Europe and Its Foreign Policy Essays

Europe and Its Foreign Policy Essays Europe and Its Foreign Policy Essay Europe and Its Foreign Policy Essay Mariaclara Ingrid Ludovici EU relations with the world Nowadays, the EU has adopted a foreign policy that has been modified and improved over time thanks to a series of treaties. It has been introduced to maintain EU values, interests, independence, and integrity of the Union. EU foreign and security policy has the aim of strengthening the Union’s security by keeping peace and promoting cooperation, democracy, the rule of law, and respect for human rights. It is connected with four main aspects: trade, foreign direct investment, development, and monetary policy. Other fundamental factors related to it are the increasing process of enlargement and cooperation, and international relations. Those elements have been introduced to built relations not only with countries close to the EU, but also with those far away. A great tool of European? Foreign Policy is also its system of justice and home affairs established to bring peace, and create economic interdependence among European countries. Between the main goals of the European Union, one of those could be to extend frameworks between all the partner states regardless of their diversity. Moreover, the EU has the purpose of improving relationships with other countries, such as Turkey, Russia and China with whom it has an ambivalent rapport. Therefore, this paper is going to explain and discuss the basics, tendencies, approaches and possible future roles of EU foreign policy. EU foreign and security policy has been created together with its growing economic and political policy. The first forms of regular meetings aimed at coordinating the European foreign policy arose during the 1970s between EU ministers of foreign affairs. Later, due to an increasing threat of international terrorism and regional conflicts in Europe during the 1990s, EU leaders decided to create a formal method for diplomacy and intervention. As a result, in 1993 they established the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP). It has been designed to allow Member States to coordinate and assert the EU’s identity, and to preserve values, interests, independence, international security and integrity of the Union. Furthermore, it has been created to consolidate international cooperation, develop the rule of law and democracy, and to promote respect for human rights. All of the EU’s major institutions are essential for EU foreign policy, and CFSP decision-making procedures are intergovernmental. The European Council is in charge for foreign policy, defining policy principles, activities, strategies, and general guidelines (A Guide for Americans, 26-27). In addition, in 1999, European leaders decided to establish a EU Security and Defense Policy (ESDP) considered as a part of the EU’s Common Foreign and Security Policy. It occurred because there was the need to improve and strengthen security and operations related to it, such as peacekeeping, monitoring, and conflict prevention. Under the ESDP structure, EU member states has been able to organize and send civilian and/or military operations in many countries, for example in Southeast Europe, the Middle East, Africa, South Asia, Georgia and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (A Guide for Americans, 26-27). In order to reach a great success and expansion of the ESDP, in 2009, substantial innovations thanks to the Treaty of Lisbon were introduced: the ESDP became the Common Security and Defense Policy (CSDP). The Treaty of Lisbon was organized to introduce the concept of solidarity and mutual assistance between all EU Member States if another Member State was attacked. In addition, other two measures were introduced within the Lisbon Treaty: â€Å"enhanced cooperation,† and â€Å"permanent structured cooperation† (A Guide for Americans, 26). The first one was addressed to deepen military cooperation of at least nine member states. The second one, controlled by the European Defense Agency, was aimed at providing a strong defense system, which every country could carry out. Eventually, the treaty updated targets of CSDP: humanitarian works, peacekeeping, stabilization, crisis management, assistance in other countries, disarmament operations, and antiterrorist actions (A Guide for Americans, 26). Another important tool of EU foreign policy is its external economic policies where its trade power is seen as a method for negotiations, promising benefits, assistance, and so on. It is a way to present conditions to other countries if they are willing to access the EU market (Hay and Menon, 403). In fact, European foreign policy has really strong forces that are connected with its global economic policies. It presents four main aspects: trade, foreign direct investment, development, and monetary policy. External economic relations are built especially for trade with other countries. Except for the agriculture regime that is pretty protectionist, the EU’s trade is moved by liberal system. Also the monetary policy became really important since the advent of euro. Nowadays, this currency encompasses 12 out of 27 EU’s member states (Hay and Menon, 391-395). The EU’s approach is also bound to the promotion of its values and models abroad. However, EU foreign policy is made stronger and more effective when there is unity among its member states (Bindi). Finally, another central role in EU foreign policy is played by the strategic partnership between the European Union and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) in order to keep regional stability and peace. In particular, this cooperation has been planned for crisis management, anti-terrorism, nonproliferation of weapons of mass destruction, and so on. An example showing the relationship between these two institutions can be descripted by the EU’s assumption on March 31, 2003, of NATO’s mission, called Operation Concordia, in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. There, EU Member States and other nations sent around 400 troops. That was the first time in which the EU led a military mission (A Guide for Americans, 26). However, in order to better understand and explain how Europe approaches foreign policies, it is appropriate to consider some diplomats’ thoughts exanimating international relations in the twenty-first century, such as Cooper with his liberal vision. He thinks that there are three types of states in the world, and the way in which they are classified depends on how they deal with each other. In the world there are countries without fully functioning states that are called â€Å"pre-modern,† nation states