Soraya Ghebleh - Selected Theories in International RelationsSoraya Ghebleh
This presentation describes some of the major theories in international relations and their subsets including liberalism, realism, constructivism, and critical issues theories.
Soraya Ghebleh - Selected Theories in International RelationsSoraya Ghebleh
This presentation describes some of the major theories in international relations and their subsets including liberalism, realism, constructivism, and critical issues theories.
Comparison between realism and idealismAzeem Mughal
The study of international relations takes a wide range of theoretical approaches
Some emerge from within the discipline itself; others have been imported, in whole or in part,
from disciplines such as economics or sociology. Indeed,
few social scientific theories have not been applied to the study of relations amongst nations. Many theories of international relations are internally and externally contested, and few scholars believe
only in one or another.
In spite of this diversity, several major schools of thought are
discernable, differentiated principally by the variables they emphasize
eg military, power, material interests, or ideological beliefs
Relations among states take place in the absence of a world government. For realists, this means that the international system is anarchical. International relations are best understood by focusing on the distribution of power among states. Despite their formal legal equality, the uneven distribution of power means that the arena of international relations is a form of ‘power politics’. Power is hard to measure; its distribution among states changes over time and there is no consensus among states about how it should be distributed. International relations is therefore a realm of necessity (states must seek power to survive in a competitive environment) and continuity over time. When realists contemplate change in the international system, they focus on changes in the balance of power among states, and tend to discount the possibility of fundamental change in the dynamics of the system itself.
The following key thinkers all subscribe to these basic assumptions in their explorations of the following questions:
(1) What are the main sources of stability and instability in the international system?
(2) What is the actual and preferred balance of power among states?
(3) How should the great powers behave toward one another and toward weaker states?
(4) What are the sources and dynamics of contemporary changes in the balance of power?
Despite some shared assumptions about the nature of international relations, realists are not all of one voice in answering these questions, and it would be wrong to believe that shared assumptions lead to similar conclusions among them. In fact, there is sharp disagreement over the relative merits of particular balances of power (unipolarity, bipolarity and multipolarity). There is also much debate over the causal relationship between states and the international pressures upon them, and the relative importance of different kinds of power in contemporary international relations.
The following topics will be discussed in the presentation:
1. Politics
2. Governance
3. Types of Governance
4. Requirements for Good Governance
5. Forms of Government
6.
Comparison between realism and idealismAzeem Mughal
The study of international relations takes a wide range of theoretical approaches
Some emerge from within the discipline itself; others have been imported, in whole or in part,
from disciplines such as economics or sociology. Indeed,
few social scientific theories have not been applied to the study of relations amongst nations. Many theories of international relations are internally and externally contested, and few scholars believe
only in one or another.
In spite of this diversity, several major schools of thought are
discernable, differentiated principally by the variables they emphasize
eg military, power, material interests, or ideological beliefs
Relations among states take place in the absence of a world government. For realists, this means that the international system is anarchical. International relations are best understood by focusing on the distribution of power among states. Despite their formal legal equality, the uneven distribution of power means that the arena of international relations is a form of ‘power politics’. Power is hard to measure; its distribution among states changes over time and there is no consensus among states about how it should be distributed. International relations is therefore a realm of necessity (states must seek power to survive in a competitive environment) and continuity over time. When realists contemplate change in the international system, they focus on changes in the balance of power among states, and tend to discount the possibility of fundamental change in the dynamics of the system itself.
The following key thinkers all subscribe to these basic assumptions in their explorations of the following questions:
(1) What are the main sources of stability and instability in the international system?
(2) What is the actual and preferred balance of power among states?
(3) How should the great powers behave toward one another and toward weaker states?
(4) What are the sources and dynamics of contemporary changes in the balance of power?
Despite some shared assumptions about the nature of international relations, realists are not all of one voice in answering these questions, and it would be wrong to believe that shared assumptions lead to similar conclusions among them. In fact, there is sharp disagreement over the relative merits of particular balances of power (unipolarity, bipolarity and multipolarity). There is also much debate over the causal relationship between states and the international pressures upon them, and the relative importance of different kinds of power in contemporary international relations.
The following topics will be discussed in the presentation:
1. Politics
2. Governance
3. Types of Governance
4. Requirements for Good Governance
5. Forms of Government
6.
C-SAP teaching resources: Teaching race and ethnicity mapping theoriesCSAPSubjectCentre
This resource was produced as part of C-SAP's project "Teaching Race and Ethnicity" http://www.teachingrace.bham.ac.uk/ by Dr Stephen Spencer from Sheffield Hallam University.
