Human Resources Development Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Human Resources Development - Essay Example British government took the initiatives related to National Vocational Education and Training (NVET) about 40 years back with the development of state intervention during 1964 to 1980. The VET system in UK was radically reformed during 1980's. Such reforms included policies encouraging strong partnerships between employers and the world of education and training, replacement of most of the levy supported industry training arrangements with employer led national sector skills organisations, development of a national qualification framework and Legislation enabling the delivery sector of VET on a trajectory of growth and change. And it was during 1991 to 1997 that NVET was embedded in lifelong learning. The Moser report in 1999 found that one in five British adults was functionally illiterate (Harrison, 2002). This report underlined a need to take up the challenge of addressing issues of both supply and demand. This would result in an improvement in the quality of provision on offer an d an increase in the number of adults coming forward to take up this provision. The report recognized that to achieve this, there could be no quick fix solution and only a long-term strategy can achieve such synchronization. With these kinds of inputs the NVET has been undertaking corrective courses from time to time, in order to be more effective for the purpose. The government has an ambitious target of reducing the number of functionally illiterate people to half of the present figure by 2010. In view of the evolving global economy, which demands appropriately skilled workforce, most of the governments around the world are currently undertaking reforms of their education and training systems, with inclusion of the vocational streams into the system. UK faces several challenges under the globalisation regime, including continuing changes in technology, which is bound to shape the nature and demand for skills. Such initiatives have been effective to the extent that the wages of a trained individual are of course more that that of an un-trained one. Similarly the industry is also benefited by the training, as it doesn't have to spend much time, energy and resources on developing the individual, while the individual proves to be productive from day one. With other factors remaining unchanged, a better match of vocational skills and industry needs would no doubt increase the expectation that the labor market will reward vocational skills better than general education. For example; Nursing training and education has resulted in improvement in health care occupation. This has helped in long-term care for older people, reduced sedation and restraint, greater willingness to encourage autonomy and independence, and improved communication between workers and users (Nolan & Keady, 1996). For social care

Flag Protection Act of 1989 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Flag Protection Act of 1989 - Essay Example (2) This subsection does not prohibit any conduct consisting of the disposal of a flag when it has become worn or soiled. (c) Nothing in this section shall be construed as indicating an intent on the part of Congress to deprive any State, territory, possession, or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico of jurisdiction over any offense over which it would have jurisdiction in the absence of this section. (d)(1) An appeal may be taken directly to the Supreme Court of the United States from any interlocutory or final judgment, decree, or order issued by a United States district court ruling upon the constitutionality of subsection (a). (2) The Supreme Court shall, if it has not previously ruled on the question, accept jurisdiction over the appeal and advance on the docket and expedite to the greatest extent possible. " 1989 - Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 101-131, Sec. 2(a), amended subsec. (a) generally. Prior to amendment, subsec. (a) read as follows: ''Whoever knowingly casts contempt upon any flag of the United States by publicly mutilating, defacing, defiling, burning, or trampling upon it shall be fined not more than $1,000 or imprisoned for not more than one year, or both.'' Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 101-131, Sec. 2(b), amended subsec. (b) generally. Prior to amendment, subsec. ... any flag of the United States by publicly mutilating, defacing, defiling, burning, or trampling upon it shall be fined not more than $1,000 or imprisoned for not more than one year, or both.'' Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 101-131, Sec. 2(b), amended subsec. (b) generally. Prior to amendment, subsec. (b) read as follows: ''The term 'flag of the United States' as used in this section, shall include any flag, standard colors, ensign, or any picture or representation of either, or of any part or parts of either, made of any substance or represented on any substance, of any size evidently purporting to be either of said flag, standard, color, or ensign of the United States of America, or a picture or a representation of either, upon which shall be shown the colors, the stars and the stripes, in any number of either thereof, or of any part or parts of either, by which the average person seeing the same without deliberation may believe the same to represent the flag, standards, colors, or ensign of the United States of America.'' Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 101-131, Sec. 3, added subsec. (d). SHORT TITLE OF 1989 AMENDMENT Section 1 of Pub. L. 101-131 provided that: ''This Act (amending this section) may be cited as the 'Flag Protection Act of 1989' [1].'' Texas v. Johnson In first 20 years, the Act was upheld by the local courts and Supreme Court refused to notice it, but then in 1984, during the Republican National Convention in Dallas, Johnson set the flag on fire during the protest. He was convicted of desecration and was sentenced one year in prison and was also fined $ 2000.00. The case went to Supreme Court which affirmed this decision. As a result of this, Congress enacted the Flag Protection Act 1989, according to which, the country's flag should never be desecrated in any form