dealing with territorial sovereignty and national interest, known as â€Å"modern† states, and then countries whose foreign and domestic policy are deeply connected, governance means are shared, and the control of territory and of power is not the only method to keep security. This last kind of state is called â€Å"post-modern. Through this distinction, Cooper also confronts the United States and Europe’s different approaches. The U. S. is more hegemonic, and seeking for control, also military if necessary. Europe, instead, has a more defensive attitude, and more compatible with human rights and cosmopolitan values. These characteristics make America a â€Å"modern† entity, while Europe a â€Å"post -modern. † It is still not really clear the situation of the U. S. It sometimes acts as a â€Å"post-modern† entity as well, even though it owns really strong military forces, and it is not cared to use them (Cooper). In fact, Cooper says, â€Å"Americas aim, like everyone else, is to preserve its national security. Sometimes commentators refer, slightly incredulously, to Americas wish to be invulnerable† (Cooper, 45). However, post-modernism influences the nature of European foreign policy: its political and economic environment of interdependence and cooperation make Europe a post-modernist world. Its foreign policy is based on compromises and negotiations controlled by a multinational hegemony. Europe is ruled by international and regional law (Cooper). In contrast to the modern state system based on national political sovereignty, there is no longer the distinction between domestic and foreign affairs in post-modern countries. Everything is done for the good of all, not just for domestic interest. In contrast to America, which has adopted a realistic view in acting for its own national interest regardless of moral values, Europe is acting as a liberal force fostering democracy and free-market capitalism. In fact, another interesting point is the fact that Europe has become really strong in its democratization strategy. The EU has been able to promote human rights, democracy and integration in various countries, also in some formerly communist countries. The EU community has never had fear to share its sovereignty with different countries, or to be subjected to international institutions’ activities. On the other hand, even though in the US documents and in its ambitions human rights and democracy are two fundamental points, the US still remains reluctant in front of human rights treaties, such as that in favor of the International Criminal Court. US contemporary international relations are hindering American interests. The US has a realistic attitude, and it is the sole superpower in the world. This condition shows that every restriction of US’ sovereignty can have a negative effect on the country. For example, just the idea of an international court controlling American citizens could not be seen positively for US judicial process because the court could limit the US power (Hay and Menon, 418-419). The EU is â€Å"essentially post-modern and highly moralistic, values-based stance† (Hay and Menon, 419). Although the US could stand the introduction of international human rights system, these values could not be compatible anymore, especially talking about gun control, death penalty, abortion and the part of religion in public life (Hay and Menon, 419). The diversity between the liberal EU and the realist US is clarified by Kagan’s realist ideology also to better explain the EU foreign policy. According to him, Europe has its own method to deal with the others. That method is completely different from those of the other countries, such as the U. S. In fact, he affirms that â€Å"Americans are from Mars and Europeans are from Venus: they agree on little and understand one another less and less. † Europe is moving toward a world of laws, rules, transnational negotiation and cooperation. On the other hand, the United States continue exercising power depending on the possession and use of military forces. According to Kagan, the transatlantic division is deep. The United States and Europe work separately, especially in setting national priorities, determining threats, defining challenges and establishing foreign and defense policies (Kagan). The U. S. , less willing to work cooperatively, is less patient with diplomacy than Europe. The U. S. easily introduces punitive sanctions, and favors policies of coercion and punitive sanctions. Europeans, on the contrary, have more nuance and sophistication. They are more tolerant of failure and prefer peaceful solutions, negotiation, and diplomacy. â€Å"They often emphasize process over result, believing that ultimately process can become substance† (Kagan). However, there is a scholar called Wendt who has another ideology. He thinks that foreign policies depend on the concepts of interest and identity. According to him, governments should treat these elements as dependent variables, because states’ identity and interests are easily affected by anarchy. Wendt critiques realist and liberalist viewpoints by saying that â€Å"they change behavior but not identities and interest† (Wendt, 392). Realism is only concentrated on power of the state. Moreover, they think â€Å"states are the dominant actors in the system, and define security in self-interested terms† (Wendt, 392). Liberalism, in stead, is only the expression of collective good focusing on process, but this is not sufficient. These two ways of thinking are unable to make a state functional. According to Wendt who has a constructivist approach, constructivism is the fundamental way to study how the system affects state identities and interests. If governments know how this system works, they can â€Å"construct,† change, and improve people’s minds. So, America and Europe should adopt this ideology instead of approaching in a realistic or a liberal way in foreign policy. Wendt argues that, if ideas change all times, international institutions can also change state identities and interests. It is a great method to make a state effective and functional, because it is connected with the concept of self-help. The concept is based on interactions between states, and, according to Wendt, it can be improved by norms-based constructivism, the only ideology that can account for changes in the system (Wendt). EU tools are not just those related to the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP), but also the EU’s past successful enlargements and relations with the neighborhood. With the passing of time, the EU has obtained more popularity, in particular for its promise of democratic incentives and change in the region (Bindi). In fact, democracy