Slide 1 WestCal Political Science 5 Western Political Thought 2016WestCal Academy
Political Science 5 - Western Political Thought provides an overall perspective of major political movements of history from the rising of Egyptian, Greek and Roman Empires to Fascism and Communism as seen by great political thinkers from Plato, Aristotle, and St. Augustine, Machiavelli, Marx, and Lenin. Students will analyze the most important ideas and theories that have been developed from the time of the ancient Greeks to the present day. Students will learn that the American Founding Fathers designed a viable representative government by first dedicating themselves to careful study of the political philosophy of Europeans, with particular attention given to British political thinkers from the 16th and 17th century. The founding fathers focused primarily on the natural rights of man, which in turn varied according to the individual philosopher studied. Over the course of their study, the founding fathers openly discussed their opinions with one another so as to properly bring forth differing views in order to prudently construct a government that would protect individual liberty, as well as determine what was required of government to protect civil liberties. The class is taught from the perspective of industry professionals with knowledge of how classical and modern political continues to influence American government. Students will learn of multiple career options relating to the field of political science.
Slide 1 WestCal Political Science 1 - US Government 2015-2016WestCal Academy
American Leadership Policy Studies (ALPS) is a for-college credit certificate program that teaches the fundamentals of American government. ALPS includes a custom tailored Political Science 1 – US Government course taught in partnership with accredited colleges to assure students receive college credit. The class is taught from the perspective of industry professionals who work in local/state/federal bureaucracies and/or political/union campaigns. This course program may operate at the site of a partnering college or instructor of record who licenses ALPS course materials from WestCal Academy or at WestCal Academy’s main campus in partnership with an accredited college. WestCal Academy
This slide covers the following:
1. Defining Political Science
2. Theory Defined
3. Rational Choice
4. Elitism & Pluralism
5. Spheres of Influence
6. Transitional Effects
7. Manipulation
8. Interdependency Theory
9. Power Theory
10. Transparency
TUI UniversityMAT 101 Nov 2012Module 5 - S.docxwillcoxjanay
TUI University
MAT 101 Nov 2012
Module 5 - SLP
Professor: Dr. Karonika
1. The cost of getting new life insurance depends on how old you are, and how old you are depends on what year you were born. Provide an example of a composite function using these variables.
2. The amount of time it takes to get to work depends on how much traffic there is, and the amount of traffic there is depends on what time of day it is. If we call the amount of traffic C and the time of day t, then C is a function of t. If we call the time it takes to get to work W, then W is a function of C. Provide an example of a composite function using these variables.
3. Make up your own example of a composite function. Be sure to explain (1) what your variables are, (2) how they are represented in the function, and (3) which elementary functions are combined to form the composite function.
4. Submit a one to two page paper describing which savings instrument you would prefer and why by the end of the module.
What Is Individualism? Page 1 of 4
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Individualism is an idea that has operated in numerous
countries for several hundred years or more. It is most often tied
to the United States, when Thomas Jefferson insisted the
government function as an entity that sought to serve the rights
and freedoms of the individual instead of to interfere with them
and provoked the authoring of the Bill of Rights. Jeffersonian
views were only partly individualist, however, since the Bill of
Rights did nothing to protect slaves or Native Americans. True
individualistic doctrine would oppose such a stance today.
Essentially, when a person endorses individualism, they believe
that the person's rights are far more important than the rights of
any collective group (government or society) provided those
rights are not exercised in a way that harms others. Exactly
what the definition of "harm" is, is a highly debatable issue. A
businessman who dumps pollutants into a lake might be viewed
as exercising harmful behavior or not, depending on
interpretation. Some individualists may argue against taxes
collected to serve the common good, the necessity of public
schooling, regulatory agencies established by governments, or
any laws that inhibit rights. They would especially oppose the
idea that society was a collective unit (often called collectivism),
and that people needed legislation to be responsible or to take
care of each other.
Interestingly, individualism is frequently associated with the
extreme right in the US, but this is not an easy marriage. While
the extreme right frequently seek ...
1) Constructivism is a prominent perspective that scholars, in theMartineMccracken314
1) Constructivism is a prominent perspective that scholars, in the field of political science, acknowledge being a well-respected point of view. There are many factors of the state one must consider when using constructivism as your persepctivve. One of the most important things to pay attention to while using this is the condition of the state. This is because constructivists believe that the terms and international relations are based off the condition of the state, which makes it ever-changing.
Some scholars are skeptic of this theory and may find certain things compelling, for instance the idea the history having little or nothing to do with the condition of the state. This is hard to ignore because international relations relys heavily on the past relations of the state. Without the history of the state many of the the modern issues become uncomprehensible. What makes this believeable is the constant change in power in many of today's nations, meaning that what was done by a past leader may not affect the leaders decisions. This is believable because in countires where leaders are voted, like the U.S., there are leaders of different parties running and what the last president did may does not determine what is done by the current president. Making the idea that the state's relations are ever-chaning based on the current condiition.
