost (accessed May 2, 2017).

Jayakumar, S., Beckman, R. C., & Koh, T. (2014). The South China Sea Disputes and Law of the Sea. Cheltenham: Edward Elgar Publishing.

Poling, G. B., Nguyen, P., & Hiebert, M. (2015). Examining the South China Sea Disputes : Papers From the Fifth Annual CSIS South China Sea Conference. Washington, DC: Center for Strategic & International Studies.

Parameswaran, P. (2016). Malaysia's approach to the South China Sea dispute after the arbitral tribunal's ruling. Contemporary Southeast Asia, (3), 375.

Wray, L. (2015). China's maritime and territorial claims to the South China Sea: A focus on the key centres of gravity driving the South China Sea disputes. Journal Of The Australian Institute Of Professional Intelligence Officers, 23(2), 3.

Baumert, K. A. (2016). The South China Sea Disputes and Law of the Sea null [reviews]. American Journal Of International Law, (1), 152.

Hughes, L. (2014). Examining the Sino-Indian Maritime Competition: Part 3–China goes to sea. Strategic Analysis Paper.

Lanteigne, M. (2016). The South China Sea after" Philippines v. China": Summer of Our Discontent?.

McDevitt, M. (2014). The South China Sea: Assessing US Policy and Options for the Future. CNA Occasional Paper). Arlington, VA: Center for Naval Analysis.

Mingjiang, L (2013). Chinese Debates of South China Sea Policy: Implications for Future Developments. RSIS Working Paper No. 239. Pp. 1-21.

Morton, K. (2016). China's ambition in the South China Sea: is a legitimate maritime order possible?. International Affairs, 92(4), 909-940.

Rustandi, C. A. (2016). The South China Sea Dispute: Opportunities for ASEAN to enhance its policies in order to achieve resolution.

Samuels, M. (2013). Contest for the South China Sea. Routledge.

 Sarkesian, Sam C., John Allen Williams, and Stephen J. Cohen. US National Security(2013): Policymakers, Processes and Politics. Boulder, CO: Lynne Rienner Publishers.

Sterling-Folker, J. (2013). Making Sense of International Relations Theory. Lynne Rienner Publishers, Inc. Boulder, Colorado

Wu, S. (2016). Maritime security in the South China Sea: Regional implications and international cooperation. Routledge.

Terrorism

Introduction

Terrorism is the use violence based on certain religious beliefs in order to create disunity amongst people in the world. This is therefore an unlawful act which aims to further divide people among religious lines, for the advantage of the certain individuals. Terrorists therefore target unarmed citizens of a given country in order to pass a message to the country. The term terrorism became popular during the September 11 attack in New York City, when the members of the fourth estate started using it while describing the attack. Terrorism has since then been used as a term of condemnation by both the terror groups and also governments while addressing each other. Different organizations have therefore used terrorism as a means of furthering their objectives. Ruling governments, and nationalist groups have therefore used terrorism for their own interests. Terrorism itself is symbolic, and it can therefore be used by a certain group of people in order to create fear, thus being able to benefit in dissimilar ways. Terrorism will therefore be discussed in this paper fully, in order to create an understanding of what it really is.

There are major terrorist groups which have evolved over the years and they include the following, Al-Qaeda, the Al-Shabaab, ISIS, and Boko Haram among others. This groups have therefore been the deadliest in the world history, and when you pronounce such names, most people would definitely understand what you are really talking about (Law, 45). Osama Bin Laden, who is commonly known as the father of terrorism in the world, was the leader of the major terrorist group which was commonly known as the Al-Qaeda. Osama was against the invasion of the US in Iraq during the reign of President Sadam Hussein. In order to discourage the US from restoring peace after the country had been hit by civil wars, Osama bin Laden had to come up with a possible way of discriminating the citizens of the US (English, 51). Osama therefore formed a terrorist group which was based on the Islamic religion. The teachings of the Quran would therefore be manipulated in order to favor the terror attacks.

Osama became very successful in using the religion as a means of recruiting his members. According to the teachings of the Quran, it was justified to kill a person who was not a Muslim. This is because Muslims are the only people who worship the God, and the rest of the people in the world are atheists, they should therefore be killed (Zulaika, 24). Through manipulating the Quran in such a way, most people were therefore recruited into Al-Qaeda, thus making the group to be very strong. Osama was a very intelligent person, since he understood very well the way the US security teams operated, and he also understood the loop holes that it had. Moreover, Osama was also able to recruit some of the retired US soldiers, who also provided the group with a lot of information on how the US soldiers operate and respond to certain attacks (English, 51).

On September 11, in the year 2001, the US experienced a massive terror attack where a very huge number of people lost their lives. The South Tower was hit by a United Airlines Flight 175, thus leading to the death of all the passengers aboard the plane, and a huge number of the people who were in the building (Law, 45). This was one of the successful missions which the Al-Qaeda under the rule of Osama Bin Laden was able to achieve. The move was aimed at instilling fear in the US government, in order to make the US to withdraw its soldiers from Iraq. Immediately after the attacks, the Al-Qaeda was very proud and it therefore announced through the media, that it was behind the attacks. The group even went further to threaten the US government with more attacks if the country failed to oust its soldiers from Iraq. The US did not do according to the dictates of Al-Qaeda, but it decided to hunt down Al-Qaeda until the year 2013 when Osama Bin Laden was murdered by the US Seal team six (Zulaika, 25).

Terrorist groups are usually funded by different organizations, people and even countries, in order to be able to gain certain benefits (English, 52). For instance, organization manufacturing firearms, may fund terrorist groups, in order to cause war, a move which would ultimately lead to the sale of firearms and other war equipment’s. When a terrorist group attacks a country, the country will always try to defend its citizens, and in so doing it will have to repulse the terrorists, through declaring war on terrorism. Companies manufacturing firearms, would therefore give the terrorist group weapons which are more advanced compared to that which is used by the soldiers of the target country (Law, 47). When the target country realizes the types of weapons being used by the terrorist groups, they would therefore contact the arms making company and purchase the same types of arms. Purchasing arms of a similar kind or even more advanced arms therefore means that the country can be able to win the war against the terrorist group. In the end, the arms making companies realize very huge profits as the war continues.

Conclusion

Terror activities and attacks are currently being used to create havoc in the world, and thus benefiting a certain groups of individuals. Through instilling fear in the citizens of a given country, the citizens of the country tend to join terror groups in order to avoid losing their lives. This move therefore weakens the strength of the country since most of its citizens are joining the enemy groups. The world has therefore become a place where people do things for their own interests, regardless of the number of deaths registered due to such actions. The US, for instance, funded the rebels of the Libyan government, under the rule of Muammar Gadhafi, in order to overthrow him from power. The rebels were successful, and after the war, the rebels reorganized and formed the current terrorist group known as the Islamic State or ISIS.

Work Cited

Law, Randall D. Terrorism: A History. Cambridge: Polity Press, 2009. Print.

English, Richard. Terrorism: How to Respond. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2010. Print.

Zulaika, Joseba. Terrorism: The Self-Fulfilling Prophecy. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2010. Print.

White, Jonathan R. Terrorism and Homeland Security. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth Cengage Learning, 2012. Print.

Purpura, Philip P. Terrorism and Homeland Security: An Introduction with Applications. Amsterdam: Butterworth-Heinemann, 2007. Internet resource.

Sociology

Donald Trump’s victory was not just won simply by the campaigns that he did. Trump’s victory was mainly influenced by education, race and gender, which were very different as compared to other elections in the US. Trump was able to win white voters by a margin which was similar to that of Mitt Romney, who ended up losing the popular to the then president of the US Barrack Obama. Trump therefore became the fifth president to lose the popular vote in the country. The white non-Hispanic voters supported Trump over Clinton, by a margin of 21% (Tyson & Maniam, 2016). Even though Trump had little to no support from Hispanics and Blacks as compared to Romney, in the past four years, Hillary Clinton was not considered to be as strong as Obama was considered in the year 2012, by these groups (Meko, Lu & Gamio, 2016). Therefore, Clinton had an advantage of 80 points, among the African Americans as opposed to Obama’s edge of 87 points in the past four years. In the year 2008, Obama had a fair advantage among the blacks, with a 91 points advantage (Rebecca et al, 2016).