Causes of Material Failure

Causes of Material Failure Safety, reducing weight and maintenance costs of structural components, have always been a target in structural design, particularly where lighter structures result in higher load carrying capacity in industrial projects (Li et al. 2003). Since the high strength steel (HSS) is susceptible to weld defects, specifically in structures subjected to alternating stresses, the bolted connections are used as an effective and versatile joining technique in a variety of structures compared to welded equivalents (Jimà ©nez-Peà ±a et al. 2016). In this respect, various authors have investigated the performance of bolted joints under static loading condition. Despite this, the behavior of bolted joints under cyclic loading is still not well documented and fully understood (Mà ­nguez and Vogwell 2006). A deep concern that engineers have regarding the serviceability of commercial structures is the detrimental failure resulting from metal fatigue. As a matter of fact, the design philosophies have changed over recent years in a way that static strength has been replaced by fatigue life, durability and damage tolerance (Mà ­nguez and Vogwell 2006). Design rules for bolted connections are available in Canadian and American standards in conjunction with extensions for fatigue design considerations. Material failure happens in several forms, such as wear, corrosion, deformation, and fracture. When a component is subjected to a cyclic loading and results in the separation of the component into two or more pieces, this is plain fatigue or conventional fatigue. On the other hand, fatigue failure might occur due to a phenomenon known as fretting fatigue (Hà ¤mà ¤là ¤inen and Bjà ¶rk 2015). For example, one of the bolts that connects the bottom bracket to the support broke was fractured due to fretting fatigue and another was failed because of plain fatigue during the round four of accelerated fatigue test under 113 kN at 2 Hz of fatigue as shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. Therefore, it proves why an extensive research should be undertaken to investigate the precise mechanism of fretting fatigue in bolted connections. Fretting can occur when a pair of structural components are in contact under a normal load while cyclic tangential stress and relative displacement are applied alongside the contact surface. The phenomenon of fretting has been recognised initially as a surface damage phenomenon, what today are called fretting wear. During fretting the fatigue strength decreases to less than one-third of that without fretting (Hattori et al. 2011). This kind of fatigue can be seen widely in bolted and riveted connections. The fatigue life performance of bolted joints depends on several factors, such as size of the bolts, the number and arrangement of used bolts, the level of pretension or torque tightening applied to the bolts, the material plate thickness and surface roughness. Understanding in what way all these factors affect the fatigue life of a joint is fairly complex and has not been thoroughly investigated (Mà ­nguez and Vogwell 2006). The primary objectives of this literature review are (1) to review a comprehensive understanding of the underlying mechanisms lead to fretting fatigue failure; (2) to determine the factors which influence the fatigue strength of bolted joints; (3) to indicate predictor tools used in order to estimate the fatigue lifetime of bolted joints; (4) to propose different approaches to address the aforementioned objectives. Fig. 1: Plain fatigue in bolt shank and fretting fatigue in bottom surface of bolt head Fig. 2: Plain fatigue Bolted connections are classified on basis of the mechanism in which the forces are transferred. When members are not pressed together by torque tightened bolts, the joint members can move freely (bearing-type bolted connection); thus, a large portion of load is transferred from bolt to the edge of plates as shown in Fig. 3. Elongation of the holes due to the stress transmitted through the bolts into the members might occur, if the stress levels within the hole are adequately high to cause plastic deformation. In this case, the major failure modes for a joint subjected to shear loading would be as shown in Fig. 4. On the other hand, when the plate members are compressed together by application of tightening torque on the bolts, the members Fig. 3: A bearing joint, with the bolt acting as a shear pin slippage could be prevented; therefor, the friction in contact interface transfers loads directly, instead of transmitting through the bolt to the plates hole. In this way, the connections benefit greatly with respect to the failure modes presented in Fig. 4, because the stress concentrations caused by the bearing of the bolts at the edge of plates hole will be lowered significantly (friction-type bolted connection). Fig. 5 illustrates the behavior of a friction-type joint under static loading in shear. The joint deforms elastically until the load reaches the critical value. At region (2) the joint begins to slip and it continues until the bolts start bearing on bolt holes. Elastic deformation happens again in region (3), until the yielding of plates or bolts occurs in form of plastic deformation in region (4). Eventually, joint will be failed at point (5) (Mà ­nguez and Vogwell 2006). Fig. 4: Failure modes for joints loaded in shear Fig. 5: Behavior of a joint under increasing loading The phenomenon of plain fatigue refers to the behavior of materials under the action of repeated stress and strain which distinguishes it from their behavior under monotonic or static stresses or strains. The plain fatigue is defined more precisely by the process in which the progressive localized permanent structural changes occur in a material subjected to conditions that produce fluctuating stresses and strains at some points and that culminate in cracks or complete fracture after a sufficient number of fluctuations. A plain fatigue failure is often very sudden, with no obvious warning; however, the mechanism might have been operating from the beginning of the components usage. Fig. 6: Crack growth path in sheet (a) single shear (b) double shear Fig. 6 shows fatigue crack initiation and propagation schematically. At short crack length where crack tip plastic zones are small, the crack path is usually flat. As crack grows, the crack tip plastic zone increases in size and the crack plane can turn to 45 ° shear or slant mode. This can be either single shear as shown in Fig. 6(a) or double shear as shown in Fig. 6(b). The aspects of plain fatigue fracture can be summarized as follows: The entire fatigue process involves the nucleation and growth of a crack or cracks to final fracture. The plain fatigue crack at fracture can be very small or very large, occupying less than 1 percent of the fracture up to almost 100 percent. The plain fatigue crack region can be distinguished from final fracture region by beach marks, smoothness, and corrosion, However, there are many exceptions. Microscopic plain fatigue cracks often grow in the plain of maximum tensile stress. However, for multiaxial loading, macroscopic fatigue cracks have also been observed on the plane of maximum shear (Stephens et al. 2000). It is one century since the problem of fretting first has undergone scientific investigation. Fretting was recorded first by Eden, Rose and Cunningham in 1911, who observed a red rust in the grips of fatigue machines by which they were testing steel specimens. The removal of the specimens was encumbered by the rust and its formation was mainly attributed to the varying stress between specimens and grips. This phenomenon was experimentally investigated first via Tomlinson in 1927, and coined the term fretting wear by which name it is generally known today (Scott 2013). Intensive study of the fretting process and mechanism has been undertaken during the 1950s and 1960s. Various theories regarding the nature of fretting have been summarized by Hurricks and then published in 1970. In 1974 Golego et al. recapitulated the results of experimental and analytical investigations conducted in the Soviet Union and other countries (Kovalevskii 1981). Based on these meticulous and intensive investigations, it appeared that the problem of fretting fatigue has adequately been solved, and it is of least interest. At the end of the 1930s and the beginning of 1940s fretting was observed in a new form, as a rapid lowering of the fatigue strength of metals. Warlow-Davis was the first scholar who studied the effect of fretting corrosion on fatigue life. Numerous investigations regarding this complicated phenomenon have been carried out subsequently, and interesting and informative results were obtained on basis of empirical and factual observations. Fretting fatigue has generally been considered in terms of the contribution of fretting to the fatigue strength of material. The recognition and interpretation of mechanism of fretting fatigue by means of this approach is more difficult. It thus appears more reasonable to attempt to postulate the mechanism of fretting fatigue on basis of a combination of the basic theory of fretting wear and t he fatigue failure of metals (Kovalevskii 1981). Fretting maybe defined as surface damage caused by low amplitude oscillatory sliding between two contacting surfaces. Fretting fatigue and fretting wear lie within this broad definition. Fretting is divided into two categories: fretting wear and fretting fatigue. The removal of material from contacting surfaces through fretting action is called fretting wear, whereas fretting fatigue is the reduction in fatigue life due to fretting surface damage (Bill 1983). Both types often occur within the same contact, but in different areas. Partial slip region is the area where contact pressure caused by normal force is high, while displacement amplitude caused by alternating tangential force is relatively small. In these areas, possibly fretting occurs as fatigue. On the other hand, those areas of the contact where the displacement amplitude is somewhat large compared to contact pressure are called gross slipping regime. In these areas fretting happens as fretting wear. There is another regime between these two regimes in a way that both mechanisms overlap, mixed fretting regime. Running condition fretting map is a useful tools (RCFM) used to present these regimes and the effect of those in the specimen failure can be translated into a material response fretting map (MRFM). Fig. 7 shows the schematic illustration of these maps (Hà ¤mà ¤là ¤inen and Bjà ¶rk 2015). Fig. 7: Schematic illustrations of (a) running condition fretting map (b) material response fretting map Fretting fatigue is a complicated tribological behavior of components which are in contact together having a small relative oscillatory motion. Due to high stress gradients generated at interface of connected surface caused by fretting, the fatigue lifetime of materials is reduced considerably compered to plain fatigue (Hojjati-Talemi et al. 2013). Fretting often occurs in structures subjected to oscillating tangential loads with low-amplitude and high frequency vibrations. Since fretting happens in counterpart surfaces, where crack initiation and crack propagation is hidden, and there is no easy access for inspection, crack detection is often impossible; hence, it is a particularly dangerous phenomenon. Sometimes the development of fretting damage is not detected until critical fracture or even catastrophic failure is occurred (Hoeppner 2006). Consequently, fretting fatigue heightens a serious concern for industrial structures, and analytical and numerical techniques for prediction of fretting fatigue are much in demand. Fig. 8 illustrates an example of failure due to fretting. Fig. 8: Typical critical locations for fretting fatigue crack initiations in (a) bolted flange and (b) riveted panels 4.1 Fretting wear and fretting fatigue-How are they related? The extent to which fretting wear correlates fretting fatigue is not fully cleared. The surface damage and contact stress distribution are similar in fretting fatigue and fretting wear for a given set of contact conditions. The remarkable feature which is evident in fretting fatigue, while is not for fretting wear necessarily, is an alternating bulk stress in one of the contact bodies. Furthermore, the edges of contact area or near slip/nonslip interfaces are the spots where fretting fatigue occurs consistently. The sequence of crack initiation and propagation in fretting problems involving fretting wear or fretting fatigue is important, because it generally causes microspalling in the former case and fatigue failure in the later (Bill 1983). Fig. 9 presents the loading conditions for a typical fretting contact. The significant feature which distinguishes fretting from gross sliding wear is the formation of a partial slip zone within the contact area when the tangential force is less that the frictional force. Eq. 1 The small displacement amplitude traps the wear debris and prevents those from existing contact zone. Different combinations of normal load and displacement lead to different forms of damage mechanism. Another comprehensive fretting maps proposed by Vingsbo in 1988 is plotted schematically in Fig. 10. The area is divided into various regimes and the dominant damage mechanism is specified in each zone as following: Fig. 9: Fretting contact and loading Partial slip regime or Stick regime: Although some slip occurs by application of tangential loading, most of the contact zone remains in stick. Fretting fatigue is the dominant mode of failure in this area; however, some wear occurs even when reciprocating motions are as small as 0.25  µm. Mixed stick and slip regime or mixed fretting regime: This regime is categorized by transition of the fretting contact from partial slip to the gross sliding. The dominant mode depends on whether the fatigue cracks grow fast enough to avoid removal by wear. Gross slip regime or gross sliding regime: Slip exists throughout the contact in this regime. The excessive volume of debris produced by fretting cycle, would prevent crack from propagating. Although the slip happens all around the contact, the debris formed during fretting cycle would trapped within contact area. This is a fundamental characteristic which distinguishes this regime from reciprocating sliding phenomenon. Reciprocating sliding: Once the amplitude meets a critical level, the wear mechanism will be similar to unidirectional sliding. The remarkable feature of reciprocal sliding wear is that for different amplitudes within reciprocal sliding, wear volumes is almost being kept constant, whereas the production of oxidized debris and a wear coefficient would increase rapidly by the increase of amplitude of motion (Patil 2010). Fig. 10: Typical fretting map for Hertzian contact Although, it is very difficult to establish a precisely distinct line of demarcation between fretting wear and reciprocal sliding wear, some literatures suggest that the critical amplitude of slippage in which the occurrence of reciprocating sliding wear will be imminent. Due to complexity of fretting phenomenon, different refrences presented different transition values for different materials. Vingsbo and Soderberg in 1988 as well as Ohmae and Tsukizoe in 1974 suggested the transition value lies at 300  µm, Toth suggested 50  µm, while Lewis and Didsbury concluded transition value equal to 70  µm (Chen and Zhou 2001).

The Mistress in Death of a Salesman Essay example -- Death of a Salesm

The Mistress in Death of a Salesman The mistress, sultry yet sophisticated, played a larger part in the play, Death of A Salesman, than most would imagine. While she does not make an appearance in the play, she does appear in Willy’s remembered time. During his daydreams, she is referred to as â€Å"the woman†. The woman in Death of A Salesman never appears in the play, but has a noteworthy presence because she affects the action, theme, and the development of other characters. As an outcome of having a mistress, Willy’s fragile ego is boosted. For example, while he is on his lengthy business trips, she lavishes him attention and affirmation. Willy’s last name, Loman, gives insight into the fact that many people do not see Willy as a successful man. The woman, on the other hand, does. Furthermore, she tells him that she selected him out of all the salesmen. This makes him feel quite superior to the other salesmen and gives him a higher self-esteem. In addition, she tells him that the next time he came, she would let him go directly through to see the buyers without ha...