The philosophical point of view that constructivist take makes it a believeable theory/perspective. This being that one can not determine the state international relations because of it's past. Meaning fundemental relationships, a realationship between the individual and society, between indviduals and society, and between society. This concurs to the idea that we should rather look at what is going on within the state in order to make an educated infrence on the state. There aree still many holes in this theory that are hard to ignore but if you take the mix method approach, you will find the this perspective can help lead you to a good inference.
2) The theory I have chosen to dive into today will be the theory is realism within international relations. The theory of realism is to apps to achieve things in a manor for which they truly are, being practical and using facts instead of emotions. Realism truly is the the notion that there is a concern for fact and there is a rejection for impractical/visionary ideologies. Realism allows for us to gain an understanding of how politics have been influenced and what they have been influenced by throughout time. The constraint placed on politics by the people and their egoistic ways is what is constantly highlighted my realists in international relations. The lack of not having a central for international government is also a constraint realists see that has had an effect on global politics. The state is one of the most important variables for realists, the state is unitary and speaks under one voice. There are factors that are addressed such as individuals within ...
1) Constructivism is a prominent perspective that scholars, in theAbbyWhyte974
1) Constructivism is a prominent perspective that scholars, in the field of political science, acknowledge being a well-respected point of view. There are many factors of the state one must consider when using constructivism as your persepctivve. One of the most important things to pay attention to while using this is the condition of the state. This is because constructivists believe that the terms and international relations are based off the condition of the state, which makes it ever-changing.
Some scholars are skeptic of this theory and may find certain things compelling, for instance the idea the history having little or nothing to do with the condition of the state. This is hard to ignore because international relations relys heavily on the past relations of the state. Without the history of the state many of the the modern issues become uncomprehensible. What makes this believeable is the constant change in power in many of today's nations, meaning that what was done by a past leader may not affect the leaders decisions. This is believable because in countires where leaders are voted, like the U.S., there are leaders of different parties running and what the last president did may does not determine what is done by the current president. Making the idea that the state's relations are ever-chaning based on the current condiition.
The philosophical point of view that constructivist take makes it a believeable theory/perspective. This being that one can not determine the state international relations because of it's past. Meaning fundemental relationships, a realationship between the individual and society, between indviduals and society, and between society. This concurs to the idea that we should rather look at what is going on within the state in order to make an educated infrence on the state. There aree still many holes in this theory that are hard to ignore but if you take the mix method approach, you will find the this perspective can help lead you to a good inference.
2) The theory I have chosen to dive into today will be the theory is realism within international relations. The theory of realism is to apps to achieve things in a manor for which they truly are, being practical and using facts instead of emotions. Realism truly is the the notion that there is a concern for fact and there is a rejection for impractical/visionary ideologies. Realism allows for us to gain an understanding of how politics have been influenced and what they have been influenced by throughout time. The constraint placed on politics by the people and their egoistic ways is what is constantly highlighted my realists in international relations. The lack of not having a central for international government is also a constraint realists see that has had an effect on global politics. The state is one of the most important variables for realists, the state is unitary and speaks under one voice. There are factors that are addressed such as individuals within ...
Synthetic Fiber Construction in lab .pptxPavel ( NSTU)
Synthetic fiber production is a fascinating and complex field that blends chemistry, engineering, and environmental science. By understanding these aspects, students can gain a comprehensive view of synthetic fiber production, its impact on society and the environment, and the potential for future innovations. Synthetic fibers play a crucial role in modern society, impacting various aspects of daily life, industry, and the environment. ynthetic fibers are integral to modern life, offering a range of benefits from cost-effectiveness and versatility to innovative applications and performance characteristics. While they pose environmental challenges, ongoing research and development aim to create more sustainable and eco-friendly alternatives. Understanding the importance of synthetic fibers helps in appreciating their role in the economy, industry, and daily life, while also emphasizing the need for sustainable practices and innovation.
Palestine last event orientationfvgnh .pptxRaedMohamed3
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Model Attribute Check Company Auto PropertyCeline George
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Acetabularia Information For Class 9 .docxvaibhavrinwa19
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The Roman Empire A Historical Colossus.pdfkaushalkr1407
The Roman Empire, a vast and enduring power, stands as one of history's most remarkable civilizations, leaving an indelible imprint on the world. It emerged from the Roman Republic, transitioning into an imperial powerhouse under the leadership of Augustus Caesar in 27 BCE. This transformation marked the beginning of an era defined by unprecedented territorial expansion, architectural marvels, and profound cultural influence.
