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The Origin of Russian Marxism, 2008.
A explanation of the origins of Marxism in Russia.
2,109 words (approx. 8.4 pages), 5 sources, MLA, £ 36.95
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Abstract
This paper studies the origins of Russian Marxism that originated from the theories and writings of Karl Marx and Freidrich Engels and which called for the overthrow of capitalism and the establishment of rule by the proletariat. The paper relates that, although Marx's intended audience had always been primarily the working class people of Europe, especially in Germany, it was the Russian Marxists who were the first to lead a successful revolution against capitalism.
From the Paper
"Das Kapital and The Communist Manifesto had a profound influence on the origins and development of Russian Marxism. These books described why the exploited working classes of capitalistic societies would suffer from alienation, rise up against the middle classes, and overthrow the system of capitalism. Then, according to Marx and Engels, after a brief period of rule by the dictatorship of the proletariat, the classless
society of communism would emerge. (Marx and Engels 99-102)
"The Communist Manifesto was basically a written version of everything Marx had been saying for years. Although it was Russian Marxists who were the first to lead a successful revolution against capitalism, Marx's intended audience had always been primarily the working class people of Europe, especially in Germany, and he spared no effort to incite them with his inflammatory rhetoric of class warfare. His intention was to persuade the workers of Germany that revolution was not only the sole answer to their oppression and misery, it was historically inevitable because of the scientific laws of history.
"The Communist Manifesto was published in February 1848 in order to fan the flames of revolt which were then smoldering across Europe. Marx had declared that Germany should be the chief focus of Communist interest because the proletariat in that country was more developed than it had been when either the French or English bourgeoisie had struggled for their independence. He believed that the proletarian revolution would arrive first in Germany, so when unrest broke out there in March of 1848, he traveled with much anticipation to the Rhineland to observe unfolding events."
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Nationalism, 2008.
An overview of the definition of nationalism and its effect on 20th century European politics.
4,263 words (approx. 17.1 pages), 11 sources, APA, £ 62.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that nationalism developed as a political ideology and a state reality in the nineteenth century, emerging once various groups of people began to see themselves as part of a nation rather than some other geographical designation. This paper discusses how nationalism shaped several of the states of Europe leading into the twentieth century and how nationalism as an ideology was strong in Germany and added to conflicts leading to World War I. The paper also examines how World War II was a continuation of many of the same forces, again with Germany as provocateur against many of the other states in Europe.
Outline:
Introduction
National Boundaries
Italy and Germany
War in the Twentieth Century
Conclusion
From the Paper
"Security has always been a major component of social relations, with groups of people intent in protecting themselves from encroachments on their territory and prerogatives banding together for greater strength. The idea of national security extends beyond the immediate neighborhood, village, or town to a larger entity known as the nation-state, and people only began to develop a sense of national identity after the feudal era. The trend began in the sixteenth century with the breakup of the Holy Roman Empire (Manchester, 1993, pp. 159-160). "
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Globalization and the Middle East: Iran, 2007.
A discussion of the Iranian response to globalization.
1,745 words (approx. 7.0 pages), 6 sources, MLA, £ 31.95
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Abstract
This paper argues that modern-day Iran is behaving in response to long-held grievances with western powers (like the United States and Great Britain) and because the globalization and integrated world that the West champions (most conspicuously the United States) is perceived as a direct threat to Iran's status as a theocracy, and a direct threat to the austere, non-consumerist tenets of traditional Islam. The paper explains that globalization threatens the very fabric of present Iranian society and the country's leaders therefore want to combat it and those they feel embody values inimical to their own interests. The paper also looks at what it is that has prompted the Middle Eastern land's angry denunciations of Israel, its stubborn adherence to a nuclear development program that is condemned by many in the western world, and its frequently negative characterizations of the United States. The paper concludes that one of the most compelling reasons for Iran's 'odd' actions is that globalization brings with it many threats to Iran and to its leadership; it is also a reminder, surely, of the western imperialism which impressed itself upon Iran in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries.
