The chapters of the book all indicate or underscore how Chinese nationalism has evolved throughout Chinas history. In looking at how China defines nationalism, it is more than the mere love of country, but also as pride in ones country for everything that it is and along with that, an antagonistic attitude towards those perceived as rivals or threats to its interests and security.
When the communists under Mao Zedong took over power in China in 1949, they vowed to erase the stigma brought about by the century of humiliation China had to endure and at the same time elevate China back to its place as a great nation. After Maos death and the rise of Deng Xiaoping, China was finally able to get out of its slump and aggressively pursue economic development and after Dengs death in 1997, China has been able to arrive at the level of prosperity it wanted and is still asking for more. Along with this increasing prosperity, Chinese nationalism has evolved. Mao-inspired nationalism gave way to popular nationalism. This was one of the legacies left behind by Deng. Even though the Chinese people were not granted poltical rights to change their government, they were still granted individual rights which made them more loyal to the government than they would have had Maos policies continued. Deng also extolled pride in anything made in China as well as erase the stigma of the past. This was evident as steps had been taken in erasing a century of humiliation when Hong Kong (1997) and Macau (1999) were returned respectively by Britain and Portugal to China which was widely celebrated. The turnover of these territories was regarded as a moral victory on the part of the Chinese. This would be repeated again in Chinas successful hosting of the Summer Olympics in Beijing in 2008.
On the distaff side of this nationalism is a remnant of the May 4th Movement where the Chinese people have not forgotten the sins of the foreign powers in humiliating China and reasserting their pride and the resolve that they will not take anymore bullying from the West nor be deceived by their duplicity. This was shown in a series of incidents involving the United States and China, beginning with the accidental bombing of the Chinese embassy in Belgrade, Yugoslavia in 1999. The Chinese people did not buy into the American explanation that it was an accident and regarded the attack as deliberate and demanded a redress. A similar incident would occur two years later when a Chinese fighter aircraft collided with an American surveillance plane resulting in the death of the Chinese pilot and damage to the aircraft and eventual detention of its crew. Once again, there was public outcry over this alleged affront to Chinese sovereignty and honor and the United States government had to make an apology to secure the release of the aircrew (Gries 2004 14, 98). Based on these two incidents, China is asserting its national pride and wouls refuse to allow history to repeat itself by bowing down to the wills and whims of the west. Its strong demand for apology and redress is a clear sign that they will no longer allow themselves to be exploited or bullied again and the strange thing about it is they assert this even if they are wrong.
In trying to analyze Chinese (popular) nationalism, Sinologists see it as a case of Middle Kingdom Mentality, the kind of attitude reminescent of Chinas imperial past where everything emanates from China and all barbarians (outsiders) must kowtow before her. One peculiar thing about it is that while China demands apology for any affront to its pride and sovereignty, it does not apologize when they commit it. They are sending a message that they do not owe anything to anyone. Another peculiar feature about this nationalism is whenever they seek redress from anyone, they often depict themselves as victims such as the case of demanding reparations from the Japanese and seeking redress of American aggression or arrogance in Yugoslavia and Hainan (Gries 2004 14, 90, 98). It is a very clever move by the government. By giving their citizens (limited) rights and invoking nationalism, they are able to stay in power. But looking at it from the Chinese perspective, it is the fulfillment of their wish to see China become strong again.
Whenever one thinks of Intelligence Agencies such as the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) or the National Security Agency (NSA), the first thing that would probably come into mind is spies working in secret, gathering confidential information or committing other covert acts in the interests of the governments whom they serve. But in reality, there is more to intelligence gathering than merely the use of spies. As the name suggests, intelligence agencies like those mentioned above primarily collect intelligence, process and analyze them and produce meaningful output that will be of use to the national command authorities. But they have various ways in collecting intelligence or information, which is the raw form of the intelligence gathered.
The most widely known method is Human Intelligence or HUMINT. This involves the use of people to gather intelligence through various sources. This is done either overtly or covertly. The information they obtain can be open or closed sources such as getting information from news sources or anything made public to debriefing defectors or prisoners of war. This is where the spies (intelligence agents) earn their keep.