The empire's roots lie in the city of Rome, founded, according to legend, by Romulus in 753 BCE. Over centuries, Rome evolved from a small settlement to a formidable republic, characterized by a complex political system with elected officials and checks on power. However, internal strife, class conflicts, and military ambitions paved the way for the end of the Republic. Julius Caesar’s dictatorship and subsequent assassination in 44 BCE created a power vacuum, leading to a civil war. Octavian, later Augustus, emerged victorious, heralding the Roman Empire’s birth.
Under Augustus, the empire experienced the Pax Romana, a 200-year period of relative peace and stability. Augustus reformed the military, established efficient administrative systems, and initiated grand construction projects. The empire's borders expanded, encompassing territories from Britain to Egypt and from Spain to the Euphrates. Roman legions, renowned for their discipline and engineering prowess, secured and maintained these vast territories, building roads, fortifications, and cities that facilitated control and integration.
The Roman Empire’s society was hierarchical, with a rigid class system. At the top were the patricians, wealthy elites who held significant political power. Below them were the plebeians, free citizens with limited political influence, and the vast numbers of slaves who formed the backbone of the economy. The family unit was central, governed by the paterfamilias, the male head who held absolute authority.
Culturally, the Romans were eclectic, absorbing and adapting elements from the civilizations they encountered, particularly the Greeks. Roman art, literature, and philosophy reflected this synthesis, creating a rich cultural tapestry. Latin, the Roman language, became the lingua franca of the Western world, influencing numerous modern languages.
Roman architecture and engineering achievements were monumental. They perfected the arch, vault, and dome, constructing enduring structures like the Colosseum, Pantheon, and aqueducts. These engineering marvels not only showcased Roman ingenuity but also served practical purposes, from public entertainment to water supply.
2024.06.01 Introducing a competency framework for languag learning materials ...Sandy Millin
http://sandymillin.wordpress.com/iateflwebinar2024
Published classroom materials form the basis of syllabuses, drive teacher professional development, and have a potentially huge influence on learners, teachers and education systems. All teachers also create their own materials, whether a few sentences on a blackboard, a highly-structured fully-realised online course, or anything in between. Despite this, the knowledge and skills needed to create effective language learning materials are rarely part of teacher training, and are mostly learnt by trial and error.
Knowledge and skills frameworks, generally called competency frameworks, for ELT teachers, trainers and managers have existed for a few years now. However, until I created one for my MA dissertation, there wasn’t one drawing together what we need to know and do to be able to effectively produce language learning materials.
This webinar will introduce you to my framework, highlighting the key competencies I identified from my research. It will also show how anybody involved in language teaching (any language, not just English!), teacher training, managing schools or developing language learning materials can benefit from using the framework.
Home assignment II on Spectroscopy 2024 Answers.pdf
Political Science 7 – International Relations - Power Point #1
1. Dr. Tabakian’s Political Science 7
Modern World Governments – Spring 2013
Power Point Material #1
2. LECTURE HIGHLIGHTS (1)
• Defining Political Science
• Introducing International Relations
• Applying Theory
• Rational Choice Theory
• Elitism & Pluralism – Review From Political Science 1
• Spheres Of Influence – Review From Political Science 1
• Manipulation – Review From Political Science 1
• Interdependency Theory – Review From Political Science 1
4. WHAT IS POLITICAL SCIENCE?
Political Science is a branch of the Social Sciences like Sociology. Both
fields are fairly similar as each is primarily interested in individual as well as
group behavior. Their fundamental difference is exhibited by what theory
serves as the foundation for each respective discipline. Social scientists are
biased towards elitism while political scientists are prone to pluralism. This
does not mean that elite theory is not utilized in the political sciences. It is
recognized, but only in contrast with pluralism. Both theories compliment
each other, but pluralism is generally favored by political scientists. Political
scientists examine how political behavior is influenced as Sociology, which
looks at individual behavior that is determined according to elite influence in
general. Elite theory serves as the primary basis of the social sciences
(sociology) while political scientists are biased towards pluralism or the
result of competing interests and the end result of conflict and compromise.
5. INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS (1)
International relations theorize mainly on conflict in the world system and
how to prevent chaos from ensuing by managing power relations through
the use of deterrence. Robert L. Pfaltzgraff, Jr. states that decisions
made by foreign poly decision makers examines problems by equating
five variables:
(1) the societal and individual values of their state and that of the case
being examined;
(2) their own and the world’s understanding of the problem at hand;
(3) those capabilities available on hand and what the goals of their
nation in correlation to other nations;
(4) the bureaucratic and organizational framework where decisions
affecting foreign affairs are constructed; and
(5) how that individual defines the international system, whether it may
be bipolar, multipolar, classical balance of power, unilateral, etc.
6. INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS (2)
International relations is like the philosophy of science as both are
defined as, “a symbolic construction, a series of inter-related constructs
or concepts, together with definitions, laws, theorems and axioms.” The
field of study came about following World War I by those who sought to
understand what causes conflict so that the barrage of conflict may not
be repeated again. The field consists of contending theories that some
have argued has not been able to reign uncontested. One can argue that
the field as a whole is wrought with contesting theoretical approaches,
which have yet to achieve recognition as a new paradigm or standing as
a law that all researchers can depend on. Found within the natural
sciences are certain laws retaining equal standing among researchers in
that field. None of the subfields of IR or the entire discipline for that
matter have yet achieved this state. All of the competing theoretical
approaches and methodologies applied in IR depend on each other to
form a nucleus of knowledge that researchers may utilize in different
configurations to strengthen or attack hypotheses.
7. ROLE OF THEORY
Everyone uses theory whether they know it or not. Many
of us devise our own theories through our childhood
socializations up to adulthood. Disagreements within the
field of political science for example come about when
there is no agreement over the basic forces that shape
the discipline. Students become disillusioned when
situations arise that sweep forecasts into the abyss.
Elitism and Pluralism serve as the foundation for the
social sciences with political science being more inclined
to adhere to pluralist arguments. Readers are encouraged
to utilize both theories throughout the text. This will assist
students of the political sciences to critically analyze
those arguments presented by the author in order to
devise their own methodologies concerning political
science. Theory also helps researches to classify certain
variables. It may be thought of as a pair of sunglasses
that helps us filter unwanted information.
8. EXAMPLE OF THEORY – REALISM
Realism accords that as human nature remains
the predominant factor in a nation-state’s
foreign policy, it is further determined that such
policies are focused upon self-interest. As the
inherent motive for man is survival, it applies to
the applied foreign policies of nation-states for
the actions of a state are determined according
to the actions of a state are determined according to the tenets of political
determination. Considered to be a synonym for power politics, though at times
construed as pragmatic and wrought with simplicity, it is a somewhat abrupt
philosophy focused on the inherent evils of mankind. Let us look at a clip from the
movie “Failsafe”. Walter Matthau plays the role of National Security Advisor who
applies rational choice and realist theory to explain why striking at the Soviet
Union is necessary to survive.
9. RATIONAL CHOICE (1)
What is the primary goal of the individual? The answer may be
summed up in one word: Survival. This basic human requirement
serves as the foundation for all action. If survival is the ultimate goal,
then one must assume that individual parties are determined to make
decisions that are based on rationality. This of course assumes that
people as individual units will base all decisions on self-interest. Let us
even assume that the decision maker is in possession of perfect
information. Why then do people make irrational or even foolhardy
decisions even when all signs point to negative or even disastrous
results? The answer is simply that human beings are not robots or
computers. We are fallible to emotions that encompass belief systems
like religion that in turn are great influences over individual behavior.
10. RATIONAL CHOICE (2)
Decisions are based on self-interest…as we define our self-interest to
be. Consider this example. We have a nun and a real-estate mogul.
The nun gives up all her worldly possessions and dedicating herself to
helping those in poverty. Her justification may be great rewards in the
afterlife. The real-estate mogul does not believe in an afterlife, but
does believe in making as much money as , spending it all on an
overly extravagant and abusive lifestyle. Who is acting rationally? Both
individuals are for they are fulfilling their self-interest…as they define
their self-interest to be.
11. POWER THEORY (1)
To exert power one must first possess adequate reserves to draw
upon. This is defined simply as “capacity of power”. Achieving higher
positions is dependent on various factors that may include: education;
wealth; profession; charisma and other talents either developed or
engrained from birth. This “capacity of power” is not determined
according to a single resource, ability or possession. It is instead a
combination of different variables that serve to make up the individual.
This is just like a battery consisting of energy resources drawn upon
when it comes time to draw power in order to achieve a set objective.
Just like a battery powering a flashlight so does one’s individual
“capacity of power” serve to assist one in achieving a set goal or in
this case influencing or affecting political behavior to maintain, expand
or protect one’s standing in order to survive in society.
12. POWER THEORY (2)
Our example of “capacity of power” is applicable to
individual capacity of power and all associations up to
the nation state as all combined units consist of
individuals pursuing their set of priorities or self-interest
that is in turn based on survival. Drawing upon these
reserves allows one to pursue agendas of self-interest.
