Development And Policy - Essay Example

Development and Policy Development Development refers to a process that delivers higher standards of living occasioned by significant economic growth, development and independence; satisfaction of basic needs; efficient infrastructure, ability to manage the environment of man as well as respect to the individual human basic rights (Payne and Phillips 2010 p.1). Different people view development differently depending on their ideological inclinations and cultural visions. The capitalist and socialists define development in their own ways. Economic growth, development and independence are realized when productive capacities of the people to produce goods and services are increased. This is possible by empowering people through proper education, quality healthcare and training. Satisfaction of basic needs of the people is realized when people can access quality and adequate food, water, housing, clothing, justice and peace. Efficient infrastructure in education, agriculture, commerce, health, defense and transport sectors exhibit improving development. Other indicators of development are higher per capita income, political stability, quality healthcare, availability of clean, safe and adequate water as well as food. Progressive countries and societies aspire to achieve higher development status. Dimensions of development Peet et al (2009 p.1) claimed that development is a conscious act and process of improving the life of everyone. Therefore, development covers all aspects in life that makes lives better. For example, development involves having healthy and sufficient food; safety in dwelling place; affordable goods and services; availability of employment opportunities; efficient and adequate utilities (Medicare, education, energy and transport) and being accorded respect and dignity as human being. Various actors pursue development in different spatial setting. For example, governments pursue development nationally while individuals pursue development around their environment such as the homes, villages or urban dwelling. Development is more concerned with the conditions and environment under which goods and services are produced and distributed as compared to economic growth. Economic activities and wealth generation processes give rise to economic environment. Development is also biased to social consequences of production and distribution of goods and services. Economic growth alone is not necessarily development especially when few powerful individuals control the growth process. This is because economic growth can concentrate wealth on the hands of the few and leave the majority of the people without access adequate to basic product and services. However, development is attained when many people benefit from access to adequate services and products needed to make them better. Development includes the process and policies that are used to improve socioeconomic well being of the people. Developed society Strictly speaking, if all the conditions that defined development are considered, no single society can be referred to as a developed society. This is because each country faces challenges that disqualify them as a developed society. In fact, those countries that are said to be developed are facing serious pollution problems and other challenges that were brought about by industrialization. Most people in developed countries have poor lifestyles that lead to very many life threatening diseases such as cancer and diabetics. Practically, it is difficult for any given society to provide all the necessary goods and service to its people. Therefore, if a society fails to help its people to actively improve their lifestyle, it falls short of being a developed society. Development is always a goal to be achieved. However, it is acceptable to affirm that some countries are more developed than the others. More developed countries exhibit greater price stability, high employment rates, and sustained growth. Furthermore, their citizens are treated with more respect and dignity. Theoretical heritage of development studies Development studies refer to a branch of social science that is aimed at inculcating skills and knowledge about development. The subjected originated from the United Kingdom in the mid of twentieth century after the Second World War and its popularity has grown since the beginning of 1990’s. The academic discipline became important because of increasing concern about lower economic status of the third world countries following decolonization. Modern development commenced following the inauguration of President Truman in 1949. Economic inequalities and insecurity in states may cause global insecurity because some people have while others lack. Therefore, those who lack try to take away from those who have. This makes it extremely necessary to address the issues of development in all parts of the world to create a better and safer world through greater equity in income and wealth distribution. The key theories in development studies include modernization theory, dependency theory, world system theory, theory of uneven and combined development and state theory. Capitalism Capitalism refers to an economic system of a specific country or nation that permits individual persons to own and manage means of production and the distribution channels. The aim of owners of means of production and distribution channels is to make profit for goods and service they produce and distribute. Private individuals who produce goods and services are granted powers to make decisions on prices, supply and distribution based on demand –supply forces. Capitalism also allows individuals to determine the level and timing of their investment. The government does not control the markets and property rights. Capitalism can effectively spur economic growth because people are paid based on their efforts. However, it can propagate disparities in both income and wealth distribution in a society or country. Capitalism has been blamed for creating a man eats man society. United States of America science and technology policy Science and Technology department that designs Science and technology policies in the United States of America is located in the executive office of the president. The Congress established the department in May 1976 with an aim of providing science and technology advisory services to the United States presidents and other key departments in the United States of America. The department plan and program the use of scientific information and knowledge that have been acquired over time. In addition, the science and technology department plan and program all relevant investment necessary to achieve best and adequate information that guides development of relevant and effective policies. It is important to note that all