European imperialism Essay

Mortimer Chambers et al define imperialism as a European state’s intervention in and continuing domination over a non-European territory. During the ‘Scramble for Africa’ in the late nineteenth century, the most powerful European nations desired to conquer, dominate and exploit African colonies with the hope of building an empire. According to Derrick Murphy, in 1875 only ten percent of Africa was occupied by European states. Twenty years later only ten percent remained unoccupied. There were several factors which attracted European imperialists to Africa. There were opportunities for profitable investment and trade. Raw materials, which Africa possessed in abundance, were also desired. A cheap source of labour was required as it would result in higher profits. In addition, there was international rivalry among European nations. Domestic political interests and social Darwinism may also be blamed for attracting European imperialism to Africa. European imperialists were lured to Africa by the potential economic benefits she possessed. Industrialization caused a mass productivity and there became an artificial need for foreign markets to invest in. According to Brian Levack et al, with the onset of economic decline in 1873 industrialists were faced with a declining demand for their products in Europe. Imperial expansion, it was thought, would provide a solution with annexed territories seen as captive markets. It was believed that the unfavorable balance of trade that Britain and other industrial countries were experiencing could be counterbalanced by the income from overseas investments. Also, surplus capital could be profitably invested in Africa where cheap labour and limited competition would result in higher profits. Prominent European imperialists decided to use the public resources of their country to find lucrative means of using their capital. The English radical economist J.A. Hobson, argues that the intention was to level out inequalities of wealth to increase domestic consumption. Local merchants, traders and bankers were optimistic towards the idea of imperial expansion and capital investments outside of Europe became an increasingly vital sector of its economy. There was an increasing demand for raw materials in Europe in the late nineteenth century. According to Brian Levack, the new technologies characteristic of the industrial revolution meant that industrial Europe  became increasingly dependent on raw materials. European nations felt the urge to control lands that possessed great quantities of raw materials. Africa was rich with raw materials as well as many treasure reserves. As a result, many major industrial companies attempted to gain a monopoly of raw materials in Africa. Stuart Miller believes that specific trade links were important to particular industries. Some raw materials in Africa were of great importance; the vegetable oil of the Niger was vital for lubricating industrial machinery and the rubber of the Congo was not only essential for the tires on the new automobiles but also for insulating the electrical and telegraph wires now encircling the globe. The plentiful elephant herds could be slaughtered to provide the ivory for many of the new consumer goods such as piano keys, billiard balls and knife handles. In Togoland, Germans were able to cultivate plantations where they grew cocoa and rubber. Other raw materials included peanuts, cotton and tea. There were also many important minerals and South Africa possessed gold and diamonds. International rivalry among European nations contributed greatly to imperialist ventures in Africa. Britain’s rivalry with France and Germany accounted for a large part of the colonization. The British government wished to maintain its dominance in the colonial regions. Other European powers desired to expand their colonial spheres as well and Britain responded by seizing colonies. Certain territories were important for their location. The Suez Canal was key waterway between East and West Africa. The immense interior between the gold and diamond rich Southern Africa and Egypt had a strategic value as domination of this region was important to secure the flow of overseas trade. The British wanted to link their possessions in Southern Africa with their territories in East Africa, and these two areas with the Nile basin. Obtaining the Sudan was vital to the fulfillment of these ambitions especially since Egypt was already under British control. This ‘red-line’ through Africa was made famous by Cecil Rhodes and Lord Milner who advocated for a ‘Cape to Cairo’ empire linking by rail the Suez Canal to the Southern part which possessed many minerals. According to Brian Levack, there was also a certain level of nationalist competition. The unification of Germany upset the balance of power in Europe. In this climate of tension, governments looked towards enforcing national strength. The  newly formed nations of Italy and Germany now sought empires outside Europe as a means of gaining power and prestige within Europe. In the nineteenth century, a German historian Henrich con Treitschke stated â€Å"All great nations in the fullness of their strength have desired to set their mark on barbarian lands and those who fail to participate in this great rivalry will pay a pitiable role in time to come.† Under the leadership of Bismarck, Germany soon embarked on a quest of expansionism. Bismarck’s distrust of England under Gladstone was one of the reasons he decided to do this. Germany became engaged in an arms race with Great Britain and it desired as many military and naval bases as it could obtain. France needed to restore its damaged national pride after its defeat by Germany in the Franco-Prussian war and therefore embarked upon expansionism. Their aim was to have an uninterrupted link between the Niger River and the Nile, thus controlling all trade to and from the Sahel region, by virtue of their existing control over the Caravan routes through the Sahara. Domestic political interests also contributed to European Imperialism in Africa. As stated by Brain Levack, in the age of mass politics, political leaders needed to find issues that would both appeal to new voters and strengthen the status quo. Imperialism led the ordinary European people to believe that they were part of a superior, conquering people. Bismarck used imperial issues to help him find political allies in Germany and once remarked â€Å"all this colonial business is a sham but we need it for the elections.† According to Lawrence James, in the 1890s witnessed a rapid expansion of newspaper readership with the appearance of a new type of daily designed to attract the working and lower middle class. Social Darwinism and missionary intentions are two excuses that are used to justify European imperialism in Africa. Rudyard Kipling characterized the Africans as â€Å"sullen, new caught peoples, half devil and half child.† The Europeans believed it to be their duty to civilize the wild savage Africans. Liberalism, which may be defined as a dedication to self-improvement and the belief that there were discoverable rules of general conduct that everyone could follow, contributed to the paternal manner in which Europe acted and arguments of racial and cultural superiority that pushed Europeans into  Africa to ‘civilize’ the local populations. Lawrence James states that nations who had now reached the highest stage of civilization were taking control over those which had lagged behind, or races, like the Asante, who were not seen as fit to control their own affairs. In an issue of the Dublin Review in the late nineteenth century it was stated that â€Å"The future of Africa under any form of European tutelage must be better than the dark and evil nightmare of the past†. These Social Darwinists were able to persuade the natives that what was being done was to their ultimate benefit. According to Derrick Murphy et al, there existed the idea that imperialism was a moral duty as a means of spreading Western civilization and Christian values. Many Europeans bought this excuse while others did not. Africans were forced to adopt the Christian religion. In some cases they were killed for continuing to practice their own faiths. Some historians believe that the whole motive for Christian evangelism in Africa was simply to disrupt and destroy and that it was always politically motivated. First, missionaries were brought to the continent. Secondly, after some natives were converted and there was a considerable amount of confusion among them, the troops were sent to exploit them. Their main intention was to divide to control. According to an African chieftain â€Å"The white man is very clever. He came quietly and peaceably with his religion. We were amused at his foolishness and allowed him to stay. Now he has won our brothers and our clan can no longer act like one. He has put a knife on the things that held us together and we have fallen apart.†Various factors attracted European imperialism to Africa in the later nineteenth century. Europe was changing and their colonial empires were associated with the ideas of national greatness and the survival of the fittest. This caused a massive drive for empires. There was a yearning for raw materials, national power and prestige. Each nation which possessed a colonial territory also possessed a sense of superiority. Bibliography 1.) Chambers Mortimer, Hanawalt Barbara, Rabb Theodore, Woloch Isser, Grew Raymond, The Western Experience, 1999, The McGraw-Hill Companies Inc., United States of America2.) James Lawrence, ‘The White Man’s Burden’? Imperial Wars in the 1890s’ Spielvogel Jackson, Western Civilization, Mc Graw Hill, Connecticut, 1999(pgs 100-105)3.) Levack Brian, Muir Edward, Maas Michael, Veldman Meredith, The West, Encounters and Transformations, 2004, Pearson Education Inc., United States of America4.) Miller Stuart, Mastering Modern European History, 1997, Palgrave, United Kingdom, Hampshire5.) Murphy Derrick, Morris Terry, Europe 1870-1991, 2000, Harper Collins Publishers LTD, United Kingdom, England6.) ‘The Church as a Tool of Imperialism’

Discuss the themes of identity explored Essay

Identity is made up of individual characteristics by which a person is recognized individually, as a member of a group, and of a wider society. We can draw this identity from our environment and setting, other individuals, memory, and also by contrast and similarities. Identity is needed to give people the ability to know who they are and to exude their individuality, as a form of existence, upon others. The forms of identity explored in these two plays are; the confirmation of identity and the sense of self. We can then maintain our identity by having physical identification and keeping personal relationships. The search for identity is a theme in Sophocles’ Ancient Greek tragedy, â€Å"King Oedipus†. Oedipus lacks sense of self because of a curse set upon him from birth. Before he was born, a curse stated that he would fulfill the prophecy of killing his father and marrying his mother. The play focuses on the gradual and delayed revelation of this oracle that he has already fulfilled. Moreover, it specifically focuses on Oedipus’ quest for his inner identity. In â€Å"King Oedipus†, Oedipus has drawn his identity from his surroundings. The setting of the palace, the riches, and the status define Oedipus, which is one reason as to why he is very confident at the beginning of the play. He also exudes confidence because he had previously saved the city of Thebes from the curse of the Sphinx and became king. However, his confidence is ironic, because he begins to question â€Å"who am I?† as his quest for the identity of the murderer of King Laius is eroding his own identity. Therefore, the revelation that Oedipus was the man who killed his real father, King Laius, married his true mother, the Queen, and raised a family through incest, begins to erode his confidence. Further evidence of this loss of identity is presented, when Oedipus goes through this discovery that he has fulfilled the prophecy. After insisting on hearing the truth, again and again, in the face of reluctant tellers, and after calling for an investigation of La ius’s murder, Oedipus says:  Ã¢â‚¬Å"Then once more I must bring what is dark to light.† This brave statement is ironic because it is not brave at all. The underlying meaning is that these words foreshadow his future blinding. It is foreshadowing because the investigation will reveal the dark secret of his incest, which metaphorically enlightens him with the truth, therefore giving him back his identity and individuality, but literally blinds him. This foreshadowing comes to the forefront when presented in the desperate tone of the comment: â€Å"Let all come out,  However vile! However base it be,  I must unlock the secret of my birth.†Ã‚  At this point Oedipus realizes he can no longer bear to look at his family, so he blinds himself by extracting his eyes with the Queen’s brooches. He is famed for his clear-sightedness and quick comprehension, which is ironic because he has been blind to the truth and is now physically blind. This blinding symbolizes that he cannot accept his true identity and has therefore lost his sense of self. The search for identity is also a theme in Samuel Beckett’s â€Å"Waiting for Godot†. The character Pozzo is constantly in need of confirmation of his identity, since he does not truly know whether he is recognised as an individual entity by those in his surroundings. The two most frequent characters, Vladimir and Estragon also need confirmation of existence. However, this is due to the fact that they are contemplating whether they truly exist. In complete contrast to these characters, there is Godot. He is a character that never appears, and rather than having his own obscure beliefs about his own identity, it is questioned by Vladimir and Estragon. Although, he does not have a search for identity, Vladimir and Estragon question his identity. A display of the constant need for confirmation of existence is shown through the character Pozzo. He attempts to achieve this confirmation through needing to be witnessed at all times. He demonstrates this in two ways: through material possessions, and through voice. Pozzo owns many material items such as a watch, a slave, and a food basket with wine and chicken, which is in complete contrast to the turnips and carrots consumed daily by Vladimir and Estragon. This contrast between Vladimir and Estragon and Pozzo provide Pozzo with his identity, and because he can compare himself to them, he knows he is Pozzo. He often consults his possessions such as his watch and his slave, he also pretends he has a need to use them like when â€Å"he puts on his glasses†¦he takes off his glasses.†3 Pozzo is lonely and starving for attention, which is why he strives for companionship in Lucky and attempts to stay as long as possible in Vladimir and Estragon’s company. A strong proof for this need of attention is presented in his â€Å"|terrifying voice|†;  Ã¢â‚¬Å"I am Pozzo! Pozzo! Does that name mean nothing to you? I say does that name mean nothing to you? †¦PPPOZZZO!† This authorative language is a faà ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½ade covering his insecurities with himself, as is his use of power and cruelty over his slave, ironically named Lucky. Pozzo knows who he is, it is evident in the way he informs everyone he is â€Å"PPPOZZZO!† However, he needs confirmation of his identity from other people’s perception, which is why he always consults Vladimir and Estragon, questioning, â€Å"I am perhaps not particularly human, but who cares?†5 In this there is a great lack of self-acceptance, which demonstrates Pozzo’s strongest weakness. Additionally, Pozzo wants to make an impression on whomever he meets so that they can confirm his existence for him.