Power is the ultimate pursuit, as the ultimate goal of
humanity is survival. Individual participants in pursuit of
these goals join together in common pursuits under the
umbrella of common interest. These resulting “spheres
of interest” in turn join under broader umbrellas that
also offer another distinct set of common goals that in
turn competes with respective peers.
13. POWER THEORY (3)
Power equals resources (capacity of power) times compliance
squared, divided by force. Every accounting of power theory is
taken into consideration in the construction of this formula. We
have explored the contention that the pursuit of self-interest
encourages man to engage in political behavior. This serves as
the foundation for rational choice theory, which in turn has led us
to power theory. One may argue that the pursuit of power
maintains the never ending cycle of political: conflict; compromise;
alliances; and wars.
14. POWER THEORY (4)
Many have countered this argument with a direct assault on the
statement that “there is no morality in politics”. These critics are
both right and wrong. It is true that morality has no direct
correlation with political science if the pursuit of self-interests and
power resources maintains utmost priority. On the other hand
they may be correct if one party sells their pursuit as a moral
cause in order to achieve their agenda. For example, one may
argue that good may come from conflict even if it leads to the
destruction of a nation-state and the slaughtering of thousands or
millions of people if the seed of democracy is planted and
nurtured to maturity.
15. TRANSPARENCY (1)
America has grown from the days of a colony to major power,
superpower, and hegemon, to its present empire status. American
power is felt throughout the international community. Playing
poker requires one to adopt what is commonly known as a “poker
face”. Players will hide their true emotions, even faking their true
intentions to catch other players off guard. Some have even taken
to wearing sunglasses. The exact opposite tactic that the United
States has adopted is “Transparency”. This involves disclosing all
routes the nation-state will undertake with regards to all forms of
public policy pertaining to its political, economic and military
strategies.
16. TRANSPARENCY (2)
Alexander Hamilton initiated this
policy as the chief financial
philosopher of the United States
even if he did not coin the term.
Hamilton is regarded as the chief
architect of our economic policy,
which in turn was developed in order
to win the confidence of domestic
US business and financial elites as
well as gaining the confidence of
international business.
17. TRANSPARENCY EXAMPLE #1
America possesses the most
technologically advanced
military hardware. This video
demonstrates one of the first
deployable force fields for light
armored vehicles (LAVs).
“Trophy” was built in partnership
with General Dynamics
Corporation & Rafael. Welcome
to the 21st Century!
18. TRANSPARENCY EXAMPLE #2
America is not the only nation that
utilizes Transparency. This video
shows the Israeli Defense Force
demonstrating a new type of gun
that can shoot around corners. A
brief interview with the inventor of
this amazing weapon follows the
demonstration.
19. TRANSPARENCY EXAMPLE #3
Some forms of transparency are
both political and military in nature.
The military sponsored the
development of the Massive
Ordinance Aerial Burst (MOAB). It is
commonly referred to as “The
Mother Of All Bombs”. It is the
largest conventional bomb in our
arsenal. There is a psychological
component to this bomb. A
mushroom cloud forms following
successful detonation. It looks
somewhat like a nuclear device
being detonated.
20. TRANSPARENCY EXAMPLE #4
Javelin is a fire-and-forget missile
with lock-on before launch and
automatic self-guidance. The system
takes a top-attack flight profile
against armored vehicles (attacking
the top armor which is generally
thinner) but can also take a direct-
attack mode for use against
buildings or fortifications. This missile
also has the ability to engage
helicopters. Javelin is supplied by
Raytheon/Lockheed Martin's
JAVELIN Joint Venture.
21. ELITISM
Elitism does not promote elite rule. It merely helps us to
understand how the rules of a society, especially a democratic
one, may actually obstruct the social progress of the masses.
Elitism argues that elites are needed, due to the ignorance of the
masses and their unwillingness to act responsibly. One thing
that elites are particularly fearful of is the tendency for masses to
be vulnerable to demagogic appeals. Demagogues or counter
elites are mass-oriented leaders who express outright hostility
toward established order and appeal to the mass sentiments.
This can be from the far left or far right. This also helps to
explain why domestic elites remain fearful of direct democracy
and why the Founding Fathers were against the establishment
of national referenda.
22. ELITISM SUMMARIZED
1. Society is divided between the powerful few and the majority weak.
2. Governing few are not typical of the governed masses. Elites are not
drawn mostly from the upper class socioeconomic section of society.
3. Non-elites have to be given the opportunity to rise up to elite positions.
The masses have to believe that the process is continuous or revolution
may occur. Barriers prevent finite elite positions from being overtaken by
unqualified individuals. This is a classic rat and cheese scenario.