The other form of collection is Signals Intelligence or SIGINT. This involves listening in on communications ranging from radio communications to radar signals. Electronic Intelligence or ELINT is also related to this form (Richelson 1995, 420). Imagery or IMINT entails the use of information obtained from satellites, usually photographic images which are then studied by special interpreters and analysts.
The other form is called Measurement and Signal Intelligence or MASINT. This involves the use of other forms of data or information taken outside SIGINT or IMINT such as radioactive yields, acoustics and even seismic frequencies or geologic data such as water and soil samples.
In conclusion, there is more to intelligence gathering than the use of spies or secret agents but despite the availability of different methods or techniques, the human factor would still play a key role in this practice.
Intelligence is the cognitive skill that is used in solving problems social, political, security, economic and environmental. The problem solving process is a cycle of events that starts from individuals thought of how to satisfy an existing need. In other words, the process of intelligence or the application of cognitive skills may start with a certain question, whose answer results in another and the process of determining intelligence level or category is initiated.
Once a solution for a certain need is obtained, then there begins another nagging question that needs more determined personnel to solve. The intelligence process is based on the existing problems. For example, if you take the case of a manager in production or engineering department of a certain organization, who has the likelihood of collecting information from the end user of a product then forward this information to the policy making body for advice. Meanwhile, heshe makes a managerial decision towards the particular problem, this is referred to as intelligence process (Jeffrey, 1995).
There are a number of intelligence collections that are widely used in information processing. These include the signal intelligence, abbreviated as SIGINT the imagery, abbreviated as IMINT measurement and signature intelligence abbreviated as, MASINT human resource intelligence abbreviated as, HUMINT and the open source information.
SIGINT includes the collection of information from trapped signals like from radar or telemetry. Imagery on the other hand, is information form overhead and or ground imagery. MASINT is basically a technical obtained from other means other than SIGNT and IMINT for example, scientific research, optical, nuclear (Jeffrey, 1995). These may use a special kind of radar such those that are used in aircrafts or analysis of samples of water.
The advent of globalization has brought with it numerous changes in the society. One of the most notable developments is the emergence of non-state actors in the international arena. Previously, states are the only primary actor that are recognized in the international community but due to globalization non-state actors like multinational companies are also playing an influential and pivotal role in the society. CEOs of large companies have the power to talk and influence the decisions of high-ranking government officials, which is essential in the smooth operations of their business transactions. Nevertheless, CEOs of companies as well as other members of the management still have to play a bolder role in influencing the foreign policy of their respective countries because in a world that is greatly interrelated, foreign policy also has an impact in their business relations with other countries. This kind of adage is exemplified in the article of Clyde Prestowitz, entitled CEOs and Foreign Policy.
As the title of the article suggests, CEOs and Foreign Policy, it talks about the impact of foreign policy to the business operations of large companies and it also advocate the greater participation of CEOs in influencing the foreign policy of their respective country. According to Prestowitz, due to globalization many CEOs have transformed into something that is similar to heads of state. The sales of these corporations are even larger than the national budgets of many nations. In relation to this, CEOs have a greater opportunity in arranging meetings with head of states as compared with the officials of other countries. Moreover, CEOs also have their own version of a presidential cabinet, which have its respective members that are responsible in the different important areas in business such as finance, central intelligence, labor, culture, and defense. However, most companies still do not have its own secretary of state. The vice president for public affairs is more focused on issues involving tax, trade, and regulations. Only few companies have representatives that give importance to the foreign and national security policy of their country. The changes in the society have shown that companies should give due attention to foreign policy because globalization also have its adverse effects. Since globalization happens in cultural, political, and social environment, it cannot be prevented that different sets of values clash with each other. Due to this, the tensions and potential conflicts that are brought about by globalization have decisive importance in the situation of business. In the case of the United States, the governments decision to invade Iraq and its not so friendly reception with the help of NATO in 911 crisis as well as its failure to take part in important international treaties have tainted the image of the country, especially with the European Union. Being the case, the European Union is threatening to impose sanction to the United States if it fails to abide by the rules of the World Trade Organization and these European countries also have hardening attitudes when it comes to the genetically modified foods and software competition policy of the United States (Prestowitz, 2003).
