History and Political Science - Assignment Example

History and Political Science (Assignment) HISTORY AND POLITICAL SCIENCE ASSIGNMENT Section Question C: (Historyof Diplomacy): Why is the international system considered a state-centric system? Discuss historical milestones in the evolution of this system. One of the issues that have been widely studied across the globe entails the existence on the international system. Whereas globalization and global cooperation is reality, there are serious issues that have seen many experts arguing that international system state-centric. In much of the considerations and analysis of the international system, experts would always make reference to World War I, World War II and the cold war. Occurrences that resulted in these three wars can be used to explain the basis of international world order and the establishment of the international system. O’rourke & Williamson, (2004) gives a broader look at the History of Diplomacy inn their work When did globalization begin? In submissions made in this piece, the authors assert that three great wars a reflection of how the international system considered a state-centric. The treaties signed and alliances formed during the three great wars were attempts by nations of the world in taking control of world affairs. In the history of diplomacy and international relations, states have remained to be a key force in determination of world politics. Just before the First World War, the concept of realism was borne, bringing to the fore an objective and critical analysis on the need for world order. In this respect, the international system was analyzed on the basis of both collective interests and the interests of certain states. Realists are of the opinion that state actors in the international world system can be identified on the basis of sovereignty, recognition of statehood, and the control of territory and population. From this perspective, countries cannot be ignored when defining the international system. From a realist perspective, the international system is a product of various historical occurrences, most on which took place in the twentieth century. The First World War was a major factor that brought out the need for a global or international-based system. As many countries in the European continue began fighting for colonies during the imperial era in Europe, conflic5ts between and amongst these countries emerged. Most of the countries started looking beyond national influence to influence within a wider geographical area. The consequence of such rivalry was the development of the First World War. The development of two groups, the Central Powers and the Allies, during the war was pegged on superiority fight between nations that believed they could command or have great influence in world affairs. The end of the First World War was major milestone in the development of the international system as the allies went forth to instill heavy punishment to the Central Powers, led by Germany. The effects of the war were so serious that the League of Nations was formed so as to help avert such magnitude of conflict and war. The Second World War had also its share on development of the state centric International system. After the League of Nations failed, World War I was inevitable. The United States, Britain and France as the winners of World War II played a bigger role than other nations in the preparation of background for the formation of the modern day United Nations. By the United Nations and Russia awarding their selves with veto power in the world body, they had an edge over other countries. The state-centric nature of the world’s system would not be stopped here as even after the formation of the United Nations, the United States and the Soviet Union would still engage in supremacy tactics that is famously regarded as the cold war. Today, the United States remains to be the single most super power after the collapse of the USSR Richardson (2006) asserts that the United States rules and has great influence in the world, thanks to its coalescing with nations such as France and Britain. He further explains that the international that is majorly under the influence of the United States is propagated by technological, ideological and military advantages the United States holds over other nations of the world. Section 2: International Law Question A: Discuss custom as a source of international law. What have been recent trends around customary international law? What is your opinion about the future of customary international law? The process of globalization continues even as the world comes to a reality that integration is inevitable. Frankel is of the opinion there exists certain standards measures that will guide the behavior and actions of members in the society, regardless of their location, culture or any other form of specialization. In his submissions in the Globalization of the Economy, Frankel argues that all these considerations bring out the need for international law. In developing the International Law, various elements are given much preference and custom relations to be the single most contributors to international law. The customs of people across all cultures of the world are considered in the development of what is referred to as the customary international law. Frankel goes further to assert that custom is the single most important factor that used as source for international law as Virtually all countries in the world acknowledge the existence of international customary law. However, these countries have differences in opinions to what makes up the rules are contained which contain it. Custom is taken to be a reflection of the decentralized nature of the international system. In this respect, Gould gives two elements are mostly considered; the actual practice of states and the generality of a given behavior by states. The decision to include the practice of international organizations as part of international customary law raised much controversy. Indeed, many sates objected such a move, terming it as arm-twisting other nations into accepting the culture of the United States. I can foresee a future where customary laws would have less significance in the international law. This is based on increased globalization and cultural change. As the world gets on to become a village, more and more people are moving towards developing cultures that have some sensed of similarity, Because of fashion and accessibility to media and materials from different parts of the world, the standardization of culture is likely to take place, regardless of the time it will