is one of the three primary themes of the EU foreign policy. The other two are rule of law and respect for human rights. Cooperation between states is not systematic, and, if a state wants to join the EU, it should handle a deep and radical change in its government’s foundation. Another tool of European? Foreign Policy can its system of justice and home affairs. The EU was established to bring peace, and create economic interdependence among European countries. For this reason, military cooperation was not really considered given that NATO and the United States were in charge for providing military defense in Western European countries. However, the EU made some changes. With the European Security and Defense Policy (ESDP), and then, the Common Security and Defense Policy (CSDP), Europe integrated the innovative element of the EU’s military capability. The ESDP/CSDP represents a significant transformation: â€Å"In 1999 the European Council of Cologne decided to provide the EU with the capacity for autonomous military action, backed by military forces, as well as the means to decide to use them in responding to international crises† (Bindi, 73). However, it was with the establishment of the Area of Freedom, Security, and Justice (AFSJ) that there was the first attempt of the EU to pass from a more â€Å"civilian power approach† to a â€Å"multidimensional power,† more capable of managing actual threats. The AFSJ, in fact, is a â€Å"security strategy based on the project of developing regional stability abroad, and the issues covered by the AFSJ are respect for human rights, respect for the rule of law, guarantees of personal freedom, the right of defense, and freedom of movement† (Bindi, 77). Moreover, an interesting key point of EU is the relationship with its neighbor countries. The European Neighborhood Policy (ENP) has been an interesting change for the EU by creating stability across its borders beyond the member states. European foreign policy has been able to extend frameworks between all the partner states regardless of their diversity. However, European Union’s outcomes and dealing skills with its eastern and southern neighbors could be capable of determining the success or failure of the ENP (Bindi). Nevertheless, not all relations have been easy to establish for the EU. For example, the relation between the EU and Russia is made by an alternation of attraction and rejection. The eurozone crisis is having a negative impact in the EU neighborhood, especially in Russia. Furthermore, EU member states adopted different positions on Russia, and this is not bringing unity in the EU’s foreign policy. Because Russia has a great geopolitical importance, EU has the aim of improving its relations with this country. This situation could have important consequences for international relations. (Bindi). In the past few years, other developments occurred in the relations between the EU and other two countries: Ukraine and Belarus. Under the presidency of Viktor Yanukovich, Ukraine is becoming to be less western-oriented. On the other hand, the EU has isolated Belarus with sanctions imposed some year ago. The only way to improve the relation with these countries could be: engaging of Russia and making this country less aggressive. The European Union could â€Å"try to create regional conditions for a win-win situation and to avoid any initiative that insults Moscow’s sensibilities† (Bindi, 145). The Western Balkans is another important region in which the European Commission, the EU Council, and individual member states play a fundamental role. Because in the Lisbon Treaty it has not been established the way in which to deal with these countries, the EU’s policy in Western Balkans is a mixture of enlargement, and common foreign and security policy. However, the future enlargement of the EU will probably concern those countries, but this will occur only by strengthening membership negotiations in the Western Balkans and with Turkey (Bindi). In fact, the membership of Turkey is one of the main goals of the EU with whom Turkey still continues to be ambivalent in negotiating (Bindi). The European Neighborhood Policy (ENP), however, refers to Mediterranean non-member states as well. For example, the EU should be careful to Arab countries due to the rise of China and India. The Arab region could become more dependent on the Mediterranean region in order to import its products. Therefore, the EU should always be tolerant and compromising with this region, such as in protectionism in agriculture or limited mobility. This attitude would be really advantageous for the EU that could attain beneficial relations with its neighbor states (Bindi). Also the relation with the Middle East should not be underestimated, and the European member states should enhance their presence in the region. So far, the EU has not really had positive interactions with the Middle East. The EU was concerned not about Middle East foreign policy, but about instability or illegal immigration (Bindi). Regarding the relations between the EU and the other continents, it can be said that the Lisbon Treaty has been relevant for transatlantic relations. However, the EU’s and the U. S. ’s really complicated institutional structure and arrangements in decision-making have not been resolved with this Treaty. The Lisbon Treaty, in fact, changed the â€Å"domestic politics,† namely those politics referring to cooperation and antiterrorism efforts. So, it did not resolve the fact that transatlantic relations did not develop at the same level with those changes in the EU. Because of from both sides lack the effort to keep and enhance these relations, the two regions could drift apart (Bindi). Nowadays, the relationship between The U. S. and the EU is based on tropes and lead lines. The way in which these two entities handle the issue between Palestine and Israel could be a good example to show their diversity. USA is working with Israel and considers Palestine untreatable. On the other hand, Europe is treating those countries more equally. On the contrary, Canada is relatively more interested in developing trade and cooperation with the EU, although recent trade relations have been deteriorated due to some problems with the EU’s common agricultural policy (CAP). Europe should pay attention to this situation to avoid that Canada shifts its attention toward other parts of the world, like East Asia (Bindi). The EU’s relations with Latin America and the Caribbean increased soon after Spain and Portugal joined the EU, and it is principally a trade relationship. The relationship is very beneficial especially because of the Hispanic banks. In addition, the EU is not only a