Free Essays on The Importance Of The Declaration Of Independence In American History

THE IMPORTANCE OF THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE IN AMERICAN HISTORY The Declaration of Independence – adopted on July 4, 1776 – not only announced the birth of a new nation, it also lays down a philosophy of human freedom, then and there to be an active force in the entire western world. It rested not upon particular accusations but upon a wide base of individual liberty that could command general support throughout America. It is fundamental to give details about the background that made the move to independence of colonies necessary, to begin any inquiry into the meaning of the Declaration. We need to go back to a time when Americans still kept a clear conception of themselves as a people composed of individuals capable of self-government. The American Revolution was the dramatic conclusion of just such a moment. The reasons behind the urge for American independence form an essential part of the political identity of the United States of America, and the Declaration is a chief document in the continuing discussion about who Americans are as a nation and as a society, and what is the process of their looking after and finding their identity in the last three hundred years. The members of each generation strive to discover the truth about their past. One of the answers given to the question of when and where the Declaration’s root has begun is indeed the Mayflower Compact aboard the Mayflower. Aboard the Mayflower, they Pilgrim Fathers adopted an instrument for government called the â€Å"Mayflower Compact† to; â€Å"†¦combine ourselves together into a civil body politic for our better ordering and preservation†¦and by virtue hereof (to) enact, constitute, and frame such just and equal laws, ordinances, acts, constitutions, and offices†¦as shall be thought most meet and convenient for the general good of the colony†¦Ã¢â‚¬  The action was not opposed although there was no legal starting point for the Pilgrims to establish ... Free Essays on The Importance Of The Declaration Of Independence In American History Free Essays on The Importance Of The Declaration Of Independence In American History THE IMPORTANCE OF THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE IN AMERICAN HISTORY The Declaration of Independence – adopted on July 4, 1776 – not only announced the birth of a new nation, it also lays down a philosophy of human freedom, then and there to be an active force in the entire western world. It rested not upon particular accusations but upon a wide base of individual liberty that could command general support throughout America. It is fundamental to give details about the background that made the move to independence of colonies necessary, to begin any inquiry into the meaning of the Declaration. We need to go back to a time when Americans still kept a clear conception of themselves as a people composed of individuals capable of self-government. The American Revolution was the dramatic conclusion of just such a moment. The reasons behind the urge for American independence form an essential part of the political identity of the United States of America, and the Declaration is a chief document in the continuing discussion about who Americans are as a nation and as a society, and what is the process of their looking after and finding their identity in the last three hundred years. The members of each generation strive to discover the truth about their past. One of the answers given to the question of when and where the Declaration’s root has begun is indeed the Mayflower Compact aboard the Mayflower. Aboard the Mayflower, they Pilgrim Fathers adopted an instrument for government called the â€Å"Mayflower Compact† to; â€Å"†¦combine ourselves together into a civil body politic for our better ordering and preservation†¦and by virtue hereof (to) enact, constitute, and frame such just and equal laws, ordinances, acts, constitutions, and offices†¦as shall be thought most meet and convenient for the general good of the colony†¦Ã¢â‚¬  The action was not opposed although there was no legal starting point for the Pilgrims to establish ...

Usa in the Second Half of the 19th Century Essay Example

Usa in the Second Half of the 19th Century Essay Example Usa in the Second Half of the 19th Century Essay Usa in the Second Half of the 19th Century Essay The second half of the 19th century introduced a new style of enterprise to America, Big Business. The 19th century values of work and of being an independent business man clashed with the modern 20th century values of extreme expansion with large work forces and of earning the most money possible. The rise of the robber barons and the captains of industry helped the economy by pushing America into first place in the production of several products and by creating many new jobs. Although these new opportunities appealed to the masses, not everyone was satisfied by his new occupation. The creation of labor unions was a reaction to the numerous complaints about working conditions, wages, and work hours. The first unions protested with peace and reason. Once they realized that nothing could be accomplished through negotiation, drastic measures were taken and violence was the answer to their problems. The clashes between management and workforce in the Great Railroad Strike, Homestead Strike, and Pullman Strike emphasize these crises that were resolved through force and destruction. Economic depression in 1873 was the main factor in setting off the 10% wage cuts and shortening of work days in the railroad business. In 1877, Laborers took action by seizing control of the rails by sequestering the rail switches and by blockading freight trains, only letting passenger trains through. Strikes broke out in many cities including Baltimore where 10 protesters and bystanders were killed by the local militia. Engulfed in rage, the laborers rampaged through the city destroying all things pertaining to trains. Only after Hayes was called for help did the real action begin. In Pittsburgh, the National Guard was called to quell another strike by any means necessary, even if it meant killing 20 people including women and children. Tempers exploded as fires raged through the city destroying $4 million worth of railroad property. The country suffered an estimated 100 deaths due to these rash actions and violence. The casualties could’ve been avoided through peaceful negotiation, but that never worked. Carnegie’s Homestead Steel mills, a part of US Steel, were the center of a hostile conflict in 1892 between laborers and management caused by large wage cuts and short work weeks. These cuts were commanded by Frick who reasoned that increased efficiency inflated salaries. Frick closed the mill and hired and placed 300 Pinkerton Detectives on guard duty. On July 6th, much blood was spilled as a gunfight between the guards and laborers ensued for 12 hours. The workers won the battle, but lost the war completely. ,500 National Guard members took control of the mill and the blame of an assassination attempt at Frick was blamed on the Labor Unions. In November, all steel unions were broken, and the mill operated on cheap labor from African Americans and immigrants. The hours were brutal as they were pushed to work 12 hours a day with a 24 hour day every 2 weeks. The Steel Industry didn’t see unions for another 44 years. The management had won. The government was an avid supp orter of big business which is evident in the Pullman Strike of 1894. Still feeling the effects of depression, the Pullman Palace Car Company had to lay off 5,800 workers and also cut wages from 25-50%. Even though they were making less money, the Pullman town didn’t lower the rent. On May 11th, 90% of the workers went on strike and a month later, ? million across the country joined them by refusing to pull Pullman sleeping cars. Lawyers, as tricky as they are, managed to get a court injunction to force the workers back to work by attaching a US mail car to a Pullman car and say the laborers were disturbing the distribution of mail. The workers didn’t comply to with the courts jurisdiction and so 14,000 troops were sent by Grover Cleveland to enforce the ruling. 25 were killed as the troops shot into a crowd of 10,000 in Chicago. Hundred were jailed including Eugene Debs, leader of the American Railway Union who ordered the workers to stop pulling the Pullman cars. The government prioritized a strong healthy economy over a large and happy population. Rapid industrialization and nation-wide corporations led to wealthier families and a new middle class. Although there were many who did enjoy the new luxuries paid for by new salaried jobs like managers, technicians, and engineers, many more people were below the poverty line and resided in the slums, living with other families with no privacy and unsanitary conditions. These families were unfortunate because of the wage cuts and the replacement of labor by immigrants and African Americans. A change was in order and the labor unions took the plate by voicing their complaints, and, when that didn’t work, resorting to physical means to get what they wanted.