take. Such trend would imply that the customary law would have less significance in as far as international law is concerned. Section 3: IPE Question A: In addition to the WTO there are numerous regional trade organizations. Why have these organizations become so common and what is the downside? Cite examples where applicable. With increased globalization, states have acknowledged the need to foster integration and unity through developing regional organizations. Whereas the World Trade Organization, WTO is charged with the duty of dealing with trade regulation and policy formulation throughout the world, these organizations also play a role in complementing the WTO. Some of the regional trade organizations across the globe today include; African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN), Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa, COMESA, Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). In his article, Prior informed consent and hazardous trade Langlet is of the opinion that continued increase in the number of regional trade bodies’ has worked out for the better and for the worst of various member countries. Indeed, by having an integrated force, member states can be able to bargain for better pat terms for their products. This has been the case with organizations such as the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). The integrated front in the world market makes it easier to market products from a given region and to other parts of the world. The rise in the numbers is regional trade associations has also worked on the negative ends of member countries. Being recognized by the WTO many of the regional trade organizations do their transactions and operations based on treaties and agreements signed. In many cases a state is tied to the agreement is signed on terms of operation, thereby denying itself the chance to make changes in its operations when the environment calls for such measures. The sugar industry in Kenya has in the past suffered due top trade agreements that are held between it and member countries of the COMESA. Kenya committed itself to allowing unrestricted quantities of sugar from the foreign markets. When the country wanted to promote locally produced products, which are produced much more expensively, COMESA came in and made objections to such a move. Numerous regional trade organizations have become so common because many countries in the regional market have undertaken unilateral reduction of tariffs. The reduction of these tariffs has been made independent, and they do not reciprocate actions by other countries. However, many countries in the regional market have realized that a regional trade organization reaps profits immediately. Therefore, they have reduced regional trade barriers so that they do not carry forward reforms. Section 4 (Conflict Management): Question A: Discuss the strengths and weaknesses of using national interest as a standard of conduct in conflict management. In your opinion, which type of interest should drive conflict management? Why? Conflict is an inevitable section of relationships amongst people. It depends on how different people approach and manage a particular conflict. Conflict can be either destructive or constructive. Conflicts come up when people do not agree over an important issue. Nowadays people of different families and communities view ideas in different perspectives, thus creating conflicts amongst them (Frankel,2000).Therefore, using national interest as a standard of conduct in conflict management creates a biased situation whereby one community will feel that their opinions were not considered appropriately. Another weakness of using national interest as a standard of conduct in conflict management is because different people respond to conflicts because of their own cultural background and particular personality. This means that, considering every persons idea and culture will not be possible, since a nation has so many people with different cultures. In addition, many people have different goals, motivations, values, and believes. Two people can interpret and perceive a conflict in a very different way. People can talk the same language but when conflict arises, one discovers that they respond differently towards the same conflict. The way one person can respond to a conflict can offend or confuse another person (Gould, 1999). Conflicts and problems common in our every day work, and therefore the most important thing is to find out the best means of overcoming them and go on working productively. In conflict management, we must understand how other people see us and our role in the conflict. The major common tools of conflict management are mediation, community conferencing, peer mediation, conflict transformation and negotiation. Different people consider different approach of conflict management because of the parties and the nature of the conflict. Conflicts are different and people react in different ways to a situation. Nevertheless, with the need to solve the conflict a strong understanding of parties and the major causes of the problem, people are able to solve disputes before they rise to violent. Currently, government and multilateral institutions have increased their devoted attention to the challenges of conflict prevention, peace building, and peacekeeping. Over the past years, many communities have started to develop various tools and institutions to manage and prevent conflicts. Because of such national interest, intrastate and interstate have reduced by 40%. Although conflicts of high profile in some communities use the majority of resources and international attention. However, national interests have successfully reduced conflict and build up peacekeeping campaign. Among the national interest actors that end conflicts are the UN, which plays a big role References Richardson, J. (2006). American hegemony: A dangerous aspiration, Canberra, Australian National University O’rourke, K., Williamson, J. (2004). When did globalization begin? European Review of Economic History, Harvard University, Cambridge MA: USA Frankel, J. (2000).Globalization of the Economy, New York City, NY: Routledge Howard French, The Next Empire, Analysis of Africa Growth Trend, SAGE Publication Gould, A. (1999). Origins of Liberal Dominance: State, Church, and Party in Nineteenth-Century Europe, Michigan, IL: University of Michigan Press, 1999 Langlet, D. (2009). Prior informed consent and hazardous trade: Regulating trade in hazardous goods at the intersection of sovereignty, free trade and environmental protection, London: Kluwer Law International. Read More