model for integration, but also one of the biggest donors in this area (Bindi). With regard to the relationship between the EU and Africa, this latter has always played an important role in European foreign relations since the Treaty of Rome. Three major agreements between the EU and Africa have been introduced: the Yaounde Convention, the Lome Convention, and the Cotonou Agreement. The EU is hyperactive in Africa, in particular for European interests, such as for security and migration issues, but also for better aid in the African countries and improvement of trade deals (Bindi). The EU’s relation with East Asia is increasing in trade, investment, development, market access, and other aspects of foreign policy. Nevertheless, the EU is not really seen as a united community. The euro crisis, for example, is undermining the idea of a possible adoption of the EU model in East Asia (Bindi). For example, China’s relationship with the EU became really strong, in particular between 2003 and 2005. However, for a shift in the EU’s strategy toward China, and the euro crisis causing Europe’s industrial decline, Europe started to consider China more as a competitor and a threat for European development and production. Another negative factor for China-EU relations was the election of more assertive politicians in Europe who made some European countries, such as France and Germany, pretty aggressive toward China. In addition, because of the lack of unity in Europe, China is forced to deal with each European country individually, and reaching agreements became more difficult and slower (Zhiqin). Finally, while the United States is strengthening its presence at military bases in South Korea, Japan, and the Philippines, Europe is losing its influence there, because the EU is not integrated in the territory (Zhiqin). The U. S. is always present in East Asia. In fact, Caira writes, â€Å"China has become more aware of the weight of transatlantic relations, of the connections between the China-EU relationship and the EU-U. S. relationship. It has become aware that the relationship is in fact triangular† (Bindi, 268). As a consequence, the future role of Europe in world affair may be related to making stronger relations with other countries, not only with the neighbors, but also with the others more far away. For example, the EU could think to improve the Sino-European relations. The best solution to do this is trying to better understand each other’s ideals, interests, and culture. This could lead to a great approach and cooperation (Zhiqin). Its external economic policies could be a powerful aspect for negotiations, promising benefits, assistance, and so on. It could be a way to set conditions to other countries if they are willing to access the EU market. Moreover, because there is a bipolar currency dividing the world in US dollars and EU euros, there could also be stronger competitiveness and pressure between the two currencies. It is crucial to manage these conditions in order to avoid instability in the international financial system. The monetary policy also affects the process of enlargement, in particular about the costs of enlargement for those countries being willing to, or waiting for being members of the EU (Hay and Menon, 285-289). Democracy promotion is at the center of both U. S. and EU strategies in their foreign policies. Democracy could be a fundamental instrument for achieving their primary foreign policy goals, such as security, economic prosperity and peace (Bindi, 303). So far, for six decades, the European Union obtained Nobel Peace Prize for peace in Europe. The EU has been able to transform Europe from a continent of war to a continent of peace† (Nobel Peace Prize Awarded to European Union). Because of recession, financial problems, and social unrest in many member states, the EU faced the biggest crisis of its history. However, the EU has been capable of maintaining the principle of peace and reconciliation, democracy and human rights (Nobel Peace Prize Awarded to European Union). The way, in which all these forces will affect the future outlook for European foreign policy-making, could also depend on the process of enlargement. It could be a possible tool to spread European influence not only close to its boundaries, but also throughout the world. The benefits of becoming a member of the EU would be so appealing and astonishing that even more countries would join the European Union. This situation could be a great inducement for political and economic reforms in states wishing to satisfy the EUs accession criteria. Finally, another important EU force for the future could be its approach with human rights. The EU is patient with diplomacy and willing to work cooperatively instead of favoring policies of coercion and punitive sanctions. For the fact that Europeans have more nuance and sophistication, in the future they would always opt for peaceful solutions, negotiation, and diplomacy. In conclusion, member states have reached great accomplishments over time in EU foreign policy. Anyhow, it can be made stronger and more effective if there is unity among its member states. It promotes humanitarian works, peacekeeping, stabilization, crisis management, assistance in other countries, disarmament operations, and antiterrorist actions. The EU’s approach also consists in promoting its values and models abroad by creating relationships throughout the globe. In he future, in fact, a further process of enlargement and competitiveness between EU member states and the other countries could affect the European Union’s foreign policy. Peaceful solutions, negotiation, and diplomacy will be the key of its power. Works cited: * A Guide For Americans: The European Union. Delegation of the European Commission to the U nited States. Mar. 2011. 26-35. Print. * Nobel Peace Prize Awarded to European Union. BBC News. BBC, 10 Dec. 2012. Web. 20 Oct. 2012. * Bindi, F. M. The foreign policy of the European Union, assessing Europes role in the world. Washington, D. C. : Brookings Inst Pr, 2010. 1-348. Print. * Cooper, Robert. The Breaking of Nations: Order and Chaos in the Twenty-First Century . Grove/Atlantic , 2004. 1-55. Web. * Hay, Colin, and, Menon, Anand. European politics. Oxford University Press, USA, 2007. 274-290 and 386-424. Print. * Kagan, Robert. Power and Weakness. Power and Weakness | Hoover Institution. Hoover Institution, 1 June 2002. Web. 21 Oct. 2012. * Wendt, Alexander. Anarchy Is What States Make of It: The Social Construction of Power Politics. Ic. ucsc. edu. Spring 1992. p. 391-425. Web. * Zhiqin, Shi. Understanding China-EU Relations. Carnegieeurope. eu. Carnegieeurope, 15 Oct. 2012. Web. 21 Oct. 2012.