A Tale of Two Cities Dialectical Journal

There was a belief during this time that the Germans and followers of the Germans believed that Jews were aliens, but I actually believe the Germans were the aliens. How they could go from being decent individuals, as stated in this quote, to being madmen who slaughter people for no good reason is utterly beyond me. The aliens must have taken over the minds of the Germans at this point in time. Its the only logical explanation | â€Å"Three days later, a new decree: every Jew must wear the yellow star. The yellow star? Oh well, what of it? You don’t die of it†¦. (Poor Father! Of what then did you die? † (6)| I find this quote to be quite sardonic. When you think about having something sewed onto your clothes such as a yellow star, you wouldnt think at all that it would kill you because, its not directly hurting you in any way. This is what the father, I think, meant when he said So what? Its not lethal But then, you look deeper and realize that the yellow star symbolizes all of these peoples faith and religion, which is whats ultimately the reason these Jews were being persecuted, because of this faith and the things they believed in, and this is why Wiesel added this slightly satirical comment in parentheses. â€Å"I wanted to come back to Sighet to tell you the story of my death. So that you could prepare yourselves while there was still time. To live? I don’t attach my importance to my life any more. I’m alone. No, I wanted to come back, and to warn you And see how it is, no one will listen to me†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (4)| This is when the harshness of what was taking place during the Holocaust first hit me in this book. This man has experienced and seen so much terror take place that he has lost his will to live. It makes me wonder how the Nazis could have lived with themselves after inflicting this kind of trauma into people’s lives (and taking lives, as well). This man feels his only purpose now is to save others from his terrible fate. It shocks me that someone could have been put through that much pain and suffering to the point of not caring about whether they live or not. | â€Å"Behind me, I heard the same man asking: ‘Where is God now? ’  And I heard a voice within me answer him: ‘Where He is? Here He is- He is hanging here on this gallows†¦Ã¢â‚¬â„¢Ã¢â‚¬  (42-43)| This shows all of the pure evil and hatred that the Nazis and Hitler poured out to the world. They were strangling God. Anything remotely good and wholesome was squashed immediately. God could no longer do anything to save Hitler and the monsters that followed him. They had bound him. For those monsters to have hung a child shows that their hearts are forever gone past the point of return. The poor child that they hung represents God. God’s love was suffocating throughout the world. So many cruel men (if you can consider them men, being the soulless, heartless beings that they were) were trying to destroy God. | â€Å"’There are eighty of you in the wagon,’ added the German officer. ‘If anyone is missing, you’ll all be shot, like dogs † (15) | This is just disgusting to me. Humans are being treated like a herd of animals. I do not understand how you can have such disregard for life. The German officer would not even think twice about killing the entire lot of them. He would not care that he just ended eighty lives, some of which would have been children’s. I am appalled that he would have the nerve to cruelly murder so many people because one person would have tried to escape from the hell they were in. I wonder how the officer would have felt if suddenly, the gun had been turned on him. | The night was gone. The morning star shining in the sky. I too had become a completely different person. The student of Talmud, the child I was, had been consumed in the flames. There remained only a shape that looked like me. A dark flame had entered into my soul and devoured it. (24)| This passage, I think, describes how much a person can change once he or she has been exposed to the many horrors present in the Jewish concentration camps. These people in these camps might have easily become mentally unstable, because they would witness murder and beatings every day; the suffering of countless people. The people themselves also had to endure unknown numbers of days in cattle cars and barracks, which could also have been traumatic. Seeing and experiencing all of these things can change a person, and the way they think. No longer is Elie the innocent child who wanted to study religion in his hometown, but now has to deal with the living hell of his mind, which has ultimately changed him. | What have you come here for, you sons of bitches? have hanged yourselves rather than come here. Didnt you know what was in store for you at Auschwitz? Haven’t you heard about it? In 1944? (20)| This passage surprised me in the severity and urgency of the mans words. But also, how could they have had a choice but to go there? The man stated this right as the Wiesels were entering the camp, and it almost acts as one of those common beware phrases you hear in movies, like when they warn the person before they intrude. Im also surprised that none of the new people entering the camp had heard of Auschwitz before, even though now its seen as one of the most well known Nazi concentration camps from the war. They might not have known about it because the Nazis were trying to keep all of the names of the camps and the happenings going on within them on the down-low, so that Jews (like the Wiesels) didnt know what was awaiting them and so didnt have time to run, and also maybe they tried to keep the camps a secret so that fighting forces didnt know much about them, either. | â€Å"Not far from us, flames were leaping up from a ditch, gigantic flames. They were burning something. A lorry drew up at the pit and delivered its load- little children. Babies! Yes, I saw it- saw it with my own eyes†¦ those children in the flames. † (21)| When I read this, I had to stop, go back, and reread it. I was in total disbelief. You would expect to hear of atrocities such as this in fictional tales of horror, not in actual history. And yet, it is true. Little infants were thrown into fire! How could anyone do that and not want to kill themselves because of their guilt? How could the people doing this have no emotion toward these babies at all! These children all had a place in the world, a life to live, dreams to fulfill, and so much more. Now, those budding lives and dreams have been turned into ash to be swept away by the wind. They could not even form words to cry out because they were so young. These babies were completely innocent and pure. They have never done anything to harm anyone. And they are being murdered. | â€Å"The passengers on our boat were amusing themselves by throwing coins to the ‘natives,’ who were diving in to get them. An attractive, aristocratic Parisienne was deriving special pleasure from the game. † (67)| This made me shake my head in shame, for this is a perfect example of getting pleasure ut of another person’s pain. This woman feels that she is inferior to these poor children, so she decides that she might as well mock their suffering while having some â€Å"fun† with it. This woman only cares about herself, and (whether the children see it or not), is rubbing it in the natives’ faces that she has a pleasant life while they are struggling. The fac t that she would use the children’s poverty and misery to amuse herself revolts me. How could this woman be so uncaring about these people? And then how could she dare to take it a step further by scoffing at their destitution. â€Å"Why, but why should I bless Him? In every fiber I rebelled. Because He had thousands of children burned in His pits? Because He kept six crematories working night and day, on Sundays and feast days? Because in His great might He had created Auschwitz, Birkenau, Buna, and so many factories of death? How could I say to Him: ‘Blessed art Thou, Eternal, Master of the Universe, Who chose us from among the races to be tortured day and night, to see our fathers, our mothers, our brothers, end in the crematory? † (44)| This quote, to me, represents lost hope in the last belief that the Jews have left. What do they have to be grateful for if their God, their Master of the Universe, has let them down? What do they have to be thankful for? What then are you living for? The Jewish people living in the camps still prayed to their God daily, because it was the only thing they felt like they still could do, still had some control over. Many of the people still whole-heartedly believed that the Gods were still with them, on their side, just putting them through some agonizing test to study how they react. The other side of this is that since so much misfortune had been cast upon these people, I can see why the few (like Wiesel) might be mad at God, and choose not to pray to Him anymore. They might think that their God had switched sides, and and even wanted them all gone. Whichever way you think about it, God played a huge role in the fate of the Jews. Its what killed the Jews, yet it also keeps them alive. | Survival in harsh conditions- The commandant announced that we had already covered forty-two miles since we left. It was a long time since we had passed beyond the limits of fatigue. Our legs were moving mechanically, in spite of us, without us. (58)| Throughout Wiesels journey from start to finish, Wiesel had to battle natures fierce elements. He described a time when all the inmates had to go through the showers, only to be driven out into the cold. They were stark naked and it was 30 or 20 degrees Fahrenheit. Another would be the death march. Wiesel marched through the snow and wind gusts. | We stayed motionless, petrified. Surely it was all a nightmare? An unimaginable nightmare? (20)| In these short sentences, Elie Wiesel describes how all of this seemed like a nightmare. A nightmare that you cannot wake up from. He makes the horrors of the Holocaust more understandable to us by relating it to a nightmare. We can imagine our worst nightmare, and imagine if it really was true? If it wasnt a nightmare, but real life? Its unbelievable. Elie Wiesel was standing in a line in a concentration camp, a boy of fifteen. The line led to death, to his grave. He was in line for the crematory. The smell of human flesh in the air. How could we imagine such a sight? It cant. The only thing that can be is perhaps our worst nightmare. | I’ve got more faith in Hitler than in anyone else. He’s the only one who’s kept his promises, all his promises, to the Jewish people. (53)| This quote is definitely one of the more memorable ones from this book. When people started losing sight of their God in the camps, because He had not been listening to their prayers or something, they didnt have faith anymore that He would follow through with anything. Unlike this, Hitler was always carrying out his promises to the Jews. He promised that they would be put in concentration camps. He promised that they most would be killed. He promised that they all would suffer. And so in this sense, people had more faith in what he said, because they knew that whatever he said would be the truth, and he would make it happen. | Someone began to recite Kaddish, the prayer for the dead. I do not know if it has ever happened before, in the long history of the Jews, that people have ever recited the prayer for the dead for themselves. (22)| People dont recite Kaddish for themselves in Jewish law, even when they know theyre about to die. They know that their family friends, and the rabbi will recite it for them. But in the Holocaust, the people knew that they were going to die. Everyone shared the same fate. Many had no one else to recite Kaddish for them. Reciting the Kaddish for themselves made them feel better because who will care enough to recite Kaddish for them? Their family was dying too. They couldnt recite Kaddish for them. | â€Å"Death wrapped itself around me till I was stifled. It stuck to me. I felt that I could touch it. The idea of dying, of no longer being, began to fascinate me. Not to exist any longer. † (58)| Elie is beginning to reach his breaking point. Death has come for him but has continued to fail. However, now, Elie is too tired to run, too tired to fight. Death is considered a gift to him. An escape from the hellish camp. | â€Å"I did not believe him myself. I would often sit with him in the evening after the service, listening to his stories and trying to hardest to understand his grief. I felt only pity for him. † (3)| | In the wagon where the bread had landed, a real battle had broken out. Men threw themselves on top of each other, stamping on each other, tearing at each other, biting each other. Wild beasts of prey, with animal hatred in their eyes; an extraordinary vitality had seized them, sharpening their teeth and nails. (67)| I think there is a level of desperation in which one loses sight of their humanity and turns to being instead a savage animal, as can be proven from this situation. To kill over a crust of bread? These people were getting so desperate to survive, they would do anything to keep themselves alive, even if it meant killing others in the same situation. This relates back to Hobbes theory of human natu re, and that it is that every one is cruel and barbaric at heart. I dont believe we are all this way by choice, but then when things get tough, we have no choice but to do whats in our own best interest. â€Å"The race towards death had begun. † (6)| Elie was aware of everything that was going on. He knew that every action and every word they said would count against them if they did something wrong. He knew that from that point on that everything was a competition and they had to be prepared whether they lived or not. | | | | | We were the masters of nature, masters of the world. We had transcended everythingdeath, fatigue, our natural needs. We were stronger than cold and hunger, stronger than the guns and the desire to die, doomed and rootless, nothing but numbers, we were the only men on earth. (58)| To be able to bring this empowering, inspiring, quote into the story was very uplifting to read. To realize that Wiesel still, at this terrible time, thought of the Jews as t he most powerful people he had ever known was so moving. He realized that these people who had been beaten, murdered, and tortured, were still standing for something so important, and that in the end, they would prevail. Because good always does. They were the strongest men alive. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Pg 30 top of page| |