When it comes to gender, women appear to have supported Clinton as compared to Trump, making Clinton to lead by a margin of 12% (54% to 42%) (Rebecca et al, 2016). The same outcome was also experienced in the 2012 elections, whereby Obama had 55% against Romney’s 44%, in the year 2008, Obama also won women’s votes with 56% against McCain’s 43%. On the other hand, more men offered their support to Trump as compared to Clinton where by Trump garnered 53% against Clinton’s 41%. This margin is therefore similar to margin which Clinton against women’s votes (Tyson & Maniam, 2016). As compared to the Republican’s 2012 candidate Romney, Trumps advantage for men was high since Romney had a 7 points margin in the 2012 elections against Obama. This huge difference was mainly caused by the female candidate who was running against Trump, thus making most men to support Trump. The same also applies when it comes to Clinton’s advantage in women’s votes against Trump (Balz, Rucker, 2017).

Educational level was also an issue in the 2016 elections, since there was a difference in presidential preference between those with a college degree and those without (Balz, Rucker, 2017). Those with a college degree supported Clinton, making her to win with a 9 points margin against Trump, Clinton therefore garnered 52% against Trump’s 43% (Meko, Lu & Gamio, 2016). On the other hand, those without a college degree supported Trump, making him to win with an 8 point margin against Clinton, Trump garnered 52% against Clinton’s 44% (Tyson & Maniam, 2016). This was therefore the elections which was mainly constituted by those who had a college degree and those who did not have it. In the 2012 elections, people did not vote according to their academic levels, even though Obama was supported by those with college degrees whereby he won with a 2 point margin against Romney, Obama therefore scored 50% while Romney got 48%. In addition, those without a college degree also supported Obama, and he therefore won with a 4 point margin against Romney, whereby he scored 51% against Romney’s 47% (Rebecca et al, 2016).

Trump was therefore able to win a very huge share from those who did not have college degrees, among the whites (Balz, Rucker, 2017). In addition, Trump was also supported by a huge number of college graduates, even though Clinton won against Trump. College graduates were the main determiners of Clinton’s victory, and so she won with a very small margin as it was thought before, making Trump to beat her by a 4 points margin. Trump therefore had the highest margin among those whites who did not have college degrees. 67% of those without college degrees therefore supported Trump, as opposed to 28% who offered their support to Clinton (Tyson & Maniam, 2016). This therefore led to a 39 points advantage for Trump in the group of people without college degrees. This really helped in giving Trump an advantage, since the number of people with college degrees who turned out to vote was less than the number of those without college degree who turned out to vote. When it comes to young voters, they preferred Clinton over Trump, a move whereby Clinton won with a very wide margin against Trump, Clinton therefore ha 55% against Trump’s 37%. Older voters voted in support of Trump, with Trump garnering 53% against Clinton’s 45%, this is also similar to the number of votes which Romney garnered against Obama, where Romney scored 56% against Obama’s 44% (Rebecca et al, 2016). On the other hand, Clinton performed poorly when it comes to the votes of the youths as compared to Barrack Obama.

Most of the whites thought they did not have a political voice, since most of them are xenophobic (Rebecca et al, 2016). They therefore preferred Trump against Clinton, since he was able to address the issue which other politicians had not been able to address. This issue therefore included immigration and the deportation of all African Americans. The issue of terrorism, which has become a disaster in the world, also allowed the whites to consider voting for Trump since he was more than dedicated to deal with terrorism through deporting all Muslims from the country (Tyson & Maniam, 2016). In addition, Trump also talked about the Mexican wall, whereby he would be able to build a wall which would be able to prevent Mexicans from entering into the country. Trump was more of a no nonsense person as compared to Clinton, who minced her words, and talked of uniting all Americans regardless of their race or class (Meko, Lu & Gamio, 2016). In addition, Trump had never before practiced politics, a thing which made his supporters to give him a benefit of doubt when it came to the issue of deporting all immigrants and also building the Mexican wall.

For many years, most presidents in the US have not been able to deal with the issue of Mexico, a thing which most citizens have always anticipated for (Rebecca et al, 2016). The border between Mexico and the US is very wide, and most drug lords tend to use the border as a means of smuggling drugs into the US. Cases of drug abuse have therefore risen, making it very hard for the youths to be able to concentrate in their studies due to addiction. Moreover, the drug lords have therefore formed gangs in the US, whereby they usually kill residents particularly those who tend to oppose them (Tyson & Maniam, 2016). Drug menace in the US has therefore led to insecurity, and most people in the country are now living in fear simply because some of their family members were killed by the drug lords in the country. This therefore made most US citizens, particularly the whites, to see the logic in building a wall along the US, Mexico border. According to them, if Trump became the president, then this would allow the country to be able to control the issue of drug smuggling in the country, thus making it easy for people to be able to live peacefully in the country (Balz, Rucker, 2017).

The issue of terrorism and immigration has also affected the country negatively, since most terrorist move to the US as immigrants and end up recruiting US citizens into terrorist groups. Most terrorists are usually Muslims, and they also believe in the Islamic teachings which have been altered in order to suit their actions (Tyson & Maniam, 2016). When Trump stated that he was going to send all Muslims from the country, most whites also saw the logic in sending Muslims out of the country, since the state could not be able to distinguish between a clean Muslim and a Muslim who participates in terrorist activities (Marx & Engels, 2016). On the other hand, the issue of immigration has also made most whites to be xenophobic, since they feel that when immigrants move into the country, they take up their jobs, thus leaving them with bad jobs (Rebecca et al, 2016). The whites therefore new that in order for them to be able to get good, immigrants had to be sent away. Sending immigrants back to their countries would therefore allow the whites to be able to easily select the types of jobs they want, thus being able to secure white collar jobs. Trump was therefore their savior, since he was able to address very critical issues which had been affected them. Clinton had been a politician, and she was not able to help the whites in being able to secure their jobs, and so they thought of Trump as a better candidate as compared to Clinton (Meko, Lu & Gamio, 2016).

Trump was therefore able to win the elections, according to Karl Marx’s Manifesto of the community, since the community did not have someone who could be able to air their view. Marx therefore explains how the community can be able to support a leader simply because he addresses the issues which other leaders have been able to address. Politics in the US had been dominated by politicians, and most politicians could therefore easily become presidents (Tyson & Maniam, 2016). The community therefore decided to change that monotony, they therefore decided to change the phase of politics in the country, through electing a leader who had never participated in politics before. Moreover, they were used to political leaders who would always tell them what they would do for them and immediately after being elected, they would talk the walk (Balz, Rucker, 2017). Trump therefore became the leader they thought would not trick them only to get into the white house. On the other hand, the German ideology, also explains how trump was able to win the elections. The citizens became conscious, and they therefore decided to elect a person who they thought was going to address their problems, and not a person who was favorable to hold the position (Rebecca et al, 2016). The US citizens they decided to rely on a person who would be able to work and enable them to be able to leave peacefully, other than electing a leader who would not trick but one who would provide what they actually want. The leader was therefore none other than President Donald Trump (Marx & Engels, 2016).

Reference

Alec, Tyson & Shiva, Maniam. (2016). Behind Trump’s Victory: Divisions by Race, Gender, Education: Pew Reearch Center.

K.K Rebecca, Alicia. Parlapiani, Jeremy White & Karen Yourish. (2016). How Trump Won According to Exit Polls: The New York Times.

Tim Meko, Denise Lu & Lazaro Gamio. (2016). How Trump Won the Presidency with razor-thin Margins in Swing States: The Washington Post.

Dan Balz, Philip Rucker. (2017). How Donald Trump Won: The Insiders Tell their Story: The Washington Post.

Marx, K., & Engels, F. (2016). Delphi Collected Works of Karl Marx (Illustrated).

Extreme partisanship

Introduction

Extreme partisanship refers to the tendency of adhering rigidly to a given sect, party or political ideology that one belongs. It normally involves political rivalry characterized by conflict with other groups.  Excessive partisanship in American politics has emerged from more fragmentation of the media that is politically targeted, congressional districts that are homogeneous and Washington’s centralized power.  Extreme partisanship been known to have very negative impacts in other countries and in American concept it can result to eroding of liberty which is a very important aspect of democracy.  Over the recent decades, political campaigns especially presidential campaigns have shown the profound partisan divisions, with Democrats and Republicans having more negative perceptions of opposing party than ever before. In a period of networked parties it is possible to take various measures that can mitigate extreme partisanship among Americans.