From the Paper
"To begin with, Iran is a nation that is comparatively insular and one which is dominated by a religion that frowns upon the "decadent," consumption-driven and even hedonistic lifestyle of the west. It is also, if its sometimes hysterical rhetoric and habitual defensiveness about what it is doing and why it is doing it are any indication, a nation that is deeply insecure - or, at the very least, its leaders are very insecure. More than that, Iran is a nation which has long bristled at the projection of western power via globalization and changing technologies and this has pushed it to the forefront of Middle Eastern nations committed to turning back that projection anyway they can."
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A Democratic Audit of China, 2008.
A look at the forces that have hindered China's movement towards a democratic government in the past 20 years.
2,515 words (approx. 10.1 pages), 10 sources, MLA, £ 42.95
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Abstract
Through a detailed analysis of 3 key topics from the democratic assessment framework in application to China, this paper attempts to understand how China is today a country still far removed from the promise of democracy. The paper looks at how important the issues of collective identity/citizenship, the rule of law, and economic rights are to the future of China and recognizes that it is difficult to come to a conclusion since China is still fundamentally an authoritarian state in which power is monopolized by the political-economic elite.
Outline:
Introduction
Nationhood and Citizenship
The Rule of Law and Access to Justice
Economic and Social Rights
Conclusion
From the Paper
"It must be acknowledged that this development of an authoritarian economic state was essential to the survival of China's ruling elite in the wake of the global collapse of communism in the early 1990s (Huang 54). In this analysis, it is was primarily through the ruling political elite's reaching out to the emerging business classes and co-opting them that allowed the Chinese system to survive the collapse of communism as an ideological system. However, it must be acknowledged that this has occurred at a great cost as one of the consequences of the development of this new elite has been a marked increase in corruption that parallels economic dislocation for much of the population (Fuller 152)."
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The Asian Financial Crisis, 2008.
This paper analyzes the Asian financial crisis by comparing the economies of South Korea and Malaysia.
2,745 words (approx. 11.0 pages), 6 sources, APA, £ 45.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that, because investors lost confidence, the Asian financial crisis was not just a domestic problem but rather spread to other parts of the, world especially Third World countries. The author posits that the recovery from the crisis was dependent on the macro economy prior to the crisis within each country. The paper relates that South Korea and Malaysia have different internal structures, were at different levels of development before the crisis and have different survival rates with very different 'after crisis' scenarios. The author points out that the crisis in Malaysia was more of a currency crisis, which had spillover effects within other sectors of the macro economy; however, South Korea faced more of a banking crisis. The paper discuses the role of the International Monetary Fund, the government's role in each region and the Asian Monetary Fund to present a policy outline for preventing future crises.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
A Historical Debate
Asian Financial Crisis: A Closer Look at South Korea and Malaysia
Role of the IMF
Figure 1: Malaysia's and South Korean Unemployment Worsened by IMF Policies
Asian Monetary Fund: Policies and Procedures for Future Crises.
Figure 2: Economic Growth, the Main Aim of the AMF: Implications for Asia
From the Paper
"There were a lot of issues that caused the financial crisis. Mainly, investors lost confidence in the Asian market and started to remove capital from South Korea and Malaysia. The onset of the loss of confidence by investors began when the economies, such as Mexico had crises that preceded the Asian crisis. Similarly, the United States was increasing interest rates during the period to lower inflation as part of its monetary policy. Investors prefer to invest in the United States versus Asia, since the former is considered less risky."
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Persian Influence on Islamic Civilization, 2008.
This paper is a theoretical, descriptive and analytical historical review pf the major aspects of the Persian (modern Iran) influence on the Islamic civilization.