Using Expository Text in the Secondary Classroom Essay - 1

Using Expository Text in the Secondary Classroom - Essay Example Moreover, Hall, Sabey, and McClellan (2005) indicate that effective use of expository text between early childhood and middle school classrooms helps decrease the decline in reading scores. Akhondi, Malayeri, and Samad (2011), in complementing claims by Hall, Sabey, and McClellan (2005), show that teachers may find teaching expository texts and their structures as an effective technique for improving the common reading achievements. The structure of expository text is such that it facilitates the study process in prospective readers because the structure contains elements that guide a student through the reading. Students who comprehend the concept of expository text structure as well as the way to analyze it are capable of learning more than their counterparts who lack this understanding. Therefore, students’ comprehension skills in reading improve when they acquire this knowledge with regard to the development of text structure and its proper use (Akhondi, Malayeri & Samad, 2011). Knowledge of rhetorical relations between main ideas and sustaining details enhances a reader’s comprehension of expository text. This results from text features in expository texts capable of helping a reader to find and organize information within a text. For instance, heading in middle school text introduces a student to detailed bits of information, which helps the student to keep each bit of information within the short-term memory. This allows the student to process or even connect the information to background knowledge and later store it to the long-term memory. Without headings, information presented in expository text would be overwhelming to the middle school students because it would be difficult to process it effectively (Akhondi, Malayeri & Samad, 2011). Since expository texts’ structural elements vary, it is essential that middle school students be introduced to the components throughout the year. This

COURSEWORK 2 Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

COURSEWORK 2 - Assignment Example Owner-occupied housing includes property that is owned by private entities and have those private owners as the occupiers of the housing. Of the total number of households in the United Kingdom in the year 2010, about 17.8 million were households that were properties occupied by their owners, the biggest slice of the pie in comparison to privately rented households, households rented by the local authorities, and the households that are managed by the housing associations. The rise in owner-occupied housing is reflected in the fact that those figures for this categories represent about 65.5 percent of all households in the UK, up from about 70 percent in the initial part of the current century. This figure represents an elevation from the average percentage of owner-occupied housing for all of the European Union. These figures are reflected in the chart below (Economics Online 2013). Graph Source: Economics Online 2013 On the other hand we get a glimpse of the total picture of the ho using market in the UK at present from several proxy indicators of health, including for instance the affordability of housing relative to the income or earnings of UK workers. This latter figure is a representation of the potential demand for housing, where for instance higher ratios of house prices to worker earnings translate to lower affordability owing to the reduced capacity of workers to purchase homes, and therefore lowered demand, and lowered ratios conversely translating to higher demand owing to the increased capacity of workers to purchase houses, all other things being equal. Of course in reality there are other factors that impinge on the ability of workers to purchase houses, such as the availability and affordability of credit to finance the housing purchases. That said, and more into that later, the following is a chart of the house prices to worker earnings ratios in the United Kingdom from 2002 to 2012 (Riley 2012): Graph Source: Riley 2012 In the plot above, we s ee that the prices to earnings ratios for property in the UK spiked from 2005 to its peak towards the end of 2006 and the beginning of 2007, before sharply declining from that point to 2009, where prices to earnings have been in the doldrums. On the one hand we see that the ratios should indicate a higher uptick in ownership from the lowered ratios, but we also get from the literature that the financial crisis in 2007 and the continued weakness in the UK economy from that time all the way to the present has generally resulted in a subdued interest in housing purchases in the country. Those two factors together has kept access to credit difficult, for one, while a generally depressed economy has affected consumer sentiment negatively (Riley 2013; Thomson and Bryan-Low 2013; BBC 2013; Ranscombe 2013). Graph Source: BBC News Following up on the last line of though, in the plot above, we see that the economy has not been doing well as of the past several years, contracting for five stra ight quarters on the tail of the severe financial crisis in 2007 and 2008, and barely avoiding a triple-dip recession in the most recent quarter. This general state of affairs has a heavy bearing on the supply and demand dynamics for owner-occupied property in the United Kingdom, as this paper will demonstrate in greater detail. Taking a step back, we see

How to quit smoking Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

How to quit smoking - Research Paper Example It also lays a great impact on people who do not smoke but are exposed to second hand smoke and they also become susceptible to the development of disease. Smoking affects the major systems of the human body which include the cardiovascular system as well as the respiratory system and is associated with major pathological conditions affecting the heart and can also result in cancer of the lung. Smoking also increases the economic burden of the country owing to the large amounts of money that need to be spent on the medical expenditures of the smokers. A survey in year 2004 revealed the fact that $96 billion had to be spent on the health care costs of the smokers owing to the pathologies resulting directly due to smoking. Hence the severity of the issue makes it important that strategies should be formulated to assist individuals in overcoming these problems of smoking and to quit smoking as this can be beneficial for the individuals as well as for the state (Centers for Disease Contr ol and Prevention 2010). Strategies employed by the state can serve to be very useful in reducing the number of smokers. This was proved by the statistics for the state of California where the percentage of smokers reduced from 22.7 percent to 13.3 percent from the year 1988 to 2006. The policies used by the state included the elevation in the cost of the cigarettes accompanied by other important techniques which included reduction in advertisements and promotions of cigarettes. This led not only in reduction of the number of smokers but it was also associated with decrease in the number of pathological conditions in the state associated with smoking (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 2010). The goal of quitting smoking is not very easy and it requires extreme will power and determination. Many people do not choose to quit smoking owing to the fact that when they stop smoking, it leads to increase in their weight. This is because leaving smoking is linked to increased cravi ng for sweet foods and this leads to increased consumption of calories. To tackle this issue different methods have been prescribed to overcome the problem of smoking as well as the gain of weight that may follow. It is advised that the smokers should start eating a healthy and balances diet. This should be accompanied by regular exercises and work outs. This is because exercise and healthy eating habits are associated with burning of calories and at the same time it leads to reducing the stress that a person may experience due to leaving smoking. This is also very helpful because it can lead to the improvement of cardiovascular system boost the physical health of the individual (Marcus et al 2004). The initiative should be taken by the government for promoting individuals from quitting smoking. This includes awareness programs along with the constellation of other techniques which include the utilization of media to promote the benefits of quitting smoking. The awareness programs s hould be started from schools so that the youths are trained against adapting to these habits. The prices of cigarettes should be raised along with the taxes to make the people think regarding their choice of smoking. The methods that are available for helping individuals who smoke should also be explained to these people. These strategies will assist people in setting their goals to work towards quitting smoking (Ranney et

Traditional clothes in Japan and Germany Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Traditional clothes in Japan and Germany - Essay Example Culture is expressed by a range of values that are special and unique for a country or a region – these are history, language, cuisine, traditions. Clothes are a distinctive national peculiarity. Traditional clothes have evolved, as culture has evolved during the ages, influenced by historical developments, religious beliefs, regional and class subcultures.The Japanese traditional clothing today has become to represent Japan’s cultural identity. The word kimono or wafuku means simply â€Å"Japanese style clothing†, and is used to differentiate this style of attire from yofuku, which is the Western-style clothing Japanese prefer to wear today Traditional clothes have specific attributes like form or color that make them distinctive to the national culture. The thought here is that clothes’ elements and style in the past have developed for a reason, conveying meaningful messages to other people as part of the nonverbal communication process. The kimono is a universal symbol of Japan. It represents the traditional beauty and simplicity, having a single basic pattern in size and shape. Originally the kimono was worn in multiple layers of different colors. The symbolism behind this variety of colors is that during the Heian period women had to be protected by multi-layered clothes, whereby the different colors of the layers revealed the character of those who wore them. (Chiu, 2001). Elements of the clothing were indicative of woman's character - her skill in matching colors and even the smallest details in the kimono were highly valued as artistic sensibility. Other symbolic elements in the

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Investment and Portfolios assignment - Essay Example When a trader can foresee these changes, it provides a clear picture of the market trends. For these reasons, traders would be in a better position to make entry when the chances of making profits are high and make an exit when the trends are not favorable. According to Murphy, (1999), there are three concepts that describe technical analysis. These were described as market action discounts everything, prices move in trends, and history repeats itself. Murphy (1999) defined market action discounts everything as source of information availed to traders. Such information may include volumes of data or prices of commodities. The concept assumes that the market action discounts everything, which illustrates that everything that is likely to influence the prices like psychology, politics, and other fundamentals were integrated and therefore reflected in the volumes of data or the prices. Therefore, the price provides a direct measure that could be used to study trends in demands and supply. Rises in the price would signify that the demands ought to exceed the supply while ensuring that the fundamentals are kept positive. Price trend denotes the directions taken by the stock’s price over a given period. Technical analysis dwells on prevailing patterns of price data to signal reversal or continuation of the trend. It offers the opportunity to recognize continual situations that guide continual ‘riding on the values’ to get optimal out of it. Although, most the basis of doing price move in trend is to recognize continual signals, it also offers the opportunity to identify any signals for reversal so that the owners can sell their stock before the trend goes bad. Technical analysis examines data on the stock prices to establish price patterns that could assist in the prediction of the next direction for future prices. If existing data on pricing shows that past projections were