Changes in electoral politics have over the time contributed to the current unprecedented degree of partisan and polarization in the society.  It has also been agreed that many of state legislatures and Congress have been polarized historically and the trend has been growing over the years.  The concern for many is that elected officials are indulging in partisan interests at the expense of the nation’s common good (Frisch & Kelly, 17).  This kind of polarization begins at the primary elections and extends to the national elections though the former is less pronounced since candidates who lose at the primaries do not proceed to the general elections.  The voters in that case are at times left to decide between the candidates who are ideologically extreme who are not a representation of  many in a particular district. Of more importance is the possibility of this extreme partisanship leading to authoritarian rule when such individuals ascend to presidency at Washington (Frisch & Kelly, 17). However, such sentiments are not only found among the candidates but also among the electorates themselves. This can be proven by recent research that has shown that members of different parties hold extreme negative views against their opposing parties.

Research has shown that many republicans and democrats relate negatives characteristics with electorates for the other parties while associating positive traits with their own party.  They division is more pronounced along ideologies while partisan antipathy is becoming more extensive and deeper than in the past decades. A survey has also shown that of the 10,000 adults who participated in the research, the divisions are more among the individuals who are actively engaged in the political process.  The trend is manifested in various ways both in everyday life and in politics arena (Doherty & Kiley, 1). This kind of partisanship has the ability to inhibit the willingness of the people to listen to, collaborate with and respect one another. However, it is encouraging to know that such sentiments are not held   by majority or all the Americans since many are those with no liberal or conservative perceptions and most do not view either party as presenting threat to this nation (Doherty & Kiley, 1).   In addition, many do not view the parties as posing a threat the wider nation and believe that representatives should resolve contentious matters rather than just pursue their desires. Many at the center find themselves at the extremity of politics, relatively disengaged and distant and those who are politically bitter and ideologically oriented raise their views through more participation in every political process stages.

1. Media and extreme partisanship

An important aspect in extreme partisanship is the role played by media in polarizing the political field.  It has been noted by some political observers that a media that is increasingly fragmented has contributed to further partisanship where they reinforce the predisposition of electorates instead of challenging them (Masket, 1).   In the past few decades any person watching the news for any reason was being exposed to generally the same kind of stories with similar interpretations across the major networks, and political discourse would start with various set of facts and common framework.  Such kind of shared experience has been shattered by the emergence of cable industry and new networks.  People are currently exposed to any ideological interpretation of political events that will fit their own predispositions (Masket, 1).   The presence of many partisan media networks means that people can choose to listen to interpretation that will greatly and explicitly emphasize their beliefs and avoid those offering alternative points of view and hence leading to a  politically polarized population. For instance, liberals are likely to choose watching MSNBC and republicans are likely to choose Fox News, even though those with a dislike for politics may have other options that allow them to avoid it (Levendusky, 1).  The earlier times, these people would have been exposed to information and news on politics may be by watching TV news at specific times with no options available. Since they can avoid news presently, they have less of such information and are not likely to actively participate, which means that more choice for media strengthens these extremes and hollow out the center dividing the voters more(Levendusky, 1).

 The impacts of partisan media on electorates are seen on their choice, feelings towards bipartisanship, participation and one’s compromise.  Such kinds of effects are observed more on those individuals who are extreme, suggesting that they media play a role in polarization by moving them further from the center rather than enhancing ideological distribution center.  Putting the above mentioned effects on context,   the programs promoted by these new outlets attract a small audience of electorates but who are greatly partisan, politically involved or interested and are also more likely to have their views heard by those in power (Masket, 1). The issue is whether those who get information from these outlets   transmit these effects to other electorates who are no –viewers. If they are able to do so, it means that the media plays a big role in enabling extreme partisanship in the American society and the opposite is true.  However, little is understood about the effect of media in polarization of political environment (Levendusky, 1). To know the effects of media on partisanship level would involve carrying out the effects on those individuals who are politically active and whether they translate such effects onto to other members of the public.

1. Effects of extreme partisanship

Extreme partisanship can be a large contributor towards eroding liberty and introducing authoritarian rule and it can be dangerous more dangerous than expected.   It may leave a nation susceptible to authoritarianism regardless of democratically progressive a country is. It is common for autocrats to exploit animosity that may exist among political groups since it assist them in consolidation of power.  When political groups despise others and their views, they are likely to agree with falsehoods that are disseminated or told about their perceived rivals (Frisch & Kelly, 16).  In this sense, an authoritarian become source of information favored and trusted by such groups even as their understanding and grasp of truth is undermined so that they are easily controlled.  This widens the divisions so that people are unable to find common ground independently, leaving the authoritarian to come up with unilateral decisions that violates their basic rights. Such tendencies could be observed as anticipation for Donald Trump presidency was gaining steam, even though Americans seems to have found common ground on key ideals such as shared right of liberty and the importance of guarding the nation’s democracy.  On the other hand, committed partisans on both political divides could be observed whether they attacked their own and their opponents whenever they found a common ground.  These are the kind of political habits that lead to extreme partisanship where the interest of the party is placed before the common good of the nation (Frisch & Kelly, 17).  Even though   policy differences between the left and traditional right are healthy, they are not supposed to hinder uniting American in defending the constitution and democracy.

Mitigating extreme partisanship would take the efforts of political parties and their members, media and the individual voters to avert any charged animosity driven by political differences and varying personal beliefs.  Political parties should embark on political reforms beginning with primary reforms so that there is an end to closed primaries.  This can allow independent registrants or voters from other parties to take part and therefore produce a set of nominees that is ideologically diverse. It could also be necessary to encourage more turn out in the primaries so as to avoid them from being controlled by individuals who are already ideologically extreme (Masket, 1). In addition, it is important to address to address the issue of excessive partisanship or polarization of elite party instead of just concentrating on mass polarization.  The elite party can form an engine for improving civility in American politics while reducing partisanship extremism.  It is also possible to shift political behavior by manipulating the social networks of politicians in legislative houses such as Congress where they can meet members of other big parties. It also possible for people with extreme ideologies o be encouraged to join bipartisan caucus and therefore increase the chances of legislators’ cross-partisan crossing (National Institute of Civil Discourse, 5).  Reformation across the media can also play a role in mitigating case of extreme partisanship and this is through moderating politics to an extent.  This involves the media avoiding taking partisan stands but finding a way of relaying information about building bipartisan consensus.  The media should exploit the opportunities available for airing consensus and engaging in such efforts offers reinforcement for different legislators who are ready to unify rather than dividing (Masket, 1).

Conclusion

Extreme partisanship to have very negative impacts in other countries and in American concept it can result to eroding of liberty which is a very important aspect of democracy. Research has shown that over the last decades , the American electorates has become polarized with members of the major political parties relating negative characteristics to their opponents while  holding a positive view of their own.  The issue has been made worse by the emergency of new and partisan media outlets that makes views to take hard line political positions.  It is possible to mitigate these effects through media and party reformations and softening the political views of both voters and legislators.  

Works cited

Masket, Seth. "Mitigating Extreme Partisanship in an Era of Networked Parties: An Examination of Various Reform Strategies." Secondary Mitigating Extreme Partisanship in an Era of Networked Parties: An Examination of Various Reform Strategies, ed Secondary———. Washington, DC. Reprint, Reprint .2014.1

Incarceration in Germany, Netherlands and the United States of America

Incarceration in the world has taken a new turn, as different countries in the world have come up with ways of dealing with prisoners (Currie, 2013). This has been attributed to the high rates of crime in the world, which have consequently resulted in either the death of most people, or in the destruction of property. Moreover, different types of crimes have also come up, thus making the processes of incarceration to change in order to punish the wrong doers (Sevdiren, 2011). For instance, the world is currently facing cybercrimes, a type of crime which had never been witnessed in the past. This has consequently led to the revision of incarceration philosophies and practices in order to deal with such crimes. On the other, population increase and immigration have consequently led to very stiff punishments imposed on the prisoners.