4. Elites share a common belief on the basic values of the elite. Any
change of public policy will be incrementally slow rather than
revolutionary.
5. Elites may base their actions either on narrow, self-serving motives and
risk undermining mass support, or they may initiate reforms, curb abuse,
and undertake public-regarding programs to preserve the system.
6. Active elites are not typically influenced from apathetic masses. Elites
influence masses more than the masses influence elites.
Sufficient Cheese Sufficient Cheese Lack Of Cheese
23. ELITISM – HOW INFORMATION FLOWS
Elite theory also argues that information flows
from opinion elites down to opinion leaders
who are looked to the public for information.
News is first “created” by opinion elites and
then sent to opinion leaders to help
disseminate the information. Those at the
very top of the elite network decide what
information is deemed as necessary to offer
society. These elites may be news makers
themselves or in charge of large media
corporations. Opinion leaders may be thought
of as journalists, news anchors, expert
pundits or even celebrities who possess
legitimacy among those in society.
24. MANIPULATION EXAMPLE #1
Governmental elites find it
necessary to manipulate the
masses if doing so serves a
vested interest. Here is a
great example of how a
safety video can serve as a
tool for manipulating the
masses from childhood. Who
does the monkey represent?
25. MANIPULATION & MIRROR MYTH
News media outlets possess a great
power. They are able to “decide what will
be decided”. Bias is exhibited throughout
the mainstream press. This is also true
for nontraditional news sources as
everyone is biased in some way. Many in
the news media stress that they are
nonbiased since they only reflect reality.
Even if the news is merely reflected or
reported, it is their choice of subjects that
proves their bias. All news is biased.
This is the “Mirror Myth”.
26. WHAT WE CALL THE NEWS
Claims have been made
regarding the motivations behind
what stories are chosen by the
major media. Advertising revenue
greatly influences those stories
chosen. Securing market share is
vital, for without it, the major
media would lose advertising
revenue. It is really our fault that
the major news networks willfully
focus on sex, violence and
various negative pieces. This
short clip provides a humorous
spin to “What We Call The News”.
Enjoy.
27. PLURALISM – SPHERES
Pluralism insures that groups are Political Parties “Checking” Each Other
restricted from single handedly
influencing public policy. Rather,
cross-cutting cleavages would form,
as groups seek compromise with
others to build coalitions that would
succeed in affecting change. This
helps to assure that minority factions
are protected from an overwhelming
majority. Majority power-holders
among the “Spheres of Influence” are
essentially “checked” by the
formation of cross-cutting cleavages
in an effort to balance against
overwhelming forces.
28. PROPAGANDA – CITIZEN BASED
Technological advancements have
empowered common citizens with
creative minds to produce their own
propaganda. “The War On Terror”
sparked a great deal of media distributed
via the Internet. Elites no longer maintain
total control over distribution. Many
citizens may deem these video as
offensive. Keep in mind that propaganda
is meant to produce an “Us” versus
“Them” mindset. Does this video have
any impact over your belief system?
29. PLURALISM SUMMARIZED (1)
1. Society is divided into numerous groups with all making demands on
government while none of the participants are able to dominate all decision-
making.
2. Citizens do not directly participate in decision-making, but they are able to
vote for leaders to make decisions through a process of bargaining,
accommodation, and compromise.
3. Competition among leadership groups helps protect individuals’ interests.
Countervailing centers of power – for example, competition among business
leaders, labor leaders and government leaders – can check one another and
keep each interest from abusing its power and oppressing the individual.
Each of these individual “spheres of influence” allies themselves with other
spheres that possess similar goals. See “Spheres Of Influence”.
4. Individuals may not participate directly in decision-making, but they can
exert influence through active participation in organized groups, political
parties and elections.
30. PLURALISM SUMMARIZED (2)
5. Leadership groups are open; new groups can form and gain access to the
political system.
6. Political influence in society is unequally distributed, but power is widely
dispersed. Access to decision making is often determined by how much
interest people have in a particular decision. Because leadership is fluid and
mobile, power depends on one’s interest in public affairs, skills in leadership,
information about issues, knowledge of democratic processes, and skill in
organization and public relations.
7. Multiple leadership groups operate within society. Those who exercise power
in one kind of decision do not necessarily exercise power in others. No
single elite dominates decision making in all issues.
8. Public policy does not necessarily reflect majority preference, but is an
equilibrium of interest interaction – competing interest group influences are
more or less balanced, and the resulting policy is therefore a reasonable
approximation of society’s preferences.
31. ELITISM VS. PLURALISM (1)
Comparing and contrasting elitism and pluralism allows us to observe
how they differ:
1. Elitism asserts that the most important division in society is between
elites and masses.
