International Politics Essay

What fundamental ideas do Francis Fukuyama and Samuel P. Huntington share? Which concept, in your view, paints a more accurate picture of world affairs and the proper interaction between nation states? In fact, the theories of Fukuyama and Huntington have drawn attention to the topic of international relations and politics, with a particular emphasis on providing explanations for post-cold war developments from a global viewpoint. Fukuyama claims that the current global events are not just related to the end of the cold war or another specific war era. Rather, it points to the end of humankind’s evolution in the ideological perspective as well as the universality of the Western liberal democracies, which in turn stands for the last government under the leadership of the man (Fukuyama 58). Whereas democracy has become the only intelligent system of government in place since the nineteenth century, Fukuyama states that in the end, tension will be evident based on the class difference for those under the leadership and the others being led. According to Fukuyama, that is the basic concept of the projected occurrence shortly.

According to Huntington, the core concept of his argument is that the actors in the global players of the 21st century will be the next civilizations and that any conflicts involving the players now, will exist as conflicts against the civilizations instead of the usual conflicts of states and nations (Huntington 41). In making further explanation of the concept, Huntington argues that unlike the projected religious disputes between Jews and Christians that are perceived to be the greatest cause of such conflicts, Islam has all indications that ideally, it could be the proponent of such conflict in the world. Currently, Islam’s visible opposition to the West is on the anti-western learning; however, some other factors could contribute to such opposition. These include conflicts on human rights, trade conflicts, and disarmament of weapons proliferation. One notable aspect of the two concepts is that both Fukuyama and Huntington stress on the importance of fundamentalism and technology in driving such agendas.

From the comparison of the two above concepts, it is evident that Huntington’s theory gives a more realistic picture of international affairs and the proper relationship between nation states. As already stated, Huntington’s argument has it that in the future, conflicts will occur along cultural and religious lines, a situation that is already being witnessed. Ideally, there is already evidence pointing to the occurrence of such aspects, which mainly point towards the Islam religion. Islam as a religion has experienced various conflicts with the West, with differences emerging particularly on the issues of ideologies and beliefs. Serious conflicts between Muslims and the West have been there recently, and with the West being in control of various policies across the globe, such conflicts affect many nations globally. A conflict with the West is a conflict that affects the entire world.

Three major factors contribute towards the foreseeable conflict emanating from the Muslim community against the West. The West is exercising control over the Muslim territories. Muslims occupy a third of the world’s energy resources and with the West having an interest in exercising control over such resources becomes the origin of the conflict between the Muslims and other civilizations. Secondly, the Muslims have been victims of various oppressive regimes, who are mainly supported by the US. Moreover, the West has continually imposed its culture and lifestyle on the Muslims, despite the Muslims refusal to buy into such an idea. From such factors, it is evident that Huntington’s concept presents a more real picture of the projected situation.

2. Define human rights violations. Realistically, what roles should the United States and other world organizations play in addressing human rights violations?

All individuals are entitled to certain fundamental rights under certain circumstances. Among the fundamental rights that all people enjoy is the right to life. Human rights have its foundational pillars that include justice, tolerance, mutual respect, and dignity, all of which should be met at all times. The existence of humans’ rights expresses the critical idea that all persons are part of a scale whose establishment is based on morality and justice (Secretariat 196). Protection of such rights is the ascertainment that all individuals experience an equal level of humane treatment. In contrast, violation of such rights involves denying people the fundamental moral entitlement. In most cases, human rights violation involves the treatment of others as if they are fewer people and do not deserve respect and dignity as compared to others. Good examples of breaches of human rights include the various crimes committed against humanity such as genocides, slavery, torture, and rape among others. Different nations have developed various legislations and laws that guard against human rights violations; however, the implementation aspect has not been very active thus the observance of instances of human rights abuses (Hafner-Burton and Tsutsui 1381).

Human rights being a global issue, has the world community plays a significant influential role towards ensuring that human rights are protected. Many organizations around the world have made protection of human rights part of their duties while championing for mechanisms to end the violations and abuses. However, public participation is also an important aspect in ensuring the end to human rights abuses. While the various international organizations call for remedial action against human rights’ violations, backing from an outstanding public advocacy influences success to significant levels . Like the international organizations, the US also has a vital role to play in addressing the human rights violations. The United States being the world’s most influential nation and as such influences the development and formulation of policies and their implementation across the globe (Hafner-Burton and Tsutsui 1408). Based on such a perspective, the US with the help of other international organizations that champion for the end to human rights violations needs to develop policies and legislations that address the issue of human rights infringements in the entire world.