First Session Presentation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

First Session Presentation - Essay Example Firm and clear corporate legislation can do much, but so can the 'softer' principles that invest our understanding of ethical dealing, and enhance the quality of human relationships. Good governance enhances stakeholder value, company morale, and productivity. The overall significance of corporate governance is that ethics must start at the top, and be constantly fostered there. Without ethical leadership there will be no ethical following. Openness should be the main point in corporate governance. Secret deals, the 'old-boy' network, family collusion, and power broking are often seen to be inimical to good strategic management. That openness might breach commercial secrecy may be true but it is argued here that, apart from commercial secrecy or national security, the strategic plans and commercial tactics belong to all stakeholders. Openness is the long-term goal of commercial stability. A high-integrity ethical code also supports the reputation of WJI. The use of an ethical code goes beyond specifics, and addresses a broader range of conduct in that it shows a commitment to good citizenship (Schuler, 1998). There is agreement that values and beliefs greatly influence organizational attitudes and behavior which form organizational culture. To a significant degree, values, beliefs, and attitudes govern behavior and decision-making activity in organizations. It is through shared values and beliefs that organizational culture impacts organizational behavior and, hence, effectiveness (Cairns, 2003). The key issues of culture will include open and proper financial reward for work done. The notion of tipping for some special reason has been common, but not all that common. Among such are the notion of collective responsibility, attitudes to women, judgments about body shape, usury, secret commissions, and loyalty-to-family over loyalty-to-principle. Among the important themes on business ethics and culture are those of the need to resolve issues of values in relation to different cultures, and to try to find principles that transcend culture; and the need to find means of teaching, encouraging and enforcing an ethical code in business. Corporate ethics will shape culture and affords an opportunity to discuss and resolve these human values in a non-threatening frame of reference. In a world of increasing prospects of cross-cultural contact there is a perceived need for a guide to human behavior that is minimally culture bound (Robbins, 2002). Organizational Structure Culture and structure must both be appropriate to provide successful innovation. Structure is the easier to change, being relatively changeable in the short term of a decade or less while culture may take centuries to change. WJI is based on a matrix structure which better fits the consulting nature of the firm. The capture of the matrix and its conversion into a space of regulation is easily demonstrated by recourse to any contemporary use of the notion of a matrix as the ordering principle for ideas, locations, positions and so forth. The matrix structure helps WIJ to perform the main tasks quickly and effectively (Robbins, 2002). The most important is that the level of errors and faults are lower than before. WIJ first corrected the structure before the establishment of innovation has a chance to result in a prospering economy. It

Investment and Portfolios assignment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Investment and Portfolios assignment - Essay Example When a trader can foresee these changes, it provides a clear picture of the market trends. For these reasons, traders would be in a better position to make entry when the chances of making profits are high and make an exit when the trends are not favorable. According to Murphy, (1999), there are three concepts that describe technical analysis. These were described as market action discounts everything, prices move in trends, and history repeats itself. Murphy (1999) defined market action discounts everything as source of information availed to traders. Such information may include volumes of data or prices of commodities. The concept assumes that the market action discounts everything, which illustrates that everything that is likely to influence the prices like psychology, politics, and other fundamentals were integrated and therefore reflected in the volumes of data or the prices. Therefore, the price provides a direct measure that could be used to study trends in demands and supply. Rises in the price would signify that the demands ought to exceed the supply while ensuring that the fundamentals are kept positive. Price trend denotes the directions taken by the stock’s price over a given period. Technical analysis dwells on prevailing patterns of price data to signal reversal or continuation of the trend. It offers the opportunity to recognize continual situations that guide continual ‘riding on the values’ to get optimal out of it. Although, most the basis of doing price move in trend is to recognize continual signals, it also offers the opportunity to identify any signals for reversal so that the owners can sell their stock before the trend goes bad. Technical analysis examines data on the stock prices to establish price patterns that could assist in the prediction of the next direction for future prices. If existing data on pricing shows that past projections were

Medical profession Essay Example for Free

Medical profession Essay Adolescence roughly covers the age from thirteen to eighteen. Thus they are called the â€Å"teen years†. Psychologist, educators and the medical profession all agree that adolescence is the most difficult stage an individual may have to go through. It is a time of rapid changes in physical, cognitive and social behavior (Hurlock, 1982). At this age the teen undergo a transition from â€Å"innocence’ to â€Å"awareness†. He shifts from the egocentric world of childhood where his thinking is guided only by what is known or seen to a wide world within him and around him where he can logically think through its reality(Hilliard ,2003) The individual entered an age wherein suddenly there are so many things that he wants to know, understand and experience. It is at this time that primary (sex organs) and secondary sex characteristics start to develop. This includes growth of pubic hair, swelling of breast or first menstrual period for girls and penis growth for boys. Such changes are made possible due to biological change that are undergoing within their bodies. Both boys and girls began to release large quantities of sex hormones, estrogen for girls and androgen for boys. This hormonal change in turn may cause arousal and emotionality in both sexes as they began to figure there sexual values (Hurlock, 1982). Their physical and biological development may make teens overly â€Å"self-conscious† and they become strongly interested to the opposite sex. It is at this time that they first start dating (Huebner, 2000). Generally teens are primarily confronted with issues about sexuality that leads to confusion, chaos, rebellion and extra emotional sensitivity (Hurlock, 1982). Developmental theories had been formulated to explain this phenomenon. METHODOLOGY The purpose of questionnaire is to know a teen’s view and attitude about sex. It does not tackle other sexuality issues like homosexuality and transgender. In developing my questionnaire I keep three things in mind: I should not be biased, questions must be clear to avoid misunderstanding and that care should be taken so as not to offend or embarrass my respondents. I know that teens can be very sensitive and conscious of what people say about them and for most of them sex is a private matter. To meet the above criteria I was careful in not committing the following errors in designing a questionnaire: a) the respondent feels the information is â€Å"none of my business† (Do you masturbate? ), b) Question lack a standard of reference ( do you feel comfortable discussing sex with â€Å"people†? What people? Friends? Parents?), c) the respondent does not know the answer (How many teens in your school disagree about premarital sex? ), and d) the respondent does not remember the answer and therefore guesses (How many girls does your best friend dated last year? ). I first tested my questionnaire by letting one of my teen friends answer it. In this way I will know if the questions are clear and can be easily answered even when I am not around. I revised question/s that was declared not clear by my friend. The next task was to find a teen to be interviewed using the questionnaire. In order not to be biased I interviewed someone I do not know. In this way I have no idea regarding his sexual views. I went to a community park where all sorts and types of teens usually hangout during non-school days. I found a prospect in a group of boys who were dancing beside a stage. The person I interviewed volunteered to answer the questionnaire. He strikes me as a happy go lucky teen. He dresses nicely and smells good although he had been sweating because of their dance practice (he informed me that his group will be joining a dance contest in their community). He smiles easily and seems not to take my interview seriously at first.