1,650 words (approx. 6.6 pages), 8 sources, MLA, £ 29.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that the Persian Empire created great civilizations before the rise of Islam. The author points out that the Persian presence within the Islamic populace influenced many core aspects of the Muslim society: the realm and formation of government, architecture, music, medicine, linguistics, literature, clothing and fashion and other areas of cultural, economical, political and social significance. The paper states that, unlike general notions perpetrated by Western civilizations, the Islamic civilization, which was a global civilization that integrated individuals of diverse ethnic backgrounds who worked together to create knowledge within the arts and sciences, was not marred with war and terrorism. The author believes that the modern view of the Persian Empire is marred with subjective criticisms and linkages between Iran and terrorism.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Persian Culture; How is this Influence Explained: A General Overview
Figure 1: Iran's Cultural Dimensions
Scientific Contribution to Islamic Civilization: The Influence of the Persian Empire, Especially in the Field of Medicine
Figure 2: An Overview of the Persian Influence on Islamic Scientific Processes (Using an Input/Output Model)
Conclusion: State-Sponsored Terrorism and Iran
From the Paper
"Fields of medicine strongly influenced by Iranian scientist include but are not limited to physiology, biochemistry, immunology, and molecular biology. There influence has been likened to changes in the understanding of medicine that took place between prehistoric times to the present, this is a rather profound statement, since "the torch of medicine was in the hands of Muslims in historical periods from ancient Athens to the Renaissance", but Iranian scientist have still managed to make remarkable progress in medicine. Scientist form the Persian sphere have had such a profound impact on Islamic medical research, that many medical scientist considered authorities in the field have evolved in the Islamic Civilization, but are Persian. Nabipour highlighted a few renowned scientists such as Rhazes (865 - 925 A.D.)who has one of the most authoritative books on smallpox and measles."
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The Muslim Religion: The Shia, 2008.
An examination of Shia/Sunni schism within the Muslim religion and how the Shia has survived despite this divide.
1,659 words (approx. 6.6 pages), 5 sources, MLA, £ 29.95
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Abstract
This paper examines the Shia of the Middle East and what they have done to survive in the face of implacable outside hostility. The paper explores the beginning of the Shia/Sunni schism as well as the phenomenon of the "steady state" and what it means for the Shia. The paper further examines the cultural/religious anxiety of the Shia, the cultural distortion suffered, and the cultural revitalization experienced by, this group. Finally, the paepr discusses elements such as communication (on a broad, cultural level), organization, adaptation and cultural transformation (within the context of the Middle East) for Muslims in general.
From the Paper
"At the same time, the cultural transformation of the Middle East in the last century-plus by the western colonial powers has sparked a powerful re-birth of traditional religious sentiment throughout the Middle East - including Iran (Harman, para.11). The impress of western sensibilities and philosophical doctrines upon the elites was aggressively counter-acted by a new rise in religious commitment. As a result, and this has been the case in Iran since at least the days of Khomeini, Shia Islam has been pushed to the fore because it is (arguably) the most potent means by which the peoples of Iran can express their revulsion at the depredations of foreign powers. Looked at from an anthropological perspective, it may be advanced that the Shia peoples of Iran have made a fetish out of their religious beliefs in order to thwart cultural imperialism - but they (or at least their leaders) have shown enough adaptability to meet the exigencies of turbulent times."
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Slavery, Stereotypes and Society, 2008.
A critical analysis of the adaptive flexibility model in its application to the African-Caribbean family.
1,931 words (approx. 7.7 pages), 4 sources, APA, £ 34.95
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Abstract
The paper critically examines the adaptive flexibility model and argues that while this model possesses strengths, the model is flawed to the extent that it diminishes the radical impact of slavery upon the social and cultural development of the African-Caribbean family. The paper contends that a more balanced analysis would recognize both the reality of the impact of slavery upon later generations of African-Caribbeans, as well as the capacity of these families to define their own lives, often in resistance to this oppression.
Outline:
Introduction
Revisionism and the Adaptive Flexibility Model
From the Paper
"It is significant that even today scholarly research on the African Caribbean family focuses to an extraordinary degree upon the impact of slavery on this population. Much of the early history of the Caribbean is defined by its economic role as the largest English, and for a brief period the largest world, producer of sugar (Floyd 1981, p.38). To harvest the sugar cane, the English planters found that they needed far more field workers than could be obtained from the deported criminal classes of Britain and Ireland."
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Music and Performing Arts, Renaissance to Today, 2007.
A discussion of music and drama, from the Renaissance era until today.
984 words (approx. 3.9 pages), 4 sources, MLA, £ 18.95
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Abstract
This paper examines the influence that music and performing arts have had on human culture and society, focusing on the Renaissance period. The paper explains that in the early part of the Renaissance, the role of music was tremendously important as polyphony became more simplified in the Renaissance, generally "smoother" and more harmonious overall. The paper notes that there is no doubt that the technological impact of recording technologies, beginning with the phonograph and leading up to today's CDs and DVDs, has had an impact upon the individual enjoyment and distribution of music and dramatic art forms (especially film), unprecedented since the invention of the printing press in the Renaissance. In conclusion, the paper shows that today, the Internet has hugely assisted in enabling individuals to share such work among themselves, though not to the point of alleviating the isolating influence of technology or to creating a new form of communal experience.