Amnesty International is one such organization that influences a worldwide movement that champions for the internationally recognized human rights for all. Amnesty International is much involved in researches and generation of actions used in the prevention gross human right abuses as well as demand for justice for the victims of the violation (Secretariat 202). The United States in such a way should offer financial assistance for the research studies, while also ensure that justice is served as they have the resources to make sure that happens. Human Rights Action Centre is another organization that could work effectively with the United States in addressing cases of human rights violations. The United States being a leading nation regarding technological development and innovation could effectively work together with Human Rights Action Center to address human rights abuses. Human Rights Action Center being majorly involved in the creation, innovation, and development of strategies used in stopping human rights abuses, could get the necessary assistance of latest technologies and innovative mechanisms that would ensure the successful development of strategies and their later implementation (Hafner-Burton and Tsutsui 1408). Moreover, Human Rights Action Center supports the growing of other rights groups across the globe. The United States, with the vast network, connections, and power throughout the world, could influence the successful implementation of the developed groups all over the world in ensuring that many people become aware of their rights and means of preventing any violations.

3. In your opinion, why does globalization appear to be met so often with fragmentation? What are the strengths and weaknesses of both on the development of international relations? Provide specific examples in support of your response.

Globalization has been manifested in various ways across the globe. The world is increasingly becoming smaller through the contribution of globalization. However, some people might as well argue that rather, the world is becoming larger, and the contributing factor in such a case if fragmentation. One primary concern is how the two elements seem to be getting stronger at the same time, despite their different nature. From a personalized opinion over the reason why globalization appears to be met so often with fragmentation is that from a generalized understanding of the two elements, globalization stands stronger than fragmentation. As a response to globalization, fragmentation happens. From a critical analysis of the two factors, one could make an argument that fragmentation appears as an element of globalization, even though the effect of globalization is the same. Therefore, whenever globalization is strengthened then fragmentation is equally enhanced in an equal proportionality. The two elements, therefore, consistently appear to meet each other.

Globalization has become an important subject of discussion in matters of international relations, especially in ways of its existence in the worlds as well as the strengths and weaknesses associated with it. From its definition, globalization refers to global interconnectedness of the various aspects of life including religion, trade among others. From such a perspective, the world’s social relations are intensified through the link of distant localities such that occurrences are shaped by other factors distant away (Baylis, Smith, and Owens 97). On the perspective of the development of world relations, has the strength in that with the globalization of world markets, networking through sharing of information on ideas and business opportunities becomes easy, thus an enhanced development and distant better relations . A good example is in the medical field where treatment of terminal illness among the developing nations has become easy as information and technology about such diseases are shared by the developed countries. On the contrary, globalization has equally had its cons about international relations. In the case of the United States, globalization has contributed towards the affected the domestic economic situation, especially regarding US jobs. Such an occurrence is attributed to the increased communication and technological advances, thus the outsourcing of ideas, which limits employment opportunities for the Americans regarding jobs (Clark 84). A good example is in the case in which previous jobs meant for the Americans are nowadays outsourced from other nations, thus limiting such opportunities for the locals.

One of the main strength of fragmentation with regards to development in international relations is that there is the element of trust and shared vision among the nations, which enables them to experience free trade among the members, with further alliances such in the military without any fears (Baylis, Smith, and Owens 125). A good example is the case of UK, which is both a member of the European Union and Commonwealth while still having ties with the US. Each of these relationships differs with the UK having a role to play in each. Despite the significant the vast globalization prospects in the world, nations still have divisions based on certain ideologies that end up creating differences (Clark 98). One of such ideologies is a religion where the pro-Christian nations exert pressure on the pro-Muslims nations to follow their ideas in an urge for globalized religious views. A vivid example is the case of the western countries against the Islam nations. The result has been increased terrorism

4. Which revolution had the most impact on world politics: the American Revolution, The French Revolution or the Industrial Revolution?

The French Revolution, the American Revolution, and the Industrial Revolution all contributed immensely towards the development of the world to its current state. Similarly, each of the revolutions had a noticeable impact on the different nations in which they originated and to the entire world where they spread. In all the three cases, the whole world was changed in a certain way; however, for the French and the American revolutions, much impact was felt only in the individual countries, as well as others that were directly involved with France and America such as those engaging in the war. The industrial revolution’s impact was felt not only in the country of origin and those that were directly involved in the revolution; however, the impact went global and is still felt to date across the globe.

The American Revolution was ideally the war of independence from the Great Britain and the different American colonies. The colonies later came together to form the United States of America. In its initial stages, the war was merely a conflict within the British Empire; however, they later join by Spain, France, and Netherlands made it a revolution as they supported the colonies against the British (Hobsbawm 45). The social, political, and economic impact of the revolution was not only felt by the Americans and the British; rather, it spread to other western nations. The revolution did not affect the world to such a significant extent. In fact, some continents never felt any impact at all. Similarly, the French Revolution did not have a significant impact in the world. The French Revolution was a popular movement initiated to reform the absolute rule of the monarch. Various factors contributed to its occurrence; however, the most included the government going bankrupt under the leadership of a weak king, the continued rule by federal aristocracy, and the poor harvests and rising price of commodities (De Vries 259). From such perspectives, it is evident that the revolution’s impact was mainly felt in France and in case it spread to other regions, it would still be within the Western boundaries.