Biography of Samuel Alito, Supreme Court Justice

Biography of Samuel Alito, Supreme Court Justice Samuel Anthony Alito Jr. (born on April 1, 1950) is a Supreme Court justice who has served on the court since January 31, 2006. He is known for being one of the most conservative justices in modern history. His nickname is Scalito because his political views and judgments are similar to that of the late Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia. Fast Facts: Samuel Alito Occupation: Justice of the Supreme Court of the United StatesBorn: April 1, 1950 in Trenton, New JerseyParents: Samuel Alito and Rose (Fradusco) AlitoEducation: Princeton University, AB, 1972; Yale University, JD, 1975Key Accomplishments:  National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) Special Achievement Award for Public ServiceSpouse: Martha-Ann (Bomgardner) Alito  Children: Philip and LauraOffbeat Fact: Alito is a  longtime fan of the Philadelphia Phillies. Early Life and Education Samuel Alito Jr. was born to Samuel Alito Sr. and Rose (Fradusco) Alito on April 1, 1950 in Trenton, New Jersey. His father was an Italian immigrant and his mother was  Italian-American. Both of them worked as schoolteachers. As a child, Samuel Alito Jr. grew up in the suburbs and attended a public school. He participated in a wide range of clubs and was the valedictorian of his senior class. After high school, he attended Princeton University, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in history and political science. Alito then enrolled in Yale Law School and graduated with a Juris Doctor in 1975. Early Career Alito had dreams of sitting on the Supreme Court when he was still at Princeton, but it would be quite a few years before he achieved that goal. Between 1976 and 1977, Alito worked as a law clerk for Leonard I. Garth, a Nixon-appointed judge on the US Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit. In 1977, Alito took a job as the Assistant US Attorney for the District of New Jersey, and in 1981, he began serving as the Assistant to the US Solicitor General. Alito held this job until 1985, when he became Deputy Assistant to the US Attorney General. In 1987, President Ronald Reagan appointed Alito as the US Attorney for the District of New Jersey. Alito continued to climb the ranks in the courts. In 1990, he was nominated to the US Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit in Newark, New Jersey by President George H.W. Bush. A few months after the nomination, the Senate unanimously confirmed Alito with a voice vote. He would serve as a judge on this court for 16 years. During that time, he had a record of issuing conservative opinions. For example, he was of the opinion that women should be required to notify their husbands about planned abortions and was the only dissenting voice in a 3rd Circuit ruling that struck down a Pennsylvania law, known as the Pennsylvania Abortion Control Act of 1982. Supreme Court Nomination Sandra Day OConnor, the first woman to serve on the US Supreme Court, retired in 2006. She was a conservative, Reagan-nominated Justice. Although she sided with the other conservative justices in most cases, she wasnt always predictable in her decisions and was commonly viewed as the swing vote. When OConnor announced her retirement, Republicans hoped for a more conservative replacement. President George W. Bush originally nominated John Roberts for the seat, but withdrew the nomination. Harriet Miers was President Bushs second nomination, but she withdrew when it became evident that there was widespread opposition to her nomination. President Bush nominated Samuel Alito for OConnors seat on October 31, 2005. The American Bar Associations Standing Committee on Federal Judiciary gave Alito a well-qualified rating, which is the highest rating that can be received. Many conservatives and pro-life advocates applauded the nomination, but not everyone supported Alito. Democrats expressed concern that he was a hard right conservative, and the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) formally opposed the nomination. The Senate eventually confirmed Alitos nomination in a 58-42 vote. Alito was sworn in as an associate justice to the US Supreme Court on January 31, 2006. Legacy During his tenure as a Supreme Court justice, Alito has proven to be a reliable conservative vote. He has used his interpretation of the law and his political ideologies to shift the law to the right in several areas, including womens reproductive rights and religious liberty. Some of the biggest cases he has worked on during his Supreme Court tenure include Burwell v. Hobby Lobby, Morse v. Frederick, and Ledbetter v. Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company, Inc. Each year, the Supreme Court takes on blockbuster cases related to some of the most divisive issues in the country. This means that Justice Samuel Alito has plenty of opportunities to add to his legacy and leave his ideological mark. Sources Gorod, Tom Donnelly Brianne. â€Å"None to the Right of Samuel Alito.†Ã‚  The Atlantic, 30 Jan. 2016, www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2016/01/none-to-the-right-of-samuel-alito/431946/.Houck, Aaron M., and Brian P. Smentkowski. â€Å"Samuel A. Alito, Jr.†Ã‚  Encyclopà ¦dia Britannica, 29 June 2018, www.britannica.com/biography/Samuel-A-Alito-Jr.â€Å"Samuel Alito Fast Facts.†Ã‚  CNN, Cable News Network, 28 Mar. 2018, www.cnn.com/2013/02/03/us/samuel-alito-fast-facts/index.html.

Digital Economic Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Digital Economic - Essay Example competition is a factor that is brought about by the fact that there are many sellers, who in turn make the firms that are available to be price takers. It also includes the sale of homogenous products. Because of this, as is the case that is presented by Thomson, there are chances of both easy entry and exit. However, it is involved with the perfect knowledge about the product, as well as adequate information about their pricing. The speculations were raised because, with the explosive growth of the internet, it was thought that there would be the availability of perfect information on the prices and products at the fingertips of most of those involved. With this, the consumers would be better placed to get the best deals. Thus, it was perceived that it would be a brave world whereby the profit margins of retailers would be competed away and they would be forced to price at a cost. They thought that the internet would reshape the world of commerce by dominating most of the businesses in existence within the established trading environments. As such, it would in the long run attain a position of dominion within the global market. However, the current trends in internet retailing have revealed that this has not happened as the earlier commentators have realized that most of their speculations were rather overblown since the high street market has weathered the storm. This is mainly because the retailers who are taking part in the activities are not making their own custom cannibal; the marketplace is not being fully dominated by the virtual merchants and the fact that the high streets have not been completely put out of business. Thus, most of the predictions that were made at the dawn of the internet era have not come to reality. This is in spite of the fact that some of speculations have come to pass. They include the vital role that is currently being played by the electronic intermediaries, especially on the aspect of making one-on-one marketing become a

Critically evaluate Althussers and Marcuses critiques of capitalism Essay

Critically evaluate Althussers and Marcuses critiques of capitalism - Essay Example Althusser advanced a progressive critique of humanism, historicism, and empiricism, which he depicted as the medium of the influence of bourgeoisie ideology on the modern Marxist theory. Althusser’s collection of essays titled Pour Marx (1965) and Lire de Capital (1965) inspired a number of new left thinkers. He focused on the mature Marx as exhibited by his analysis of alienation in the capitalist society. The essays represented intellectually hard-line Marxism but not dogmatism. Althusser attempted to employ Marx’s tools such as mode and means of production to probe the production of Marxian knowledge and highlight its uniqueness from other philosophical systems. This aided in promoting the credibility of Marxism as a science. Althusser confronted contemporary softer interpretations of Marx’s work. In particular, he sought to reread Western Marxist theory and free it from Soviet dogmatism, as well as humanistic interpretations (Michael 2011, p.134). Meanwhile, he wanted to reinstate their pace in the class struggle. Pour Marx is considered as the founding text of the school of structuralism in Marxism. Although he refused to be labeled as a structuralist, he used structuralism to abolish the â€Å"knowing subject† as the centre of thought and action. According to Althusser, Marxism is not an ideology or a world view but a revolutionary science. He holds that Marxism should ultimately be the science of society. He claimed that Marx had introduced a theoretically plus practically revolutionary philosophy such as dialectical materialism (Ferretter 2006, p.32). According to Althusser, the â€Å"epistemological rupture† witnessed around 1845, climaxed Marx coming out as a ‘scientific’ theorist. Althusser wanted to sever ties from idealist (Hegel’s philosophy) and materialist (Feuerbachian) philosophies. Althusser adopted the method of â€Å"symptomatic reading,† which is a deep analysis of structures