From the Paper
"In the early part of the Renaissance, the role of religion, that is to say, the church as an organization and social unifying force, was still prominent above all else. Nation-states had not yet arisen to assert their claim on peoples' loyalty. The church represented stability and social cohesion in a world of uncertainty and danger from many sources: feudal overlords, weak central governments, and unpredictable weather and harvests. The role of music was thus tremendously important too in this period. Polyphony became more simplified in the Renaissance, and generally "smoother" and more harmonious overall."
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Robert Spencer's "The Politically Incorrect Guide to Islam", 2008.
This paper is a critical review of Robert Spencer's "The Politically Incorrect Guide to Islam".
1,101 words (approx. 4.4 pages), 1 source, MLA, £ 21.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that Robert Spencer organizes his book "The Politically Incorrect Guide to Islam" (and the Crusades)" in three large sections. The author points out that, in the first section, Spencer analyzes the era of the Prophet Muhammad and the philosophy set forth in the Qur'an, which Spencer calls a book of war. The paper relates that, in the second section, Spencer covers the history of the Crusades as the first clash between the Middle East and the West, between Islam and Christianity, which he finds important for making the West and Christianity ascendant and for keeping Islam in check for centuries. The author tells that the third section addresses the current era of jihad against the West, as the consequence of the earlier time and a continuing philosophical clash in which Spencer clearly sees the West as having the moral high ground and Islam as claiming a moral strength it does not possess at all.
Table of Contents:
Problem
Thesis
Summary
Critique
From the Paper
"Spencer makes his own answer clear when he writes about why the life of Muhammad matters and stats that "religions are not entirely determined (or distorted) by the faithful over time." It has become common for the politically correct to see Islam as a peaceful religion that is being distorted by some followers, but Spencer wants to show that the foundation of the religion itself favors war and actions taken from a position of power. Spencer also wants to elevate Christianity over Islam in philosophical terms and throughout compares the teachings of Jesus and the teachings of Muhammad to show that they are not equivalent and that there are real differences that make one more acceptable than the other."
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"The Spider Eaters" - An Inside View of Mao's China, 2007.
A review of the book "The Spider Eaters" by Rae Yang.
1,132 words (approx. 4.5 pages), 1 source, MLA, £ 21.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses Rae Yang's memoir - "The Spider Eaters". The paper explains that the books is the story of a classless person who came of age during the Cultural Revolution and who obviously worked hard to present her experiences in a direct and emotional manner. The paper explains that Yang's volume covers the decades between 1950 and 1980 and clearly illustrates the cruelty that Yang came to see all around her though a committed communist and Red Guard. The paper also shows how Yang's memoir points to Mao as a very aware person, a megalomaniac in Communist clothing who had no care as to the degree of cruelty that was inflicted through an entire society, or how this experience might shape future Chinese society and politics. In conclusion, the paper shows that Mao and the Chinese Cultural Revolution destroyed the Chinese who might have had much to offer the socialist experiment, drove great wedges between people and accustomed the Chinese once again to conditions of great fear.
From the Paper
"Mao's regime could be, just as the Red Guard she came to recognize as brutal, a movement quickly dissolving into anarchy, a kind of gang warfare, till the Red Army intervened. This is an interesting revelation given that one is so often instructed that Mao was not aware of the abuses inflicted on many Chinese during the Cultural Revolution, that the Red Army had somehow taken over or carried out what he had not intended. Yang's memoir points to Mao as a very aware person, a megalomaniac in Communist clothing who had no care as to the degree of cruelty that was inflicted through an entire society, or how this experience might shape future Chinese society and politics. Yang's volume covers the decades between 1950 and her 1980. Shortly after, Yang left for the United States where she made her career."
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Seeds of Modernity in the Colonial Crucible, 2008.
An examination of the effects of colonialism on the indigenous people of America.
1,342 words (approx. 5.4 pages), 3 sources, MLA, £ 25.95
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Abstract
This paper examines the initial encounter between the Europeans and the indigenous peoples of the Americas between 1600-1800. The author states that colonialism's oppression and forced labor of the indigenous peoples of the Americas directly influenced the collective mythologies embedded into their respective cultures and art. The oppression of history and tyranny, that they suffered, although terrible, has clearly been a force in the quality of their work.