The revolution that had a significant impact in the world was the Industrial Revolution. The revolution that took place between the 18th and 19th centuries indeed changed how the world manufactured its goods (Hobsbawm 48). Before its inception in Britain in 1700s, manufacturing was done in homes; however, post its inception, industrialization became the norm of the societies that marked a shift to the use of powered special purpose machinery, factories and product production in large masses (De Vries 254). The major contributing factors included the iron and textile industries, which together with the establishment of the steam engines. Indeed the industrial revolution had a significant impact across the globe with areas such as transportation, communication, and banking, experiencing significant improvements.

The Industrial Revolution had a significant impact on various aspects of humanity. Majorly, such an impact was felt from the economic perspective. With mechanization, working conditions improved significantly from the previous incidences in which people had to perform all the tasks by themselves (Hobsbawm 52). With better working conditions, living conditions also changed for the better. One critical aspect of importance to note with regards to the conditions of life is that in the earlier periods of the revolution, the skilled workers had their living standards depreciate substantively. Considering that previously such individuals tended their gardens and different tasks at their pace as a means of supplementing their income. However, with the development of industries and machines, a significant majority lost their jobs to machines and as such life became unbearable (De Vries 269). Urbanization also became the norm of the society with every person leaving the villages for the urban centers. As such during the initial years, urban centers experienced overpopulation, making the living conditions poor and public health worst. With proper developments later, the situation changed for the revolution to have a significant positive impact. Indeed, the Industrial Revolution and the change that came with it shook the world from all corners, with its effects still being felt to date across the globe. It was the revolution of all revolutions.

5. In your opinion, to what extent do the developed nation-states have a responsibility to promote development in the less developed nation states? To what extent is it in their interests to do so?

The development of the less developed nations and whose role it exists as one of the greatest controversies in the modern societies. Developing nations continue to undergo crisis, especially in the economic perspective, while the developed countries continue to enjoy in their developmental prosperity. A majority of the third world countries continue to suffer much, with the gap between the poor and the rich steadily increasing. The situation at hand in most developing nations is that only 20% of the population controls over 80% of the available resources. While a majority of those in the developing nation often send blames to those in the developing countries, it is important that the nations should first look upon themselves and determines the reason for their slowed development.

Ideally, the developing countries are to blame for their delayed development. A majority of the governments in the developing nations set wrong priorities towards development, thus a reduced pace. Rather than spend more on development, the governments concentrate on a less developmental aspect such as the military, yet seldom do the nations engage in any conflicts or warfare. If large amounts of money were put on priority areas of human development such as healthcare, the nations would experience enormous growth. Furthermore, the developing nations lack the proper structures of governance, and therefore those in leadership apply dictatorial leadership traits while their governments are filled with mild corruption and gross human rights violations as well as the lack of the needed democracy (Cuervo-Cazurra and Mehmet 966). With such negativities, it is less likely that the developing nations would experience significant development.

One critical question frequently asked is whether the developed nations have a role to play in developing the less developed nations, and if so, to what extent is it in their interests to do so? Developing countries enjoy vast resource availability than those of the developed nations; however, they still lag behind in development. From such a perspective, it is evident that for purposes of the broad availability of natural resources, the developed nations could have interests in developing the less developed nations. Developed countries through experience have it that for a nation to grow, then human resource should first have an enhanced life standard. Therefore, the developed nations should provide assistance in various human development perspectives such as education, health in ensuring that a healthy populating is developed, which is then used in releasing the resources necessary for achieving other development goals (Cuervo-Cazurra and Mehmet 972). The developed nations are already contributing immensely towards such developments through various aid projects, which are mainly used for capital intensive project schemes with the potential of enhancing development. One most important aspect that the developed nations need to perform is to provide guidance on the appropriate structures of governance and resource management for efficient development in the developing countries (Farazmand 141).

Works Cited

Baylis, John, Steve Smith, and Patricia Owens. The globalization of world politics: an introduction to international relations. Oxford University Press, 2013.

Clark, Ian. Globalization and fragmentation: international relations in the twentieth century. Oxford University Press, 1997.

Cuervo-Cazurra, Alvaro, and Mehmet Genc. "Transforming disadvantages into advantages: developing-country MNEs in the least developed countries." journal of international Business Studies 39.6 (2008): 957-979.

De Vries, Jan. "The industrial revolution and the industrious revolution." The Journal of Economic History 54.02 (1994): 249-270.

Farazmand, Ali. Administrative reform in developing nations. Greenwood Publishing Group, 2002.

Fukuyama, Francis. The end of history and the last man. Simon and Schuster, 2006.

Hafner-Burton, Emilie M., and Kiyoteru Tsutsui. "Human Rights in a Globalizing World: The Paradox of Empty Promises 1." American journal of sociology 110.5 (2005): 1373-1411.

Hobsbawm, Eric. Age of revolution: 1789-1848. Hachette UK, 2010.

Huntington, Samuel P. The clash of civilizations and the remaking of world order. Penguin Books India, 1997.

Secretariat, Commonwealth. "Human rights violations." Commonwealth Manual on Human Rights Training for Police (2006): 193-204.