The topics that are discussed in the article are also tackled in the textbook. The concept of globalization is also substantially explained in chapter 1 page 4 of the book. The important actors in the international community, especially those that affects the situation of a country like United States, such as the United Nations Security Council, NATO, and the European Union are seen in chapter 4 pages 100 and 123-127. The Free Trade Agreement that is also important to the World Trade Organization is explained in chapter 4 page 100 of the textbook. Furthermore, the concept of global democratization, which is mentioned in the article as an end result of the greater liberalization of market forces, is also included in the book.
The article also pointed out that CEOs should not be merely contented in having lawyers but rather they should also employ global affairs executive that knowledgeable with different cultures and interacting with people of different nationalities. Corporate executives should give due attention and importance in discussing important issues regarding the foreign policy of a country with grand strategy players in their country as well as in abroad. In doing so, CEOs will be able to once again capitalize on the benefits of globalization and at the same time, address its adverse consequences .
The First Amendment was originally authored by Fisher Ames and Elbridge Gerr and drafted by James Madison (Paul 2002 and Linder 2009). The amendment states Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances. For this assignment, a closer look has been taken specifically at the amendment and its relation to religion. Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof This is the core statement at the center of the debate of religion among the United States and the theory of separation of church and state (Paul). The way this amendment has been interpreted, manipulated, and restated has created a severe allergic reaction, so to speak, to religion in the United States.
This amendment specifically defines that Congress will have no involvement in the religion of the people. They will not be involved, period. However, getting involved is just what Congress has done and they have manipulated the wording of this amendment to justify their actions. They have in essence, marginalized or ignored the idea of religion in the public and civic spears by interpreting the law to give them the authority to strip away any reference to religion in such spears. They have passed laws prohibiting the Pledge of Allegiance to be said in public schools, they have rid public areas of The 10 Commandments, and they have long ago removed prayer of any type from schools and other public entities. They have stripped away all notions of religion in the public (Paul 2002). The First Amendment bars the federal government from prohibiting the pledge of allegiance, school prayer, or any other religious expressionpoliticians and judges pushing the removal of religionare violating the First Amendment, not upholding it (Paul 2002).
The very idea of the notion of separation of church and state is indeed at odds with what the Founders originally viewed to be the role of religion within our government. They would be appalled to know that present day judges and politicians have manipulated their law so much as to use it to remove religion instead of protect or uphold it. Present day lawmakers have crossed the line of the First amendment and have made religious affairs their business and have stepped into the forbidden zone and have passed laws pertaining to religious freedom. Do they not realize the First amendment says Congress shall make no law This means that matters of religious freedom and expression should be decided by the states, with disputes settled in state courts (Paul 2002). Cases should be looked at on individual basis by those lower government entities and should be settled on that level without ever even approaching the higher courts of law.
Present conditions in no way demand a separation of church and state much less demand for Congress involvement in these areas. It is in fact, it is Congress illegal involvement that has created the mess that the United States is in today. If they would have stayed back and refrained from making such decisions and from hearing such cases, as the First amendment commands, there would not be this present day disaster over defining church and state and deciding whether or not pledges, prayers, and other religious notions should be removed from the public sector. This is exactly what the Founders had hoped to prevent through the writing up of the First amendment. These problems revolving around religion and its role in the public sphere and government should never have made it to Congress where matters were obviously made worse. Following the First amendment was meant to protect. Not following the law would bring dire consequences, which we are sadly firsthand witnesses to.
The formulation and execution of public policies should no doubt be the major concern of every effective government. It is only by having effective and highly reliable public policies in place that equitable justice can be realized to all members of the society. This is because public policies define the intended course of action and the governing regulatory measures as well as giving the plan for realizing equitable justice in the society. Such public policies include health care reforms, education, public health literacy and fight against criminology and drug abuse in the society. It is due to the importance of having public policies that this paper is written (McKee, 2001). The author in particular gives a discussion on three major public policy issues namely health care reform, education and fight against crime in the society.