The US has very strict incarceration philosophies and practices in the world. This is consequently because, the country is mainly concerned with the security its citizens. The US has therefore decided to punish the wrong doers very harshly, in order to discourage most people from indulging in criminal activities. This stiff punishments have therefore seen the country having one of the highest populations of prisoners (Sevdiren, 2011). For instance, the least sentence in the country is a period of 3 years. This therefore makes most criminals to be imprisoned even after committing simple mistakes which could have been solved through mediation. On the other hand, in Netherlands and Germany, the average prison sentence is less than a year. In both the Netherlands and Germany, the countries are only concerned with punishing the wrong doers through advising them and teaching them on the importance of maintaining peace and working under the rule of law (Currie, 2013).

The US has consequently used prisons as a way of punishing the wrong doers, a move which has consequently affected the country (Currie, 2013). The country spends a lot of money in order to cater for the prisoners, since the number of prisoners has been on the rise since 19^th century. In addition, 30% of the prisoners in the US are likely to go back to prison immediately they are released, simply because they tend to develop worse behaviors while in prison. On the other hand, the rates of incarceration in the US is 693% out of 100,000 as compared to Germany’s 76% out of 100,000 and Netherlands 69% out 100,00 people (Sevdiren, 2011). This consequently shows how the US is determined to deal with crime, such that the rates of incarceration are very high as compared to both Germany and the Netherlands.

While the Netherlands and Germany rely on fines and community based sentences, the US still relies on prisons. Due to overpopulation in the prisons, the US has not been able to fully rehabilitate the prisoners, thus making them to turn into hardcore a thing which makes it hard for them to change particularly after being released from prison (Sevdiren, 2011). The US incarceration philosophies and practices are therefore very stiff, a thing which has consequently led to a relative reduction in the rates of criminal activities in the country (Currie, 2013). The country should however look for other possible ways of punishing the wrong doers, other than imprisoning them for very a long period. Even though the US has very strict punishments as compared to Germany and Netherlands, crime rates in the US are very high as compared to Germany and the Netherlands.

Reference

Sevdiren, O. (2011). Alternatives to imprisonment in England and Wales, Germany and Turkey: A comparative study. (Alternatives to Imprisonment in England and Wales, Germany and Turkey.) Berlin: Springer Berlin.

Currie, E. (2013). Crime and punishment in America.

Federalism

Federalism is the division of powers between the national government and state governments. Federalism therefore acts as the link between the national government and state governments. The state governments and the national government, each have their own rights and responsibilities. Even though the national government has total power over the state government, for instance, if there is conflict between federal laws and state laws, federal laws will prevail. This is because state laws are subjected to the federal laws (Chapter 3, 65). The United States practices a federal system of government, where the central government which is also known as the national government and state governments have their own rights and responsibilities. According to the constitution of the country, state governments operate as small countries, whereby they can be able to set up their own laws. This does not however mean that the federal government cannot interfere with the laws made by the states.

The national government has the authority to collect taxes, regulate commerce, and control the currency and the declaration of war. The national government controls trade in the country, through offering charters and licenses of running businesses (Chapter 3, 78). On the other hand, the national government determines if the country releases its soldiers for war. Moreover, the state governments are tasked with the following authority, regulate the collection of taxes, offering marriage licenses to married people, and controlling business in states. States therefore set up their own laws whereby their citizens can be able to abide to. The federal government may therefore control the states affairs through coming up with laws either for or against state laws, the federal’s decision is final. The state has further separated its powers, to the local governments, whereby they are supposed to undertake different tasks of the states. Local governments are however not recognized by the federal government since they are under state governments.

Work Cited

Chapter 3. Federalism.

Nagasaki

Introduction

In the year 1945, Japan experienced the worst attacks it had never seen before. The city of Hiroshima and Nagasaki were bombed, by the United States. Nagasaki, which was a ship building centre was bombed at exactly 11:02 a.m. The atomic bomb unleashed the corresponding force of 22,000 tons of TNT after it was dropped at a height of 1,650 feet from the city. The bomb led to huge number of deaths, and it is estimated that 60,000-80,000 people died of the attack (Ham, 2014). The exact number of deaths could not be figured, simply because most of the victims’ bodies were ripped apart. The US army reached the decision of attacking the town after Japan ignored the Allies request of surrendering from Pacific war.

The attack on Hiroshima saw Japan surrendering from the Pacific war, after it had decided to continue with the war, despite being warned by the US. Nagasaki was not the US main target, the US had planned to attack Kokura as its second target after the attack on Hiroshima on the previous day (Chappell, 2015). The US had targeted three other towns where it was also supposed to launch massive attacks, these towns were Niigata, Kokura and Kyoto. Niigata was however withdrawn from the plans, after it was discovered that its distance was far great. In addition, Kyoto was also withdrawn from the list due to its religious relations (Horner & O'Neill, 2010). Nagasaki became the target after Kyoto was withdrawn from the list, thus making the targets to be Nagasaki and Niigata.

Nagasaki became the target since it was the main shipbuilding city, and it also had a very large military base (Horner & O'Neill, 2010). The US therefore plotted to greatly weaken Japan’s military strength through bombing the city since it was a very strong military base. It was not a highly targeted city, since it had been earlier on bomb for five consecutive times in the preceding twelve months. On the other hand, the city had widely developed, and it stretched over hills and valleys, with a very huge population. Dropping an atomic bomb in such an area was therefore going to be very effective, since most people would die. The geographical setting of the city really helped in reducing the effect of the atomic bomb, thus making it hard for the bomb to affect most parts of the city. The Urakami valley and some parts of downtown Nagasaki were the ones which were only affected. The water deposits in the city really helped in reducing the spread of the fire, thus helping in saving the train station which was not affected at all (Ham, 2014). The effect of bomb in the city was however not very bad as compared to the situation in Hiroshima which had been bombed on the previous day.

The attack was however very devastating, since 22.7% of the city’s buildings were consumed by the fire, and the death rates were however lesser as compared to the number of deaths registered in Hiroshima (Chappell, 2015). The military base in Nagasaki was also consumed by the flames, thus further weakening the strength of the city. Ironically, Nagasaki was a well-equipped military city, which had bomb resistant systems, but due to negligence, the city was easily bombed. The city also had hiding spaces, where soldiers would in case of a bomb attack (Ham, 2014). Due to frequent attacks on the city, the military had devised ways of protecting the city from any attacks. The soldiers were however reluctant to take action even after sirens were heard, warning of the nuclear attack.

After the attack, Japan withdrew from the Pacific war, thus making the US a super power, after its efforts led to the end of the war. The US dropped two atomic bombs in the country, not only because Japan had refused to withdraw from the war, but it also wanted to test the effectiveness of the atomic bomb (Horner & O'Neill, 2010). The US had just concluded making atomic bombs, and it therefore wanted to test them, this was therefore a very good ground for the US to conduct its nuclear bombs tests. It was necessary to bomb Nagasaki using nuclear bombs in order to better understand the effectiveness of the bombs. Moreover, the US also wanted to show to the world how powerful it was due to the types of bombs that it had created (Chappell, 2015).

The bomb did have very serious health implications on the victims, as survivors experienced incidents of Leukaemia (Horner & O'Neill, 2010). In addition, the rates of cancerous diseases in the city were also very high. Mothers who were pregnant during that period were very likely to experience miscarriages or otherwise their children would die immediately after birth. Infant mortality rates were also very high in the city during that period (Ham, 2014). The rates of blood disorders were also on the rise, with a very high number of patients suffering from anaemia. Most of the effects would appear either two or three and some would also appear ten years after the attack was launched in Nagasaki.

The effects of cancer on Hiroshima residents were very unique as compared to that of other people in different cities (Horner & O'Neill, 2010). Their conditions seemed to be worsening faster as compared to those living in areas far from Nagasaki. On the other hand, in early 1946, the tissues which covered healed burnt areas of the victims begun swelling and growing abnormally. The condition worsened and led to other complications within the bodies of the victims (Ham, 2014). The bomb seemed to have not only led to the destruction of property and the loss of lives, but it had also led to the heath complications of the survivors. The city was therefore in ruins, with most people being affect health wise.

