POSC240 Exam 2
apart from altruistic/benevolent reasons for giving foreign aid, discuss three other reasons or motivations for giving aid
1. To help nations effectively establish the conditions and capacity for achieving peace, security, and stability; and for responding effectively against arising threats to national or international security and stability. 2. To contribute to improvements in the health of people, especially women, children, and other vulnerable populations in countries of the developing world, through expansion of basic health services, including family planning; strengthening national health systems, and addressing global issues and special concerns such as HIV/AIDS and other infectious diseases. 3. To support the sustainability of a productive and clean environment by: ensuring that the environment and the natural resources upon which human lives and livelihoods depend are managed in ways that sustain productivity growth, a healthy population, as well as the intrinsic spiritual and cultural value of the environment, and conserving biodiversity and managing natural resources in ways that maintain their long-term viability and preserve their potential to meet the needs of present and future generations.
supranational law
A form of international law, based on the limitation of the rights of sovereign nations between one another. describes a system where nations come together to create an agreement, organization, or treaty that has greater powers than an individual nation has because its reach extends beyond national boundaries. (EU and NAFTA)
militarized masculinity
A masculinity constructed to support militarism, with an emphasis on heroism, physical strength, lack of emotion, and appearance of invulnerability Militarized masculinity, at its most basic level, refers to the assertion that traits stereotypically associated with masculinity can be acquired and proven through military service or action, and combat in particular
the protection myth
A popular assumption that male heroes fight wars to protect the vulnerable, primarily women and children. It is used as a justification for states' national security policies, particularly in times of war
neoliberalism
A strategy for economic development that calls for free markets, balanced budgets, privatization, free trade, and minimal government intervention in the economy. Neoliberalism is a policy model—bridging politics, social studies, and economics—that seeks to transfer control of economic factors to the private sector from the public sector. It tends towards free-market capitalism and away from government spending, regulation, and public ownership
the Iran nuclear deal
Agreement negotiated between the U.S. and five other world powers, it prevents Iran from developing a nuclear weapon for 10-15 years in return for lifting harsh international sanctions. The deal has been sharply criticized by Republicans in Congress, Israel and the Arab gulf countries.
New/Post-Westphalian Wars
Based around the disintegration of states into "failed states" and the struggle for power and resources in these failed areas. Westphalia doesn't account for "failed states" and non state actors such as Al-Queda. It isn't about state-to-state warfare, nor about establishing a central political authority. The goal is cash for these leaders not governance. ⇒ Complex Humanitarian Emergencies have emerged because of this. May also be about ethnic cleansing/control.
what are the key features of the new/post westphalian wars? how are they connected to the "complex humanitarian emergencies" phenomenon?
Based around the disintegration of states into "failed states" and the struggle for power and resources in these failed areas. Westphalia doesn't account for "failed states" and non state actors such as Al-Queda. It isn't about state-to-state warfare, nor about establishing a central political authority. The goal is cash for these leaders not governance. ⇒ Complex Humanitarian Emergencies have emerged because of this. May also be about ethnic cleansing/control. type of disaster event that is caused by and results in a complicated set of social, medical, and often political circumstances, usually leading to great human suffering and death and requiring external assistance and aid. Complex humanitarian emergencies (CHEs) are associated with a variety of factors, such as war, poverty, overpopulation, human-caused environmental destruction and change, and natural disasters
what is the feminist definition of security? how does it differ from the typical realist one?