Health is one of the most crucial elements in ensuring the sustainable economic growth of any nation. It is due to this reason that many nations engage most of their resources in the health sector inn a move to ensure quality and affordable health care to all its citizens. Ensuring quality and affordable health care for example has been a great concern in the American nation particularly for the minority communities as well as the economically challenged members of the society. It is due to such concerns and the need for realizing equitable justice in the society that the current government is in the process of passing a comprehensive health care reform (McKee, 2001). This scheme seeks to provide a health care insurance policy for all American citizens thus ensuring quality health care to all. It is to be noted here that though sustaining such a scheme might be seen by many as a great burden to the economy, the cost of competitive economic disadvantage brought by health complications are far much higher.
Second is the public policy on education. In our modern society, the ability to read, write and posse professional academic qualifications are increasingly becoming a basic necessity for realizing economic independence. It is education that greatly factors in not only ensuring the production of qualified professionals in the job market but also in building individual character thus ensuring the realization of harmonious coexistence of individuals in the society. By providing qualified and highly reliable professionals in the job market, a nation is assured of a competitive economic advantage. It is due to all these reasons that almost all nations across the globe have government funding schools. This is further enforced by the Education for All resolution of 1990 by the United Nation.
Thirdly is the public policy issue of fighting against criminology in the society. The government is made up its citizens. This makes this institution to have the sole duty of ensuring sustainable security to its citizens (McKee, 2001). It is due to this sole reason that each and every nation must have a public policy on security in place. Security threats are not only a major drawback to the economic growth of a nation but also a major threat to the lives of the citizens. This makes security concern a crucial public policy issue.
In conclusion, it is evidently clear that public policies play an important role in ensuring the sustainable social and economic growth of a nation. They are the driving force for realizing equitable justice in the society. It is due to this reason that there is much need for all sober government to heavily invest in the formulation and execution of effective and reliable public policies.
The rich become richer and the poor become poorer is a cry heard throughout the whole civilized world-Johann Friedrich Von Schiller Quotes Johann Friedrich Von Schiller(1759-1805) German dramatist, poet and historian.
Schillers statement rings true more than three centuries later largely due to entrenched global economics that perpetrate dependency and exploitation. The success of capitalism over socialism has bequeathed a legacy that supports survival for the fittest while those in power will forever exploit the poor to enrich themselves.
While in Kenya for holidays, I visited the Kibera slums on the outskirts of the capital city, Nairobi. It is one of the largest in the world and houses the proletariat which works in the nations industries. Mud houses with tin roofs, lack of piped water or electricity, lack of sewage facilities (hence the term flying toilets to depict how the residents dispose of human waste) and, insecurity characterizes life in this area. Poor health facilities contribute to the high incidence of diseases while rampant prostitution has increased the number of Aids infected, and affected victims.
This situation has persisted since independence and is getter worse as rural- urban migration swells the number of people moving into the slums. Successive members of parliament have done little to alleviate suffering in this area. The much heralded slum upgrading program failed to benefit those targeted for relocation while most slum dwellers made accusations that beneficiaries of the newly built houses were relatives and friends of the politically connected.
During the post election violence that rocked Kenya in 2008, politicians from both sides of the political divide incited their tribesmen to wage war against one another. When anarchy reigned, the same slum dwellers that had uprooted the railway, burnt shops, and murdered each other were crying for aid as food rations ran out countrywide. All the while, the politicians responsible for the mayhem were ensconced in their well guarded houses with enough food to feed an army.
I asked a Kenyan friend of mine why consecutive Kenyan governments had done little to address the plight of the urban poor. He confided in me that the best control mechanism for the masses was to ensure widespread poverty. Poor people will always seek handouts, and the benefactor, will always control the beneficiaries. He continued by saying that if the residents had decent housing, clean water and access to good medical facilities, they would have no need for the politicians. In a bid to entrench their influence, politicians initiate projects that are stillborn thus giving the masses false hopes this strategy works well in both the urban and rural areas.
Globally, rich countries adopt the same principle. The numerous deductions in terms of consultancy fees and expatriate salaries whittle down the amount of aid distributed to needy states. The aid that actually reaches the ground is a pittance and cannot achieve the program objectives. Poor countries have been unable to increase their capacity to create wealth from such aid and are in perpetual debt trying to repay loans received from the donor nations.
In conclusion, the way the world runs today, the poor will remain impoverished as the rich continue to exploit them for personal gain. Until such a time that the poor are empowered economically, the status quo is destined to remain the same.