Liberal and Mercantilist Theories of Political Economy

Liberal and Mercantilist Theories of Political Economy Contrast liberal and mercantilist theories of international political economy and consider which approach is most apparent in the contemporary world. The following seeks to contrast liberal and mercantilist theories that have developed to describe and analyze the international political economy. Once the contrasts have been made conclusions as to which theory is the most apt or apparent in the contemporary world will be drawn. Both liberal and mercantilist theories have advantages and disadvantages when used to understand the international political economy in the present global system. Perhaps it would be more apt to describe the liberal theory as being neo-liberal as it has undergone a recent revival in popularity. It must be remembered that whether a state is most influenced by liberal or mercantilists theories that trade will never be completely free of duty and tariffs, as they are useful sources of revenue for governments. Governments also have to have relationships with other governments and non-state actors that may or may not share their worldview. Liberalism itself can be dated back to the English, American and French revolutions of the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, when the mercantilist economic system evolved into capitalism. Liberals were originally regarded as being politically centrist or left wing in outlook but favoring little or no state intervention in the economy. In its original form liberal economic theory strongly advocated a free market approach with states not using tariffs to prevent competition from other countries and not interfering in their own internal markets (Comfort, 1993, p. 345). The basis of liberal theory was the right to gain property or capital to be used however states, businesses or individuals felt appropriate combined with freedom of action and belief (Eatwell and Wright, 2003, p. 27). In classical liberal theory the free market sets the prices for goods, currency exchanges, resources and even wages. However fluctuations within the free market can have serious political as well as econ omic consequences such as unemployment and poverty that can be made worse by international competitors. Governments have attempted to circumvent these problems by setting up welfare states, imposing strict tariff restrictions on imports or subsidizing industries and businesses. The restriction of trade and the use of tariffs are the main basis of mercantilist theory (Harvey, 1995, p. 6). Liberalism was apparently strongest in the international political economy during the 19th century as Britain dominated world trade removing barriers in its way to free trade. Liberal capitalism seemed to be unstoppable during this period. The economic elites of the less developed states were content to play a subordinate role as they were still making profits for themselves (Hobsbawm, 1975, p. 38). However, there were moves away from free trade towards a more mercantilist or restrictive trade practices most notably in Germany and United States whilst even the British started to doubt free trade. After World War One liberal theory seemed to decline in prominence within the international political economy (Hobsbawm, 1987, p. 54). It was a great paradox that liberal theory would regain some of its prominence in international political economy after 1945 just as the free market within most of the world was either tempered by welfare states or communist takeovers. The United States promoted freer trade both out of self-interest and the desire to prevent the great failings within the international political economy during the inter-war period. Through the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund and the Bretton Woods agreement the United States government ushered in an era of liberalism that is still in operation to this day. However, it was not the unrestrained free trade international political economy of the 19th century but without American aid it is doubtful if Western Europe and Japan would have recovered so well to play such key roles in the present global economy. However the World Bank and the IMF are founded on the principles of liberal theory and generally insist that all countries they loan money t o adopt those free trade policies that stem from liberalism. Governments that have to accept these loans leave their economies open to multinational companies and have to reduce spending on welfare and education (Keegan, 1992, pp.16-17). United States domination of the international political economy meant that it could promote the liberal theory of free trade even if it allowed its partners to have tariffs whilst it did not. United States share of world trade declined its share of global exports declining to 13% in the 1980s from its high point of 29% in 1953. However the American based multinational companies such as Coca-Cola and Microsoft have great influence on the global economy due to their size and profitability. Americans continue to believe that liberal theory holds the key to ensuring international prosperity and many nations either through choice or lack of autonomy pursue liberal policies as well (DuBoff, 1989.p.158). Liberal theory does not completely dominate the international political economy as tariffs were not completely removed from all countries and there was the establishment of trading blocs. Blocs such as the European Union (EU), The North American Free Trade Association (NAFTA) and Mercosaur in Latin America offer favoured trading terms to members but not always to non-members. The economic advantages offered by free trading areas act as an incentive for non members to adopt liberal policies, for instance the former communists states of central and eastern Europe. For much of the post war period there was also the apparent rival economic and political theory of communism represented by the Soviet Union and its Central and Eastern European satellites. The collapse of communism certainly made liberal concepts within international political economy more apparent in the contemporary world (Keegan, 1992, pp. 3-4). The former communist countries of Central and Eastern Europe and the Soviet U nion have all to some extent attempted the twin convergence to liberal democracy and capitalist economy. The opening up of these countries to liberal free trade led to unemployment, the closure of uncompetitive factories and inflation. Russia and its young reformers was not the only country to attempt shock therapy to cure the stagnation caused by central planning (Freeland, 1999, pp. 34-35). However, the economic and political transitions have been more successful in Poland, Hungary and the Baltic States that have since joined the EU. It could be argued that liberal theory of free trade proved attractive to reformers whilst ordinary, people wished to have higher standards of living as in the United States, Japan and Western Europe (Agh, 1998, p.3). The mercantilist theory is in effect the opposite theory to the liberal theory. Mercantilist theory equates to restrictions being placed upon free trade when governments are more prepared to intervene in the international political economy or if needs be to by pass it. Mercantilist theory and practice led to the creation (or explained it at any rate) of separate trading blocs and economic nationalism within the international political economy. Economists and historians have argued that modern capitalism developed from an earlier mercantilist period when the empires built up by the European states such as France, the Netherlands, Spain and Portugal competed for global domination and tried to restrict trade to within their own empires. Each country would try to increase its power by gaining colonies, economic influence and more consumers for its goods. Britain by virtue of its naval supremacy and earlier industrialization was able to dominate the international political economy. Where possible Britain removed mercantilist restrictions to trade, allowing workers, businesses and investments to flow more freely (Hobsbawm, 1975, pp. 36-37). However, mercantilist theory and policies remained and still remain in the international political economy. Countries such as Germany, Russia, Japan and the United States used protectionism to start up and enhance their industrialization preventing more efficient rivals from shutting it down. Japan would become the role model for importing superior foreign goods, copying them and them exporting cheaper versions. Meanwhile a renewed wave of imperialism at the end of the 19th century increased the competition for colonies and captive markets. Mercantilist theory was popular then and is attractive now because of its emphasis on national self -interest and gaining at the expense of others. However, the advantages of domestic popularity and employment protection need to be considered in relation to consequences within the international political economy. The United States is as keen to pursue free trade liberal policies as the British used to be, because they gain the most from those policies. Smaller nations on the other hand are dependent on the richer nations and might prefer to restrict trade to protect their industries and jobs but often have that choice taken away from them (Hobsbawm, 1987, p. 54). There are various ways in which mercantilist theory can be put into effect. Methods include the imposition and weighting of tariffs (more restrictive towards unfriendly nations, less restrictive for friends or allies), the restriction or complete ban of certain goods and quotas. Not only can restrictions be used to gain economic advantage they can also be used as political and economic sanctions against states that have transgressed in some way. The effectiveness of sanctions in forcing countries to change their behaviour remains largely unproved both in the past and in the contemporary international political economy. The possible exception to this is the supply of crude oil, which is so crucial to the economies of North America, Europe and Asia. This reliance upon oil gave the oil embargo of 1973-74 such damaging effects on the global economy. The further price rises following the Iranian revolution in 1979; the Gulf War of 1990-91 and more recently the invasion of Iraq demonstrate the vulnerability of the international political economy to the restriction of essential resources. However the governments of the oil producing states are normally happy to take part in free trade even if liberalism is the last thing they would support at the domestic and national level (Harvey, 1995, pp. 288-89). The inter-war period provides the best examples of the bad consequences of an imbalance between liberal and mercantilist influences on the international political economy. Tariffs were raised through out that period yet offered little but short-term advantage at the expense of international co-operation and trade. Whilst Britain and France increased their exports to their colonies and restricted imports from rivals, Italy, Japan and Germany looked at conquest as a means of economic expansion. These mercantilist measures did little to protect and in fact further harmed the international political economy following the great depression after 1929 (Brendon, 2000, p. 165). Added to the instability was the harshness of the Versailles settlement that prevented Germanys economic revival and badly effected the economic fortunes of the rest of Europe. Resentment of the settlement assisted the Nazis Party aided by economic weakness (Smith, 2003, p. 160). The events of the inter-war period are relevant to an understanding of the contemporary international political economy due to the way in which governments and organisations have tried to prevent similar events happening again. Liberalism is seen as the best means of achieving stability and prosperity just as much now as it did in the past (Smith, 2003, p. 161). After 1945 the United States government extended aid not only to its allies such as Britain and France but also defeated enemies in the form of Germany, Italy and Japan. Under the Marshall plan $17 billions of American aid boosted reconstruction in Western Europe (Central and Eastern European countries were forced to refuse by the Soviet Union) that ensured long term stability and prosperity. This is relevant to the present international political economy because it assured the predominance of liberal theory even though it did not completely eliminate mercantilist theory (Ambrose Brinkley, 1997, p. 87). The post-war economic growth of Germany and Japan (the Western part anyway) was aided by the selective use of subsidies and tariffs to promote the most effective parts of the economy rather than the least effective. Germany of course also had to set tariffs in line with its EU partners whilst Japan has not such constraints (Keegan, 1992, p.145). Countries within the international political economy have to find a balance between national self- interest and maintaining worthwhile international trading relationships. Whether guided by liberal, mercantilist or any other theory governments are often guided in their approach to the internationalist political economy by pragmatic considerations. Decisions made on pragmatic basis can later be justified in the mane of liberal or mercantilist theory. The rise of international trading blocs has generally led to a liberalization of trade within those blocs most notably within the single market and single currency of the EU (Smith, 2003, p.230). The cost of failure or the benefits of success of liberalization of trade within the international political economy are great. The General Agreement on Trade Tariffs (GATT) has often been involved in complex trade deals and tariff reductions. Failure to agree can lead to the costly maintenance or extension of trade restrictions. Reductions in t ariffs have been substantial. For instance the cuts agreed to at the Uruguay round of GATT amounted to a $744 billion reduction in tariffs across the international political economy. Such deals demonstrate the intentions of many governments to make the international political economy as liberal in nature as possible but without losing too much of their own position (Ambrose Brinkley, 1997, p. 410). Arguably the liberal theory is the most apparent within the contemporary international political economy. However this has to be considered with remaining vestiges of mercantilist theory. Liberal theory received a revival from the 1970s onwards with the emergence of neo-liberalism. Neo-liberalism became most closely associated with Margaret Thatcher in Britain and Ronald Reagan in United States being referred to as Reaganomoics and Thatcherism. They wished to turn the clock back to unrestricted free trade internationally and the free market domestically with reduced welfare states (Keegan, 1992, p.25). Ronald Reagan in fact increased public spending particularly in a renewed arms race with the Soviet Union. An unintended consequence of that policy was the collapse of the Soviet Union and the communist regimes of Central and Eastern Europe (Carroll Noble, 1988, p.433). The re-emergence of liberal democracy and capitalism in the former Soviet Union and Central and Eastern Europe stren gthened the role of liberal theory in the international political economy. This strengthening happened because of the liberal minded policies of reformers in those countries even though the transitions proved far from straight forward (Agh, 1998, pp. 2-3) Therefore within the present international political economy liberal theory is more apparent than mercantilist theory. The apparent dominance of liberal theory can be explained by the continued strength of American and other major multinational companies, and the political, economic and military might of the United States. Liberal theory is further promoted by institutions such as the IMF that influence developing states into pursuing free trade policies. Developing and former communist states such as Poland also see that adopting liberal theory can be to their political and economic advantage, especially if it allows them access to trading blocs like the European Union. Trading blocs may operate liberal theory within the confines of their members but they can display mercantilist tendencies by restricting trade with non-members. Liberal theory is also promoted by the process of globalization that makes it easier for multinationals to operate within. The increasing use of information technology allows trade to be carried out faster with less chance of governments intervening. Yet mercantilist theory is not likely to disappear from the international political economy just yet as governments are as likely to be guided by national self-interest and pragmatism as they have always been. Bibliography Agh, A. (1998) The Politics of Central Europe, Sage Publications, London. Ambrose S E Brinkley, D G (1997) Rise to Globalism American Foreign Policy Since 1938, Eighth Revised Edition, Penguin Books, New York Brendon, P (2000) The Dark Valley A Panorama of the 1930s, Jonathan Cape, London Carroll, P. N and Noble, D. W (1988) The Free and the Unfree A new history of the United States 2nd edition, Penguin Books, New York Comfort, N. (1993) Brewers Politics A Phrase and Fable Dictionary, 2nd edition, Cassell, London. DuBoff, R B (1989) Accumulation Power An Economic History of the United States, M E Sharpe Inc. New York Eatwell, R and Wright, A (2003) Contemporary Political ideologies, 2nd edition, Continuum, London Freeland, C (2000) Sale of the Century -the inside story of the Second Russian Revolution, Little Brown and Company, London Harvey, J (1995) Mastering Economics 4th edition, Macmillan, London Hobsbawm, E (1975) The Age of Capital 1848-1875, Weidenfeld Nicholson, London Hobsbawm, E (1987) The Age of Empire 1875-1914, Weidenfeld Nicholson, London Keegan, W (1992) The Spectre of Capitalism the future of the World economy after the fall of Communism. Smith, D (2003) Free Lunch -Easily Digestible Economics, Served on a plate, Profile Books, London