The Gap Inc Essay Example for Free

The Gap Inc Essay Doris and Don Fisher is the founder of GAP INC. The first GAP store that opened by Doris and Don Fisher is in year 1969.The first store was opened at San Francisco, USA. The reason of why Don Fisher opened a GAP store was simple because Don Fisher could not find a pair of jeans that fit him. Don Fisher was a third-generation of San Franciscan. His great-grandfather, Samuel Fisher, arrived in San Francisco from New York in the1860s which is a decade after the discovery of gold transformed California. Don was born to Sydney and Aileen Fisher on 3 September 1928. His father was a cabinetmaker. He learn the way to do business from his father cabinetmaker business. Path to Gap  Don Fisher face both succeeded and failed as an entrepreneur between1950 to 1960. In the mid-1960, Don Fisher working with his father branched out to start his own business. His own company is doing refurbished old hotels. He bought the Capitol Park Hotel in Sacramento. After buying the hotel, he leased space to Levi’s salesman to opened a showroom. On one day, Don Fisher go the Levi’s store and could not get a size suite him which is 34 waist and 31 length. This situation led to Don Fisher opened the first Gap store on Ocean Avenue. The Gap was inspired by the idea of â€Å"The Generation Gap†. Don Fisher had 2 important quotes which are â€Å"change or fail† and â€Å"never say no when you can say yes†. The Gap, INC. is a leading international specialty retailer with five brands which are GAP, Banana Republic, Old Navy, Athleta and Piperlime. There are also Outlets stores available like Gap outlet, Gap Generation and Banana Republic Factory Stores. The Gap, INC. world headquarters is at San Francisco Bay Area. The Product Design departments are at New York City, San Francisco, Los Angeles and London. There are over 3,200 stores worldwide. There are more than 3,100 Company-operated stores across United States, United Kingdom, Canada, China, France, Ireland, Japan and Italy. In the year 1987 , the first Gap store outside the United States opened in the UK. About 200 franchise stores located across Asia, Australia, Europe, Latin America, the Middle East and Africa. The Gap, INC. growing globally, and just last year, the Gap INC. opened their first store in China, Australia and Italy. The Gap, INC. Expanded their products through online shopping services which were offered to customers worldwide. Today, over 80 countries customers can easily buy Gap INC products. The Gap is a retailer offering clothing, accessories and personal care products for men, women, children and babies. Recognition In year 2009 , The Gap, Inc. was awarded by Womens Wear Daily. The Gap Inc. was ranked in the top Ideal employers chosen by undergraduates who were interested in the fashion, retail and apparel sector. Besides that, The Gap, INC. also awarded by Time Magazines 25 Responsibility Pioneers. The Gap, Inc. ranked No. 23, alongside mostly individuals and just three other companies who are changing the world. Time Magazine described our commitment to doing what’s right: At Gap, responsibility is in style†. In the Newsweeks Green Rankings list, an environmental ranking of Americas 500 largest corporations, the Gap Inc. was ranked 38 overall and 3rd in the retail industry, wastewater treatment at denim laundry and steps to promote sustainable agriculture for cotton. In year 2010, Gap Inc. ranked seventh among specialty retailers in the list of Worlds Most Admired Companies. The Gap Inc. was chosen as one of the Worlds Most Ethical Companies in recognition of the Gap INC commitment to ethical leadership and corporate social responsibility for the fourth straight year. Product produced by the company GAP Gap is an iconic retail brand, it offers an inventive American style. Customers can express their individual sense of style with clean, classic clothing and accessories by Gap. Gap which had their first store 40 years ago, continues to build its brand presence around the world. Gap was founded in year 1969. The brand Includes Gap, GapKids, babyGap, GapMaternity and Gapbody. Besides that, Gap outlet is the leading retailer in the outlet attracting customers with unexpected, versatile, trend-right looks at an unbelievable affordable value.The gap outlet was founded in year 1995. Banana Republic Banana Republic is accessible luxury that brings modern, soulful, effortless and versatile style for men and women around the world. Banana Republic designs, luxurious fabrications at approachable prices. The Banana Republic products include apparel, handbags, jewellery, fragrance and eyewear. Banana Republic was founded in year 1978. Besides that, Banana Republic Factory Store was also available since year 1997. Banana Republic Factory Store is for exclusive designs and great fashion at outstandingly high prices. Old Navy Old Navy design fashion and value to the whole family. From newborns through adults, Old Navy offer on-trend, modern clothing and accessories, as well as updated basics. The unique, dynamic stores provide an exceptional shopping experience for shopping lovers. Old Navy will ensures that the customers find a great, quality products at good value. Old Navy was founded in year 1994 and was named after a bar in Paris. In 1997, Old Navy became the first retailer to reach one billion in their annual sales less than four years of operation. Piperlime Piperlime is online fashion boutique targeted on all online shopers. Piperlime inspires their customers with a fresh and unique mix of products, brands and prices. Exclusive contributions from guest editors keep our customers in fashion and in the know. Piperlime was launched in year 2006. Athleta Athleta designed the ultimate performance apparel and gear for every active woman. For women athletes, they road-test, court-test and water-test everything themselves to ensure that each item they offer feature the perfect balance, performance and style. Athleta was founded in year 1998, but Gap INC. acquired Athleta in year 2008. Target customer Gap INC came out with different range of clothes and accessories to suit every customer. Gap have range from adult to kids. Banana Republic targeted customers which looks for luxury clothes and accessories. Old Navy put their target on family from young to old. Piperlime targeted their customers who always bought goods online. Athleta targeted on females who love sport activities. In conclusion, Gap INC came out with different range and types of clothing and accessories to suit all different customers. Gap INC is targeting everyone either professional or low income customers. Penetrating into foreign markets The Gap INC was successful in United States market for a period of time. Gap INC started growing into foreign markets. The Gap INC have competitors like Calvin Klein INC, Benetton Group so Gap INC has to expand to other region. The Gap INC first international store was in London. After that, the Gap stores soon sprang up throughout the United Kingdom, Canada, and France. Modes of entry The Gap INC have both franchises and company operative stores. The region which have about 200 franchise stores are in Asia, Australia, Europe, Latin America, the Middle East and Africa. Besides that, the Gap INC have about 3100 stores across United Kingdom, United States, Canada, France, China, Ireland, Japan and Italy. Global Consumer Preferences The Gap success is provide merchandise that suite to customers fashion taste. The time consume to reach every purchases is slow, so I cannot respond to new or changing fashion trends or consumers acceptance of my products. Our global specialty retail business fluctuates according to changes in consumer preferences ,dictated in part by fashion and season. Due to the time consume to reach my customers, our fashion trends will be slower and customers will go to my competitors and this situation will affect my company sales. The out dated fashion have to mark down and sold. For example The Gap INC United States Selling the 2012 spring fashion but in Singapore, there are still selling winter fashion. Globalised Production My products are manufactured by independent third parties. As result of out sourcing, my product are directly affected by the increases of cost. For example the cotton price increase will directly affect my company gross profit. If the current manufacturer charges my company with high price, I will get a new manufacturer. When I go for new manufacturer, there will be delays in production and added costs as a result of giving training to new vendors in making my products, quality control standards, and environmental, labour, health, and safety standards. The delay on production will affect the sales and net income of company. Due to globalised production, the finish goods need to transport from manufacturer to retailer of different nations. There are possible of delay in the shipment and delivery time. The factors that causes delay are availability of transport, work stoppages, port strikes, infrastructure congestion. If the goods are requested goods, I need to arrange for faster tran sport such as by air. The time of transporting goods from air is faster but the cost of transport are high. Technological Innovations Apparel and fashion industry has experience a rapid change in technological changes over the years. The fast changes has lead to a more sophisticated, with a significant apparel and fashion items present in the present time. Due to comfort and aesthetic value and being friendly to environment, the new fashion use the latest development of many different technologies. The utilisation of new software and technology for faster production and marketing, the software and technology helps the employees done their jobs easier and error free. The technology changes as the apparel and fashion demand and quality change. The Gap also concern about the changes in technology will affect the environment. For example a new invented machine can produce more apparels and environment friendly. Management Across Culture The Gap have different design of clothing according to festive or seasons. In Chinese New Year, Gap will come out with red colour as the theme colour and for 2012 there will be dragon on the design. During Christmas ther will be Chrismas themes apparel coming out. General Business Environment A business firm is an open system where a company gets resources from the environment and supplies goods or services or both to the environment. There are internal and external forces in business environment. External forces may be related to national level, regional level or international level. Under the environment forces, there are opportunities or threats to business community. All business organization tries to grasp the available opportunities and face the threats that emerge from the business environment. External environment cannot change by business organization. Company can only change the internal environment to grasp the external opportunities and face the external environmental threats. A business want to survived and to get success in the industry, the company have to analyze business environment by managers so that we could persue effective business strategy. Political Apparel and fashion industry also affected the by globalization trend which due to the construction of import international facilities and establishment. Every country have their own trade regulation and policies , because of the regulations and policies, company’s operations may be impaired. Some country control the entrance of foreign company and affected the operations of the company. Some country implement high tax to the company as a control. This situation will affect The Gap on expanding to foreign market.