Feminist definition of security: -states seek security in masculine ways: $trillions on weapons -Also excludes women from positions of power -Seek "diminution of all forms of violence"- physical, social, economic, ecological -Redefine roles: citizen defender, not warrior patriot Realist definition of security: -the security of the state and place particular emphasis on the preservation of the state's territorial integrity and the physical safety of its inhabitants -A state is thought to be secure if it can defend against or deter a hostile attack and prevent other states from compelling it to adjust its behavior in significant ways or to sacrifice core political values.
drone policy and ethics
General ethics of the use of force/weapons -"distinction" as a quality of weapons -"proportionality" = harm vs. gain Drones: Clean warfare vs. terror weapon -Afraid to gather Killing of innocents -Who is "militant" What is the Obama doctrine? -Low footprint, "counter-punch" The problem with drones? -Terror, backlash shifted significantly the cost calculations of warfare. Drones can be deployed quickly, for long periods of time, and to lethal effect at lower financial cost and risk to life for those using them, compared to piloted aircraft or ground forces projected over great distances.
the "revolution in military affairs"
The development in the USA in particular of new military strategies, based on 'high-tech' technology and 'smart' weapons, aimed at achieving swift and decisive outcomes. the RMA- the "revolution in military affairs" Led by the US, by far Begins with the First Gulf War in 1991 -Almost no US battle deaths Serbia/Kosovo (1999), Iraq (2003), Afghanistan/War on Terror "effortless victory through superior technology" Tools of the RMA: -Smart weapons, laser guidance, (PMCs) -Satellites -Outsourcing to private (PMCs) -What is the fear of such a revolution? --Dissociating soldiers from the horrific realities of warfare? Latest RMA= Drones
the gunpowder revolution
The dramatic military, social, and political changes accompanying the introduction and development of gunpowder weapons in Europe, beginning in the fourteenth century, made previous means of defense less reliable and placed a premium on land and larger political units. the military revolution in the sixteenth century -AKA "the gunpowder" revolution: army size, fortress design, territorial expansion -"war made the state and the state made war"- Charles Tilly
what are some important impacts of the gunpowder revolution? of the nuclear revolution?
The dramatic military, social, and political changes accompanying the introduction and development of gunpowder weapons in Europe, beginning in the fourteenth century, made previous means of defense less reliable and placed a premium on land and larger political units. the military revolution in the sixteenth century -AKA "the gunpowder" revolution: army size, fortress design, territorial expansion -"war made the state and the state made war"- Charles Tilly --- the Nuclear Revolution -Not much other military benefit to nuclear powers -Helped spawn "proxy wars," odd conventional wars, and the RMA -Dangerous? The realist logic= nukes favor status quo powers and reduce the utility of conventional militaries, making world safe for ideological considerations The term refers to the belief that the invention of nuclear weapons constituted a fundamental shift in the nature of warfare, and conceivably in international relations itself. provide states with the ability to protect their sovereignty and independence not via direct defense but rather through deterrence. Instead of defending one's borders or vital interests with conventional military forces, states could deter enemy attack by threatening to inflict unacceptable damage on an aggressor.
what seem to be the military and ethical advantages of drones in warfare? why have droves turned out to be so controversial in practice?
The justification for this increase in attacks is that drones are precise, effective weapons that reduce unintended casualties. Some might find the idea of a killing machine that can be operated from thousands of miles away deeply chilling. But the defenders of drones say that cold and detached is good in war. It means soldiers can be calm and dispassionate, and not act out of fear. They can take the time to hit the target, making sure there are no civilians around who could get killed. shifted significantly the cost calculations of warfare. Drones can be deployed quickly, for long periods of time, and to lethal effect at lower financial cost and risk to life for those using them, compared to piloted aircraft or ground forces projected over great distances.
structural adjustment
World Bank programs which offer financial and management aid to poor countries while demanding privatization, trade liberalization, and governmental fiscal restraint programs imposing major economic policy reform packages on developing countries
the World Bank
a collection of 5 agencies w/ headquarters in DC. formal objective is to encourage development in low and medium income countries with project loans and various advisory services By giving loans and offering advice and training in both the private and public sectors, the World Bank aims to eliminate poverty by helping people help themselves. Under the World Bank Group, there are complementary institutions that aid in its goals to provide assistance
"emerging markets"
a country that has some characteristics of a developed market, but does not satisfy standards to be termed a developed market. This includes countries that may become developed markets in the future or were in the past. Brazil, Chile, China, Colombia, Hungary in the process of rapid growth and development with lower per capita incomes and less mature capital markets than developed countries.