Bomb radiation illnesses were also reported from the victims, who had suffered after radiation penetrated into their body, hence injuring cells, leading to death of cells, and the abnormality of intercellular molecules (Chappell, 2015). This has therefore resulted in the birth of physically challenged children by most victims. Due to abnormality of intercellular cells, most people are therefore at the risk of contracting different diseases and complications. In addition, victims might also give birth to children with abnormal hormones thus passing it through to different generations (Ham, 2014).

Conclusion

The atomic bomb attack on Hiroshima and Nagasaki will therefore remain in the minds of the Japanese, due to the effects that it had on the residents of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Japan learnt a lesson that it will never again repeat. On the other hand, the citizens of Japan suffered even though they had nothing to do with the Pacific war. The US military should not have used such a weapon, bearing in mind that they did not understand the long-term effects of such a bomb.

Reference

Chappell, J. (2015). Before The Bomb: How America Approached the End of the Pacific War. Lexington: The University Press of Kentucky.

Ham, P. (2014). Hiroshima, Nagasaki: The real story of the atomic bombings and their aftermath.

Horner, D. M., & O'Neill, R. J. (2010). World War II. New York: Rosen Pub.

Government

Section 1: Forms Of Government

Communism- it is a type of government where the state controls the economy of the country. In this government an authoritative, usually one party holds maximum power where there is no private ownership of property (Benoit, 224). Instead the state claim to make progress by coming up with a social order in which all goods and properties are equally shared among the people. In this government the society is classless since all people belong to the same class and are entitled to similar opportunities.

Marxist- this type of government is a political ideology and economic government which aims at improving the society through installing the principle of socialism in order to ensure the community remains a communist community rather than a capitalist community. Karl Marx introduced this government in order to transform the capitalist community and ensure it remains a communist community which is a classless society.

Socialism- this type of government involves the working class controlling and planning for the economic status of the society where people are entitled to own property. The government is the first phase of coming up with a Marxist government where capitalism is being transformed into communism.

Monarchy- the king or queen rules people in counties where monarchy is practiced. It is a dictatorship government since rights of the common people are often ignored. People are under the leadership of one person who comes up with decisions regarding the country. It is believed that the queen or king is chosen by God and the leadership is passed on from one generation to the next. Example of this government is England where kings and queens used to be the head of state though changes have taken place and the government is no longer pure monarchial (Benoit, 225).

Republic- in this type of government the people take total control of the republic. Representatives of the people come up with laws that will govern the republic. The head of the state who is elected by the people ensures he enforces the laws created by the representatives of the people. The roman republic is an example of a republic government where the republicans are ruled using laws they have created therefore their rights cannot be ignored. People enjoy freedom in this type of government since they are entitled to own property and come up with laws that favor their interests.

Dictator- this type of government ensures that one person heads the state. The head comes up with laws and decisions and ensures when and how they are going to be followed by the people. The rights of the people are often violated and thus elections do not take place in this government. People have little say in this government. The government does not exist as pure dictatorship since one person cannot entirely head a state. Example of this government is Cuba when Fidel Castro was the head.

Totalitarianism- in this government the state has total control of the people in terms of both public and private life of the individuals. The government is made up of a single party which controls all aspects of the country even the media and uses mass propaganda in influencing the people and ensuring it remains in power (Duignan, 168). Rights of the people are often violated since the head of the state is not elected by the people. Example of this government is that of Germany when Adolf Hitler was the head of the state.

Tyranny- in this government, a tyrant who is a powerful dictator rules the people. The government is oppressive since the tyrant is dictatorial and does not respect the rights of the people. The tyrant seizes power without legal rights therefore oppresses the people and is cruel hence takes total control over the state (Duignan, 169).

Anarchy- this is the absence of a government where everybody controls and protect their property, rights and life as well. It is all about survival for the fittest. Due to lack of a specific government some negative consequences may follow such as violence and chaos where criminal harass the people therefore people are left with no choice theta defend themselves using every means possible. This anarchy state of government cannot exist since people will demand that a government be established in order to prevent chaos and violence.

Section 3: Federalism

Federalism can be defined as the sharing of power between the US states government and the national government. Federalism is one of the major concepts introduced by the US constitution which ensures both the national and state governments work together (Gerston, 213). The US constitution gives some power to the states government, others to the federal government and some power to both the governments. States just like the federal government have their own judicial, executive and legislative branches thus they are entitled to create, pass and enforce laws as long as they do not violate the constitution. The federal government has some responsibilities such as declaring war, signing foreign policies and making treaties as well as controlling both imports and exports. Only the federal government has the authority in printing the US dollar. There are governmental responsibilities shared by both the state and federal governments such as taxation, environmental conservation and protection, human rights and business regulations. Federalism was first implemented in 1787 and has continued evolving since then. There are two types of federalism that has dominated (Gerston, 213). The first one is the dual federalism in which the state and the national government share equal powers. The states however are entitled to more power compared to the federal government which is limited to powers only listed in the constitution. Here, the federal government has jurisdiction only to the powers listed in the constitution. The second one is the cooperate federalism whereby the federal and state governments cooperate and collaborate to ensure they work together and find solutions to common problems. In spite of the kind of federalism the constitution provides specific powers to both the state government and federal government.

Section 4: Finances/ Budget

Federal Reserve

The Federal Reserve can be described as the central bank system of America that includes a specific Board of Governors located in Washington D.C and composed of other twelve local reserve banks.  It came into existence on 1913, December 23 in response to a number of financial concerns with the enactment of the Federal Reserve Act. The financial concerns made it clear that the monetary system needed to be controlled at a central point. This decentralized system ensures that the economic status of all states in the country is considered in the financial policy. The American congress came up with three major objectives for the financial system in the Federal Reserve Act (Dickens, 76). Ensuring the employment is maximized; prices made stable long term interest rates moderated are the three objectives that the congress came up with. Managing money supply, serving as the US central bank and maintaining stability of the financial systems among other responsibilities are the functions of the Federal Reserve. Free Market

Free market is a type of market whereby prices for both goods and services are controlled by consumers as well as the open market. Here the government has no authority over the laws of demand and supply and price setting systems or any other authority in the market systems. Unlike in a regulated market, prices for both goods and services in a free market are set liberally by the forces of supply and demand and the government does not intervene hence allowed to reach their equilibrium points (Dickens, 45). The US market system however, is not a free market is and is known as the mixed market system. The mixed market is composed of both free market and regulated market which allows consumers and the government comes up with laws regarding the market system.

National Debt

The United States national debt is the amount the federal government owes the outside world and other sectors as well.  There are two types of national debts. Debts held by the public including the treasury securities outside the national government held by investors, those held by individuals, local government, Federal Reserve and corporations (Still, 196). There are other debts held by the government accounts which are to be paid to program beneficiaries for example the social security trust fund. The national debt is said to increase as the government increases its spending therefore decreasing from tax to the receipts. Historically, the US national debt has increased in the times of wars and recession and reduced during the time when the economy if favorable.

Government (Federal and State) Spending

This is inclusive of whatever the government consumes, invests and uses in transfer payments. Government spending is mostly financed by the collection of revenue and government borrowing. Changes in the government spending are an important element of the monetary policy which in turns stabilizes the macroeconomic business sequence (Donovan et al, 211).

Personal Budget

A personal budget is a financial plan which allows one to have enough income for the future in order to cater for the expenses, come up with savings and ensure the debts can be repaid (Stouffer, 94). One should consider past expenses and current debts when coming up with a personal budget. For instance one should consider things such as personal expenses such as rent payments and covering bills as well as the income from the job one does.