2. Elitism emphasizes the importance to leaders to maintain their
position of power – Pluralism emphasizes this devotion to their group
interests.
3. Elitism asserts that mass membership of organizations rarely
exercises influence on elite leadership. That these organizations
have no democratic processes and are controlled by leaders who
operate for their own self-interest. Pluralists offer no evidence that the
giant organizations represent the interests of their individual
members.
32. ELITISM VS. PLURALISM (2)
4. Elitism takes into account of all power holders – private and public.
Pluralism focuses on governmental leaders and those who interact
directly with them.
5. Elitism emphasizes shared characteristics of leaders on top of their
interest in preserving the social diversity among leaders, differences
in backgrounds, ideologies, and viewpoints. Pluralism also argues
that decisions made by leaders are a product of their role perception,
institutional constraints, interest group pressure, public opinion, etc.
Elitism focuses on leadership consensus – Pluralism focuses on elite
conflict.
33. SPHERES OF INFLUENCE
Pluralism is best in describing how competing
spheres of influence protect minority rights
against majority factions. These majority factions
may consist of individual powerful elite entities or
groups of “spheres of influence”. Alliances will
form among once competing spheres in order to
“check” another sphere or individual elite base
that acquires too much power. This constant
“checking” as described in the “competing
spheres of influence” diagram describes how this
plays out in all systems. Individual spheres of
influence are always on the alert for one of their
peers assuming too much power.
34. COMPETING SPHERES
Competing Spheres of Influence
essentially check each other within the
political system. This is seen as essential
for the protection of minority rights
especially as it pertains to majority
factions. Elites in our society are not
defined according to race, gender, religion,
etc. They are seen mainly as those who
hold positions of power with society. Our
Founding Fathers considered the
protection of minority rights as those few
individuals who retained control over
society. These individuals were property
holders, policy makers or those who
possessed positions of power.
35. TRANSITIONAL EFFECTS
Competition among spheres of interest produces great returns for humanity.
The constant strive for marketplace acceptance has resulted in America
progressing from a predominantly agricultural society to an industrial,
nuclear, and information based society. The United States is unique in that it
excels in more than one particular capitalist endeavor. Innovation has led to
advancements that have greatly influenced every aspect of society. Society
has benefited from constant advancements in energy harvesting,
computers, communication, water purification, medicine and all other areas
not listed for the list would be enormous. Every significant discovery has in
turn greatly influenced societal norms of behavior. Masses today view
internet communications as a vital necessity. It is nearly impossible to
operate in a complex society without easy access to the web. The majority
of masses did not have this belief fifteen years ago. Only society
determining that the internet allowed for greater efficiency was it adopted as
a societal norm. Those not willing to adapt became obsolete.
36. STABILIZATION
Sudden instability is the greatest threat to humanity for it threatens to
cause irreparable harm to the individual. One may never consider
harming another person in a state of nature. Elimination of one’s
sustenance throws the individual into a state of war, because their
survival is now threatened. Nation-states consist of multiple spheres of
interest in turn consisting of individual units consisting of people. As
survival is the primary goal of man, so it is the ultimate pursuit of
nation-states. The primary concern is that of stability. This philosophy
has prevented a major war from taking place over the last sixty years.
Instability is the primary cause of all conflict both within and between
nation-states.
37. SPHERES OF INFLUENCE - CONTINUED
Spheres consist of individuals who share
a common set of interests and/or belief
systems. Individual participants are the
absolute micro-level of every sphere.
Here are some examples of spheres:
family, work, school, political parties, and
religion. Different spheres of influence
communicate with one another through
the individual who is a member of those
same spheres. Various societal
interactions influence individual behavior.
38. ELITE STAGES
Elites are the true minority not
only within the United States,
but in all societies, regardless
of location. The triangle
illustration shows that the true
minorities are elites in
possession of large capacities
of power. Maximum level of
education acquired is used for
our argument.
39. PLURALISM – ALLIANCES
Pluralism is best in describing how competing Interdependent Spheres
spheres of influence protect minority rights against
majority factions. These majority factions may
Government Business
consist of individual powerful elite entities or groups
of “spheres of influence”. Alliances will form among
once competing spheres in order to “check” another
sphere or individual elite base that acquires too
much power. This constant “checking” as described Individual
in the “competing spheres of influence” diagram
describes how this plays out in all systems.
Individual spheres of influence are always on the
alert for one of their peers assuming too much
power. Certain situations may also call for certain
spheres of influence to realize that they share a
common agenda with one or more of their
respective peers. Cooperation among spheres
sharing a common agenda serves to hasten
anticipated results.