From the Paper
"The initial encounter between the Europeans and the indigenous peoples of the Americas became the doorway through which the old world stepped into the new. Indeed, what Chasteen refers to in his timeline as the Colonial crucible, roughly the period between 1600-1800 (Chasteen 10), would establish the pattern of hegemony of transcultural dominance and subjugation that would have far-ranging effects that we see today in everything from how or if societies became agrarian or industrial, to the sort of art painters and writers create today. The oppression of colonialism and the forced labor of its indigenous peoples directly influenced the collective mythologies that became embedded into their respective cultures and art.
"Modernity, and colonialism, as Mingolo states, are two sides of the same coin, and not two different frames of mind. He names President George W. Bush as the prime example of this duality:
"Coloniality, therefore, points toward and intends to unveil an embedded logic that enforces control, domination, and exploitation disguised in the language of salvation, progress, modernization, and being good for every one. The double register of modernity/coloniality has, perhaps, never been as clear as it has been recently under the administration of U.S. President George W. Bush. (Mingolo 6)
"Some may read Mingolo's statement as a bit inflammatory and radical; but truly, he sees Bush as the embodiment of qualities and values that began long ago, when America in the distance past was the nodal point that allowed for the expansion of the condition and values that allowed for an imperialistic European lifestyle. Mingolo goes as far as to assert that the claims on American lands were the key turning point in world history, where a specific set of values, based in colonialism, became necessary to pave the way toward modern Europe and Latin America."
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The Notion and Practice of Revolution, 2008.
A discussion of the commonalities and similarities between the Russian Revolution and Mexican Revolution.
1,707 words (approx. 6.8 pages), 6 sources, MLA, £ 30.95
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Abstract
This paper explores similarities and differences as they relate to three aspects of the Russian and Mexican Revolution: ideology; antecedents or contributing factors; and outcomes or a changed social order. The paper presents the ideology that influenced and determined the Russian Revolution, followed by ideology and a comparison for the Mexican Revolution. The paper then discusses the antecedents to revolution in Russia, and compares it to Mexico. The paper also demonstrates how the ideology which inspired revolution actually instigates that revolution. In conclusion, the outcomes for both Russian and Mexican society are discussed and compared.
Outline:
Introduction
Ideology - Russia
Ideology - Mexico
Antecedents - Russia
Antecedents - Mexico
Outcomes - Russia
Outcomes - Mexico
Conclusion
From the Paper
"Ideology has played a central role in revolution with innovative social ideas and the vision of a new social order inspiring the revolution. Strong national feeling was a very important factor in the Mexican revolution. According to Vanderwood (204) the situation in Mexico was an authentic social revolution that tended between "authoritarian rule and the endeavor to give peasants and workers a meaningful voice in government". By the time of the Cold War, Americans began to "interpret Mexico's experience largely in terms of the Communist revolution in the former Soviet Union" (Vanderwood 204). During the Mexican Revolution, the individual who was similar to Lenin in influence and vision was Villa."
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East Asian History, 2008.
This paper explores the forces behind several events in East Asian history.
1,186 words (approx. 4.7 pages), 1 source, MLA, £ 22.95
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Abstract
The paper examines the historical meaning behind several important events in East Asian history through the 'people' perspective and nationalism. The paper argues that although nationalism was the driving force behind these events, particularly in China, diverse events were brought about by different groups of 'people' in that society. The paper focuses on China and Korea and examines the the Japanese colonial rule in Korea, the 1911 Revolution in China and the Chinese May Fourth movement.
From the Paper
"The situation in Korea at the beginning of the 20th century was particularly complex. The Korean peninsula was of interest to both Russian and Japanese imperial interests for economic and strategic reasons. After the Russo-Japanese war (1904-1905) Korea was acknowledged as Japanese sphere of interest by United States and Britain. In 1910 Koreans officially lost their sovereignty when the treaty of annexation was signed. Many see the Japanese rule over Korea as contradictory. Korean people suffered from the police regime the Japanese authorities have established. The punishment for riots and crimes were strict. The Korean participation in all forms of government was cancelled."
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