Section 6:  Executive Orders

Executive orders are orders issued by the presidents of the United States and intended for officers and agencies of the national government. The orders have the full force of the law since they are given authority by the American constitution. The Acts of Congress gives the president power to carry out the executive orders when necessary.  If the orders lack constitutional support they are subjected to face judicial laws just like the legislative regulations (Mayer, 136). Executive orders are carried out in terms of emergencies when there is no time for the legislature to either agree or disagree with the orders. The American constitution permits issue and use of the executive orders and failure to comply with the laws leads to various consequences. The Supreme Court however has the power to block the executive orders if they are not in line with the constitution (Mayer, 137). The Supreme Court ensures that the orders comply with the constitution and follow the legislative procedures where necessary. The office of the Federal Register is responsible for assigning the executive orders directly from the White House and ensures they are printed in the daily Federal Register as the constitution says. The president carries out executive orders following advice from an executive agency or department found within the executive branch of the American government. National security directives are examples of executive orders since they are urgent thus cannot wait legislative consent for that decision to be carried out (Mayer, 139). Executive orders are important thus need to be followed by all people if they are in line with the constitution since the Supreme Court can dismiss them until they get approval from the legislative branch of government.

Section 7:  Judges (Federal and State)

The judiciary is important in ensuring the laws made by legislature are implemented and enforced. The different types of courts ensure justice is carried out on all people in America. The federal laws are passed by the congress and become law if the president signs. The judiciary decides whether the federal laws are in one with the constitution or not. Judges always depend on the executive branch of government for them to carry out their rightful duties (Hogan, 134). Judges determine all the activities and judge whether they are right or wrong and provide solutions to how they should be carried out. Judges decide whether someone committed a given crime and the punishment to be administered. Judges ensure people set private disputes that they would not settle on their own. Depending on the type of crimes, some are handled by judge sin the federal courts while others are handled by judges in the state courts. The constitution stipulates that federal judges are to be appointed by the president and then pass through the Senate for confirmation (Hogan, 136). These types of judges hold office for life hence are experienced and have good behavior. Federal judges may be removed from office if they misbehave which is done by the congress in the process of impeachment. On the other hand state court judges can be selected in a number of ways. They can be elected, appointed to serve specific terms and appointed for life. They can be selected to serve specific terms and appointed for life following the election process. All the judges are important since they have the final say in the courts and ensure justice is maintained.

Section 8: Media Bias

Media bias can be described as that bias by journalists and reporters on selection of the events, stories and news they cover. Media bias implies biasness by the whole media rather than individual journalists. Media bias in the US occurs when the media emphasizes only on one point of view in such a manner that the American journalism is contravened. Liberal bias, corporate bias, racial bias and mainstream bias are biases reported to being carried out by the media (Sheppard, 177). The media has been accused because of its bad representation of the African Americans. The media has in many instances portrayed blacks as inferior people who have less intelligence. The media has overrepresented blacks especially in crimes where they are portrayed as criminals and crimes suspects. Blacks are viewed by the media as potentials of carrying out crimes while research shows that blacks compared to other racial groups in America commit crimes least. For instance the riots that took place in Los Angeles in 1992, the media covered the riots in a bias manner accusing blacks as the main reason why the riots broke out (Sheppard, 186). People have accused the American media since it has remained bias in the coverage of news and events. For instance in the recent American general election, President Trump accused the media of being bias and covering much events on Hillary Clinton. The media was accused since it was in support of Hillary Clinton which made president Trump complain and accuse the media. Most people have no confidence in the media since most cases of biasness have been reported. Initially the media was highly respected since it ensured rights of people were not violated hence it was not biased unlike today (Sheppard, 189). The media needs to deal with the challenge of being biased for the people to have confidence in it.

Section 9:  Opinion Polls

America has been conducting public opinion polls from 1992 in order to tell the best presidential candidate who is the choice of most people. The opinion polls are either conducted online or via the telephones. Telephone opinion polls are conducted with a section size of about 1000 adults who are eligible to vote and are 18 years and above (Holtz-Bacha et al, 112). The telephone opinion polls are given allowance of about +\-3.5 sampling error. The opinion polls are carried out in all states in order to give accurate data for the opinion polls team to make their conclusion on the most preferred presidential candidate. Online opinion polls are also carried out since a wide range of people are able to participate in these polls. The sampling error is at +\-3.1 where adults who are 18 years and above participate and the numbers increase from the previous telephone opinion polls to about 2000 people. The opinion polls team ensures only adults participate in the opinion polls through first verifying the people’s details (Holtz-Bacha et al, 113). The opinion polls are accurate in most time though they do not necessarily reflect on the most preferred presidential candidate. For instance in the case of 2016 opinion polls in regard with the presidential election the opinion polls proved to be wrong. Hillary Clinton was always the leading presidential candidate based on the opinion polls but after the presidential election, Donald Trump was announced the winner of the 2016 general election. Opinion polls are also carried out to measure the developments carried out by the president and tell how many people would vote in the current leader for another term if given the chance to. They are also used to tell the medical advancements in the United States where people state whether developments have taken place or not (Holtz-Bacha et al, 123).

Section 10:  Political Parties

There are only two political parties in the United States namely the Republicans and Democrats (Neese, 5). The two parties share almost equal political powers in the US hence they are referred to as the duopoly. Unlike other democratic countries such as Japan and Israel where many political parties are seen the US has only two political parties. A presidential candidate in the United States general elections wins the eletion by gaining more votes compared to the rest of the candidates. The party or candidate that finish second is not rewarded since only the winner becomes the president of the United States. The main aim of parties is coming up with as many people as possible therefore having different candidates who have different voters supporting them. There is no point in forming a political party that can get voters and end up lossiong in an election. Because of this Democrats and Republicans dominate the plurality electoral system in the US thus other small political parties cannot exist (Maisel, 45). Formation of other parties is not hindered even by the constitution but the plurality nature of the political parties hinders the parties from winning the elections. This plurality nature has ensured that only two political parties are involve in the entire election process where voters support their most preferred presidential candidate. The Republican Party however has had many presidents compared to the Democratic Party meaning that Republican Party has many followers and is more aggressive (Neese, 11). There are smaller other political parties but are not famous since the US political system focuses on the two major political parties which are widely supported by voters.

The constitution does not dictate the numbers of political parties to be involved in the general election. Two parties are involved in the general elections where public opinion polls are carried out to determine the most preferred political party and its candidate (Neese, 7). The biggest political party was the Libertarian Party which had the largest numbers of followers. The current political parties are the Democrats and Republicans with no other third party therefore having different followers all over the country (Sundquist, 234). The two parties have won in the previous general elections and have controlled the congress in the past years. The Democratic Party was formed in 1828 by Andrew Jackson and is one of the oldest political parties in the world history. The party in the past addressed different issues compared to the current issues it addresses. Barak Obama became the 15^th democrat to hold office therefore indicating that the party has ruled and has had its followers. Republican Party was formed in 1854 by northern antislavery activists and is often portaged by the media as the oldest party compared to the Democratic Party (Sundquist, 236). The party has been supporting the benefits of the veterans and has been aggressive on fighting for the rights of the veterans. The party supports social conservatism and economic liberalism since the party looks out for a developed America where rights of all people are respected (Neese, 12). President Donald Trump is the 20^th republican and elected to hold the presidential office. Compared to the Democratic Party, the Republican Party has had more presidents thus has ruled America more. Other major third parties exist such as the Green Party, Constitution Party, and Libertarian Party but are not considered since the two major parties dominate the US political system.

Section 11:  Interest Groups

Move On

Move on organization was formed in 1998 following the impeachment of President Bill Clinton which was carried out by the United States House of Representatives.  Move on is an American progressive support group supporting public policy and is composed of a committee known as the political action committee (Holyoke, 125). Move on has raised millions of dollars for people it identifies as the progressives in America and runs a petition website which supports the progressives in America. The organization is non profit in nature and is used to address and advocate national issues. The group campaigns for most presidential candidates in the US and has over 200 local councils in all the states.

Media Matters

Media Matters for America (MMfA) is an organization that supports and advocates for the conservative media bias. The group is conserve with the conservative bias of the mass media and comes up with ways of ensuring the media is not being biased. The organization acts as the progressive political watchdog of the American media. The organization analyses and monitors corrective bias of the American media and has led war on the Fox News terming it as being biased (Holyoke, 125). MMfA was formed in 2004 as a nonprofit organization and thus watches over the media thus handling the conservative biasness the media portrays.