Brave New World :: essays research papers

Brave New World   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The novel Brave New World by Aldous Huxley is an excellent book. The story accurately depicts the variation between a fictitious â€Å"utopia† and our present world. His vivid descriptions of the events and rituals of the utopians make the story a very quick read.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The story starts out with a group of students learning about the way each member of the population is produced. The DHC explains how each person is predestined for a certain class and job and throughout the fetal growth time, you are conditioned to the environment that job entails. At certain points of their â€Å"assembly line† each embryo is exposed to heat or light to condition the body for certain environments. After birth, the babies are conditioned to like or dislike certain things like books or light. By doing this, the Utopians believe that they will have happy workers and prevent revolutions. The children are constantly exposed to messages that are imprinted in their mind. These messages are designed to have an impact on their thinking and are more mechanical than mental.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Lenina Crowne and Bernard Marx come into the picture after learning how things work. They both work at the hatchery and have been dating, but she starts dating Bernard Marx instead. Bernard is a deformed but highly intelligent man who takes Lenina to a savage restoration. At the reservation, they meet John and his mother Linda, whom was the girlfriend of the DHC and John is his son. Lenina and Bernard take, with permission, Linda and John out of the reservation. Bernard and a friend introduce John to the new world. Lenina tries to make advances toward John but his savage attitude doesn’t allow it.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The downfall of John begins with the death of his mother in the new world. John goes crazy and tries to induce a revolution among the utopians that work at the hospital. He leaves to escape his nightmare, but cannot avoid the people. The Utopians drive him to suicide, which was his only option to escape the new society.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  One of the most scientifically interesting parts of the book is the description of the Bokanovsky process. The process allows one egg to multiply into 96 other eggs. This is the basis for a society like this one.