facets in the world demand the application of science and technology. Science and technology applies to national security, food production, management of the environment, communication, transportation and energy production among others. Since science and technology policies are varied and wide in scope, a section of the national security policy is the basis of this discussion. National security (Homeland security) refers to the protection of citizens against all forms of danger as well as country’s secrets. It also involves reducing vulnerability of the country to rogue nations and terrorists’ devastating attacks and schemes. United States have and continue to apply science and technology to assure the citizens and residents of their safety. There are various national security policies that United States of America is pursuing. One of the key policies is the policy on nuclear strategy and weapons employment that has been enshrined in the national security policy and strategy. The major threat in today’s world is the nuclear and chemical weapons proliferation. Nuclear and chemical weapons are extremely dangerous because it can cause devastating effects in a massive scale. United States government has and continues to take measures that will limit production and distributions of deadly arsenals of war. For example, United States is engaging the services of talented and skilled personnel to develop defenses against possible chemical, biological as well as nuclear attack from rogue nations, individual or terrorist like Al Qaeda. Science and technology help to develop ways of responding and recovering if an attack occurs. Advanced technology help to develop data management software that combine various data bases including terrorist watch list and allow centralization of all forms of necessary data to enhance security vigilance at all parts of the country. Good technology has also made it possible for confirming the identity of all persons via application of biometric technologies to ensure that right people are given access. Furthermore, technology aid development of early warning systems (nuclear detection equipments) to prevent threats from being implemented. It is also possible to develop decontaminations as well as undertake regulated clean up of buildings and equipments that have been contaminated with radio active substances with advanced and appropriate technology. EOP (2005 p.9) asserts that the policy on nuclear strategy and weapons employment provides directions on the size, quantity and framework as well as its application of weapons of war by United States, especially the use of nuclear weapons to enhance its national security. Clinton administration stated that it would not apply chemicals and biological weaponry to attack or fight back the states that do not have the nuclear weapons. According to Woolf (2010), the United States initiated a dialogue with Russia to reduce the amount and scope of production and applications of strategic arms. Developed countries are trying to agree on how to limit or reduce production and application of nuclear as well as biological and chemical weapons. Theoretical and practicability of the policy on nuclear strategy and weapons employment As much as the United States promises to minimize the quantity and the scope of application of strategic arms, it continues to apply anti-ballistic missiles in their national security pursuits thus making it extremely difficult to honor their dialogue with Russia to lower application of the offensive weapons. This is because anti-ballistic missiles are best known current weapons that are effective against hidden and buried targets in countries like Iraq. As a result, countries like China and Iran may become more aggressive and intense in pursuing production and application of the offensive weapons. Secondly, the United States under the Clinton administration promised not to use nuclear weapons against countries without the nuclear. However, the country intends to apply nuclear weapons against enemies, which use chemical and biological weapons in their attacks. The intention of the United States to continue producing the nuclear weapons encourage nuclear proliferation; reduce distinctions between conventional and nuclear weapons; hamper nuclear disarmament and directly violates negative security promises and reaffirmation that is taking root globally. Therefore, the policy has some contradictions that must be addressed to limit and minimize proliferation of the nuclear as well as chemical and biological weapons. Evidence whether the policy on nuclear strategy and weapons employment is effective United States of America forces in Iraq use anti-ballistic missiles against Al Qaeda strong holds to weaken and over power them. This is against the agreement made with other countries that discourages the application of anti-ballistic missiles. On the positive note, United States of America through Armed Forces Radiological Research Institute has developed medical treatments that counteract the effects of ionizing radiation. In addition, through science and technology, the country has developed missile defenses as well as (conventional) acceptable long range weapons for striking their enemies. This will enable the United States to prevent and respond to some of the attacks. Recommendation for the policy on nuclear strategy and weapons employment The United States government should lead by reducing the production of nuclear power and the application of anti-ballistic missiles. This is to prove to the world that they are serious with the move to reduce and even stop the application of non-conventional weapons. This will not place the countries to deliberately plan striking options of the strategic nuclear as well as chemical and biological war plan. References Payne, A. & Phillips, N. (2010). Development. Cambridge: Polity Press. Woolf, F. A. (2010). Nuclear Weapons in U. S. National Security Policy: Past, Present, and Prospects. New York: DIANE Publishing. Mendelsohn, J. (n.d.). The Muddle of U.S. Nuclear Weapons Strategy. Arms Control Association. Retrieved September 23, 2010, from http://www.armscontrol.org/print/1896 Peet, R., Hartwick,E. & Hartwick, R. E. (2009). Theories of development: contentions, arguments, alternatives. New York: Guilford Press Roberts and Hite, (2006) The Globalization and Development reader London: Wiley-Blackwell Amartya Sen, (2000). A Decade of Human Development, Journal of Human Development, vol. 1, issue 1, pp. 17-20 Kenny, C. (2005). Why are we worried about income? Nearly everything that matters is converging. London: Elsevier. Ingham, K. G. (2008) Capitalism. London: Polity. Martinussen. (1997). State, Society and Market. London: Zed Books EOP (April 2005). Science and Technology: A Foundation for Homeland Security: Washington, D.C. Read More