Tides Foundation

Tides Foundation was founded in San Francisco in the year 1976 as a nonprofit organization. It is an organization funded by donors and directs its money to the politically freethinking causes. Progressive policies on major areas such as environmental conservation, healthcare, labor concerns, human and rights of women, rights of gay people and rights of immigrants are important to the American people (Holyoke, 132). Tides foundation therefore funds people and organizations that advocate for such progressive policies to be implemented. Tides Foundation controls the tides centre that services the organizations and people who implement the progressive policies in America.

Weather Underground

Weather underground was founded on one of the campus of university of Michigan known as Ann Arbor and was militant radical in nature. The weather underground formerly known as the Weatherman was formed by students who wanted a democratic society in 1969. Students for a Democratic Society and its supporters came up with the weatherman and advocated for a democratic society (Holyoke, 125). The main of the group was to overthrow the government through creating a revolutionary party first since the group felt that their democratic rights were being violated. The group was involved in a number of demonstrations and riots and targeted to bomb some governmental buildings. A peace accord in 1973 ended the group’s agenda and by the end of 1977 the group had been disintegrated.

Centre for American Progress

The centre for American progress (CAP) is an American organization that advocates for implementation of progressive public policies. The organization aims at ensuring all Americans live peacefully and in good standards through coming up and implementing progressive ideas. The organization works towards eliminating economic, political and social problems in order to improve lives of Americans.

Organizing for America

The organization was a community based organization formed after the inauguration of President Barack Obama and was a project of the Democratic National Committee. The group was in support of implementation of president Obama’s legislative responsibilities and priorities with health care reform in particular. The organization played a major task during the 2010 midterm elections. The organization ensured that president’s agenda were implemented both in the first and second terms.

Media Research Centre

Media research centre (MRC) was founded by Brent Bozell and watches over the conservative media (Hammer, 211). Its mission is bringing responsibility and balance to the American news media. It has employed over 80 employees and collects revenue in order to sustain its employees. The organization ensures that rights of people are respected by the media and that the media does not mislead the public.

Freedom Works

Freedom works is a group mainly associated with the tea party movement and is based in the Washington D.C. It is a conservative group that advocates for the liberal and progressive polices. The group helps during campaigns, trains different volunteers and encourages them to mobilize and work together with the public and political representatives.

Heritage Foundation

Heritage foundation was formed during the time of President Ronald Reagan in his conservative movement where his leadership polices were taken from the heritage policy. Heritage has had major and continued influence on the American policies and is one of the most considered research institute in America. The transition team of president Donald Trump was shaped by policies and roles played by the Heritage Foundation.

Centre for Self Governance

Centre for self governance was founded on the basis of capacity for human beings for self governance. The organization enables and educates people on controlling and coming up with political boundaries that will ensure the society prospers. The organization is nonprofit and nonpartisan in nature and ensures growth and promotion of cultural and social practices that promote self governance in the society (Hammer, 211). Centre for self governance educates and trains individuals on the issue of promotion of self governance in the society.

Human Events

Human Events is an American conservative in nature political news and analysis website. It was formed in 1944 as a political print newspaper. The human events came into digital publication in 2013 as one way expressing American ideas and policies end ensuring American lives improved and that polices were implemented.

National Review

National review is an American magazine that focuses on news and pieces of political, cultural and political affairs. The magazine was founded in 1955 by William Buckley but its current editor is Rich Lowry (Hammer, 211). The magazine has been a major promoter of conservatism and has ensured the rights of Americans are not violated. The magazine provides a public platform for activist and other people ensure American rights are not violated.

Work Cited

Benoit, Peter. Forms of Government. , 2014. Print.

Duignan, Brian. Forms of Government and the Rise of Democracy. Chicago: Britannica Educational Pub, 2013. Internet resource.

Gerston, Larry N. American Federalism: A Concise Introduction. Armonk, N.Y: M.E. Sharpe, 2007. Print.

Dickens, Edwin. The Political Economy of U.S. Monetary Policy: How the Federal Reserve Gained Control and Uses It : Routledge, 2016. Print

Still, W. T. (2011). No more national debt. St. Petersburg, FL, Reinhardt and Still.

Donovan, Todd, Christopher Z. Mooney, and Daniel A. Smith. State and Local Politics: Institutions and Reform. Australia: Wadsworth Cengage Learning, 2009. Print.

Stouffer, Tere. The Only Budgeting Book You'll Ever Need. Avon, Mass: Adams Media, 2012. Print.

Mayer, Kenneth R. With the Stroke of a Pen: Executive Orders and Presidential Power. Princeton (N.J.: Princeton University Press, 2002. Print.

Hogan, Sean O. The Judicial Branch of State Government: People, Process, and Politics. Santa Barbara, Calif: ABC-CLIO, 2006. Print.

Sheppard, Si. The Partisan Press: A History of Media Bias in the United States. Jefferson, N.C: McFarland & Co, 2008. Print.

Holtz-Bacha, Christina, and Jesper Strömbäck. Opinion Polls and the Media: Reflecting and Shaping Public Opinion. , 2012. Print.

Maisel, Louis S. American Political Parties and Elections: A Very Short Introduction. , 2016. Print.

Neese, Tim. Political Parties in the U.S.: The U.S. Constitution American Experience. Milliken Publishing Company, 2014. Print.

Sundquist, James. L. Dynamics of the Party System: Alignment and Realignment of Political Parties in the United States. Brookings Institution Press, 2011. Print

Holyoke, Thomas T. Interest Groups and Lobbying: Pursuing Political Interests in America. , 2014. Internet resource.

Hammer, Sebastian. Interest Groups in the Usa - the National Rifle Association. , 2010. Print.

Policy in social work

Proposed action

1. A summary from Part 1

The Syrian Civil War which occurred in 2011 contributed to consequences which negatively affected the Syrians.  Despite the fact that the latter have faced tremendous challenges, effective laws and policies to address this problem have not been implemented. Many people were displaced and they were forced to move to the neighboring countries like Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon and Turkey (Refaat & Mohanna, 2013). These countries have used the best ways to offer help to these refugees but due to the Syrian influx, the countries have faced challenges. There are no enough resources which the countries can use to offer full protection and assistance to the refugees.  For example, unstable government and high level of unemployment are key issues facing Lebanon and Egypt, and Jordan face the challenge of water shortage. This is an indication that these countries have their own challenges which hinders effective assistance. The population of Syrian refugee in the host countries is high. The host countries face high humanitarian and economic cost in trying to meet the refugees’ needs. However, lack of enough resources and fund to meet the needs has developed the issue of health care. Poor sanitation, lack of food, lack of clean water and lack of health care services have led to communicable and non-communicable diseases.  Refugees have suffered from skin diseases, upper respiratory tract infections, and chronic diseases like hypertension among many (Refaat & Mohanna, 2013). The condition becomes worse due to lack of emergency hospitals to treat these critical conditions. This is an issue which requires a quick response because the health issue will not only have adverse effects to the refugees and host countries but it is a problem which will affect the globe. According to WHO, there is a high rate of diseases in the refugee camps. Note that in the host countries, government has big challenges of economic crisis and this is an indication that it is unable to address this issue. The higher population and the inability of the government to offer quality care have deteriorated the health status of the refugees.

2. Past Programs/Policies

MSF (Médecins Sans Frontières) programs have been implemented to address this issue. MSF play a significant role in offering humanitarian assistance to people affected by crises regardless of race or religion. After the tragedy, many Syrians went to Lebanon and other neighboring countries to seek for shelter and medical care (Doocy et al, 2016).  MSF social workers have played various roles to addressing the critical conditions affecting the refugees. For example, social workers visited patients who suffered from psychological trauma after being imprisoned for a long time. During this period, MSF developed medical services  in Wadi Khaled, Lebanon.  It also expanded medical services in Dar al Zahraa and Tripoli where refugee could access psychological consultations and primary healthcare services.   