proxy wars
a war instigated by a major power that does not itself become involved. nuclear revolution helped spawn "proxy wars," odd conventional wars
the Marshall Plan
an American program that was introduced by US Secretary of State George Marshall to aid nearly all Western European countries and to prevent the spread of international communist movements. From 1948 to mid 1952, more than $13 billion was distributed in the form of direct aid, loan guarantees, grants, and necessities from medicine to mules. The 1948 Marshall Plan -Aimed to rebuild Western European economies after the end of WWII -Improve industrial growth -Prevent spread of Communism
the IMF (international monetary fund)
an institution of 188 members as late as 2015, providing extensive technically assistance and short term flows of stabilization finance to any of those members experiencing temporarily distressed public finances, while also monitoring all countries to see whether preemptive 'corrective' measures are considered necessary The IMF was originally created in 1945 as part of the Bretton Woods agreement, which attempted to encourage international financial cooperation by introducing a system of convertible currencies at fixed exchange rates. IMF o Global currency police- no cheating on exchange rates o Lender of last resort- global credit union
the WTO (world trade organization)
established in 1995 with headquarters in Geneva, with 164 members as of mid-2016. it is a permanent institution covering services, intellectual property, and investment issues as well as pure merchandise trade, and it has a disputes settlement mechanism to enforce its free trade agenda The World Trade Organization (WTO) is the only global international organization dealing with the rules of trade between nations. At its heart are the WTO agreements, negotiated and signed by the bulk of the world's trading nations and ratified in their parliaments. GATT/WTO o Talking shop for trade negotiations o Multilateral agreements prevent bilateral trade wars
geopolitics
suggests that geographical position is a key determent of the policies a state pursues, especially in relation to its security and strategy, both at global and regional level geopoliticians sought to understand how the new industrial capabilities of transportation, communication, and destruction—most notably railroads, steamships, airplanes, telegraphy, and explosives—interacting with the largest-scale geographic features of the Earth would shape the character, number, and location of viable security units in the emerging global international system.
the nuclear revolution
the Nuclear Revolution -Not much other military benefit to nuclear powers -Helped spawn "proxy wars," odd conventional wars, and the RMA -Dangerous? The realist logic= nukes favor status quo powers and reduce the utility of conventional militaries, making world safe for ideological considerations The term refers to the belief that the invention of nuclear weapons constituted a fundamental shift in the nature of warfare, and conceivably in international relations itself. provide states with the ability to protect their sovereignty and independence not via direct defense but rather through deterrence. Instead of defending one's borders or vital interests with conventional military forces, states could deter enemy attack by threatening to inflict unacceptable damage on an aggressor.
the Bretton Woods system
the regulatory system introduced at the end of WWII in an attempt to bring stability to those elements of the world economy under the US sphere of influence. the underlying objective of Bretton Woods was to provide sufficient policy space within domestic economies for governments to intervene in the interests of ensuring full employment The Bretton Woods system was the first example of a fully negotiated monetary order intended to govern monetary relations among independent states.
what is the "Bretton Woods system" and why was it set up when it was?
the regulatory system introduced at the end of WWII in an attempt to bring stability to those elements of the world economy under the US sphere of influence. the underlying objective of Bretton Woods was to provide sufficient policy space within domestic economies for governments to intervene in the interests of ensuring full employment The Bretton Woods system was the first example of a fully negotiated monetary order intended to govern monetary relations among independent states. Before Bretton Woods, most countries followed the gold standard. That meant each country guaranteed that it would redeem its currency for its value in gold. After Bretton Woods, each member agreed to redeem its currency for U.S. dollars, not gold. Why dollars? The United States held three-fourths of the world's supply of gold. No other currency had enough gold to back it as a replacement.