In offering these services, MSF works hard to meet its goal of eliminating suffering and saving lives of refugees. The important thing with MSF is that it ensures availability of health care services to people suffering from mental illness, social and psychological (Doocy et al, 2016).  Its main purpose is to deal with humanitarian disaster to avoid the negative effects in the host countries as well to the globe. Note that when refugees are in the alien countries, the host government provides all forms of assistance including health care services. However, the Syrian influx creates many challenges as the host government is unable to address the problems facing the high population. Thus, there is a need of coordination between organizations and government. In this case, MFS has shown its attempt in that it joined the government in social work and played a significant role in creating a meaningful life to the refugees.  In social work, MFS creates a social inclusion where all refuges have an access to resources provided by this organization. Remarkably, MFS have implemented the principle of equality to ensure that refugee enjoy their human rights regardless of race of religion (Doocy et al, 2016). In social work, it has maintained social work core values such as social justice, competence, has fostered human relationship   as well as well-being of the people. Through social work values, MFG has offer quality assistant to the vulnerable and oppressed people.  Remarkably, social change in communities of the host countries is visible since refugee can access heath care, resources   and education. Generally, MSF in social work has typically viewed the issue of health care as an issue which requires   quick response and strategic implementation. It has filled the gap of health and has ensured that all refugees get an access to quality health care (Doocy et al, 2016).  It has influenced the establishment of refugees’ home in local communities. There a sense of solidarity in those refugees and other new arrivals has been provided with shelter.  Since refugees arrived in the host countries with no possessions, MFS provided basic needs to them.  Both adults and children from Syria developed mental illnesses from terrible experience. MFS has eliminated depression and anxiety and have changed their lives completely (Doocy et al, 2016).

3. Program/policy intervention

Proposed action: International community

International community means that people and government in the global should join hands toward addressing issues which negatively affects the well-being of the people.  In addition, international community involves taking actions in addressing global issue. In this case, global issue is anything which affects the environment, political, economy and society in a catastrophic way (AbuZayyad & Rieken, 2015). In dealing with the issue of refugee crisis in Syria, it is important to understand that this is an issue which requires a collective effort.  In this case, International community has the responsibility to intervene in this disaster and develop international refugee law as well as the humanitarian law. Given that there is a high population of Syrian refugees in the international borders,   there are many challenges which are met by host countries (AbuZayyad & Rieken, 2015). Refugees experience hostility and intolerance   in trying to seek opportunities and to find better places. On the other hand, host countries experiences unprepared and overburdened situation which affects the socioeconomic and political landscape.  Thus, international community is much needed to offer an international response. The war in Syria has not only affected the Syrian residents but it has also caused a threat to the global security and stability (AbuZayyad & Rieken, 2015). The Syrian war is viewed as a humanitarian crisis and so the international community is responsible in providing acceptable solution. The importance of implementing action from international community is that it is made of powerful states which have diverse views in addressing issues in international scene.

Key characteristics of the program/policy intervention

1. First, it is important to understand that International community plays a significant role in creating a sustainable and a long lasting peace. In addition, International community involves joint efforts in supporting the regions which face humanitarian crisis. The key element which is required is a serious effort in order to achieve global security and stability. Global response from international community s is needed in addressing the humanitarian crisis (Ticktin, 2016). Note that, the issue does not only affect the Syria but it also affects the UN member states. Thus, a close cooperation from these UN states is of importance especially in responsibility-sharing.  The point is that International community will involve stakeholders.   In this case, stakeholders are parties involved in decision-making process.  In order to understand who will   be involved in the international community, it is important to understand who the stockholders are. Firsts, stockholders involves the states.  In this case, central government has members either from parliaments, international associations or local authorities. Second, stakeholders involve private sector such as business federations, lobby groups and more. Third, civil societies which are interested in social life are involved in international community. Finally, NGOs are involved in international community as they play a significant role in environmental protection and poverty reduction.   In this case, stakeholders who will be involved in international community for the purpose of addressing the humanitarian crisis in Syria are Russia, United States, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Iran.  Starting with Russia, this country is an international backer of Syria (Ticktin, 2016).  This means that the country has already provided weapons to Syrian military. Russia is interested with the protection of naval facility protects its Mediterranean base.  In addition, U.S should be involved in the international community in ending the war.  Currently, U.S has showed its interest in creating transitional administration and international coalition in fighting the jihadist.  Saudi-Arabia has provided military and financial assistance to Syria. It has been involved in campaigning against IS and has showed the interest in protecting civilians from attack.   Next, the Turkish government has hosted a large population of refugees from Syria and has also formed a coalition with U. S for supporting Syria. Last, Iran has spent large amount of money in support of Syria (Ticktin, 2016). The latter has used Iranian weapons in fighting with Islamic movement.  In international community, the first is making goals based on humanitarian crisis. After creating goals, stakeholders should use economic means of offering humanitarian support.  All states involved in international community should make a clear commitment and ensure availability of funds to the humanitarian appeals.
2. In addition to these stakeholders who should be involved in international community, other stakeholders are NGOs, local authorities and workers and their trade unions. NGOs play a significant role in the process of creating a sustainable environment. These organizations have diverse experiences based on social economic activities. They are important as they work at direct community and in global level. Local authorities help in developing agenda and implementing national policies (ALLISON, 2013). Workers and trade unions ensure a sustainable development by establishing principles which both workers and representatives will follow. Workers and trade unions play an active part in promoting activities which influence sustainable development. However, the international community involves opponents. The National Coalition of Syrian Revolutionary and Opposition Forces (SC) will oppose the   international community. This group was established in 2012 and it used its control power in creating a municipal government (ALLISON, 2013). In making decision on international community, the stakeholders should form an agreement with SC and join hands in ensuring national sovereignty and preserving unity.

1. The proposed actions which are known as international community will effectively address the problem. Note that international community has a major goal of offering solutions to the humanitarian crisis. The past attempt to solve the issue facing Syrian refugee involved the intervention by non-governmental organization. MSF (Doctors without borders) played a significant role in ensuring that refugee could access quality health care (Akbarzadeh & Conduit, 2016). It provides health resources to address health care challenges which range from mental illness, psychological and social illnesses. However, there is a difference between MSF and international communities. For example, MSF involves a remote management and universal markers are not involved in the negotiation frameworks. It fails to focus the developing dynamics and it is enable to manage the undesirables. The importance of expanding the MSF into international community is that this intervention is transparent and therefore capable of promoting social justice (Akbarzadeh & Conduit, 2016).  
2. For the most part, international community is connected with social work which creates not only social inclusion but also social justice. In social work, international community promotes social justice by creating international human rights law. In others words, international community involves United Nations which it main focus is on Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Thus, stakeholders or United Nations have a legal responsibility of protecting the minorities (AbuZayyad & Rieken, 2015). International community as the proposed action is the best way to address the issues facing refugees. Every state has the obligation to set standards of protection through international arbitration. Given that international community involves international legal accountability, effective actions are required. International community strengthens the social networks and economic relationship. Through restructuring the community in terms of addressing social economic and political issues, international community creates a social inclusion society where all people regardless of race and religion should access the available resources (AbuZayyad & Rieken, 2015).  It reinforces social justice by creating integrity and effective leadership.
3. The international community should show effectiveness by addressing the humanitarian crisis. For instance, the stakeholders or United Nations should join hands in maintaining peace and security in Syria. First, International community should ensure health care coverage and quality health services to refuges in the host countries (Gonzalez, 2016). It should develop an international development agenda and support the host countries with needed healthcare resources. The international community should take actions and form an international cooperation. Within the next two years, Syria should be a country with peace and stability, and development on health systems. Effectiveness should also be achieved by implementing innovative financing models for health systems. In international community, World Health Organization should also be involved in creating a plan of action of health care system. In addition, UN bodies such as the General Assembly, Human Rights Council and others should prevent Syrian Arab Republic from attacking civilians (Gonzalez, 2016).  Last, effectiveness should be achieved in the international community will offer a timely humanitarian assistance through efficient mechanism. The research design will contribute to the peace and stability in Syria.

Conclusion

 The Syrian Civil War has changed the socioeconomic and political status of Syria. More than 1.7Syrians have fled to Jordan, Lebanon, Europe and other Middle East countries. The effects of war have not only impacted the Syrians but also the host country. The Syrians influx has developed a high level of poverty in host countries since these countries are unable to meet the needs of the refugees. The area which is affected most is the health care. Due to lack of quality care, refugees have developed communicable and non-communicable diseases. This is an issue which requires a quick response and the best action   in addressing these challenges is   focusing on international community. Even though non-governmental organization has attempted to solve the issue, international community which involves United Nations should address the challenges by joining hands and   providing the needed resources.

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