Unit 201- Child and Young Person Development

Unit 201- Child and young person development 3. 1 Identify the transitions experienced by most children and young people 3. 2 Identify transitions that only some children and young people may experience e. g. bereavement 3. 3 Describe with examples how transitions may affect children and young people’s behaviour and development Most children and young people will experience the following transitions: * Starting Nursery or reception * Going from part time to full time education * Going from infant to junior to secondary school * Starting to arrive or leave school alone Starting puberty * Exams * Starting college or higher education Some Children and young people may experience the following transitions: * Divorce * New partners * Step siblings * New siblings * New pets * Family members dying * Pets dying * Contracting, or recovering from, illness * Going into care * Moving house and changing schools * Abuse * Moving countries * Older siblings moving out of home * Injuries * Bec oming disabled * Becoming a carer All of these things will have an effect on a child or young person’s development and behaviour. Ways that a child’s development or behaviour could be affected include: * Being traumatised- A child may block an event from memory and in rare cases, can block out the whole world. This can lead to psychologically becoming blind, deaf and mute. * Becoming attention seeking- If a child has experienced a transition that means they get less attention they may act out in ways they would not normally act, breaking things, shouting, swearing etc because they crave attention and know they will get a reaction from adults * Uncharacteristic behaviour- using actions and language they would not normally use, not always to get attention. Children and young people may be looking for an escape, or a way into a new social circle. * Being anxious or nervous- Change in routine can affect a child because disrupting their normal day to day life brings in uncertainties, things they cannot control and new people who they do not yet trust. * Becoming withdrawn- children can often become withdrawn after any kind of transition, they can be found sitting alone, playing alone, and are less responsive, if they respond at all. It is important to try to get the child to interact with other children as well as adults. * Self harm- Not to be confused with attention seeking, if a child has had a dramatic transition, they may turn to self harm to help them feel better. Most people who self harm are never found out, because they do not want to be found out. This usually only happens in extreme situations, and is very unlikely to happen to anyone younger than 12. It is important to report any concerns about a child that may be self harming.

Kindred by Octavia E. Butler

Octavia Estelle Butler was an American science fiction writer, one of very few African-American women in the field. In 1979, she published Kindred, a novel which uses the science fiction technique of time travel to explore slavery in the United States.THESIS STATEMENTButler takes on and redrafts the Slave narrative by portraying the true circumstances of slavery as a long dark period during which the blacks were denied individuality and even humanity.INTRODUCTION TO THE TEXTThe novel relates the story of Dana, an African American woman living in 1976 who is repeatedly thrown back in time to the ante-bellum south. She is summoned by her ancestor, Rufus, from the time he is a child through to adulthood. Rufus is white and from a slave owning family. Dana is placed in the difficult position of making certain that Rufus and Alice have a child, Hagar, who is Dana's direct ancestor Each time she travels back in time, she stays longer, and comes back only when her life is in danger. She sto ps getting sent back in time after she kills Rufus.Jobs assigned to the slaves in the house and in the fieldsEnslaved people had to clear new land, dig ditches, cut and haul wood, slaughter livestock, and make repairs to buildings and tools. In many instances, they worked as mechanics, blacksmiths, drivers, carpenters, and in other skilled trades. Black women carried the additional burden of caring for their families by cooking and taking care of the children, as well as spinning, weaving, and sewing.The family structure of the slaves and the social relationships among the slavesSlaves married, had children, and worked hard to keep their families together. Black men, women, and children developed an underground culture through which they affirmed their humanity. House servants would come down from the â€Å"big house† and give news of the master and mistress, or keep people laughing with their imitations of the whites.the relationship between slaves and their mastersBecause t hey lived and worked in such close proximity, house servants and their owners tended to form more complex relationships. Black and white children were especially in a position to form bonds with each other. Black children might also become attached to white caretakers, such as the mistress, and white children to their black nannies. Because they were so young, they would have no understanding of the system they were born into, as Dana reveals, â€Å"Without knowing it, they prepared me to survive† (pg94 Kindred) African American women had to endure the threat and the practice of sexual exploitation.There were no safeguards to protect them from being sexually stalked, harassed, or raped, or to be used as long-term concubines by masters and overseers. Soon after her last child is born, Alice runs away again because she fears that she will â€Å"turn into just what people call her† (pg 235 Kindred). She fears that she will lose her sense of self and accept her position as sexual chattel†.CONCLUSIONSince the beginning of anti-African American reaction through our existing contemporary society, slavery carries on to be a contentious and inconsistent issue.   Slavery affects each individual living within the United States borders and throughout our world.  No subject in the American past has provoked greater discussion and inflamed more controversy than slavery. From the arrival of the first Africans at Jamestown in 1619, through the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, to contemporary historical debates, the presence and enslavement of Africans has been defended, attacked and analyzed.WORKS CITEDOctavia E. Butler (1979) Kindred, Page 94 and 235. Retrieved on 1st November 2006

How to Write a Research Essay in Logistics Easy-to-Use Guide for All Academic Levels

How to Write a Research Essay in Logistics Easy-to-Use Guide for All Academic Levels Research essays are popular among high school, university and college students. If you’re a student, who takes logistics classes or courses, chances are you’re going to be faced with the research essay writing assignment sooner or later. This type of academic paper requires extensive evidence to support your thesis. Knowing how to successfully and efficiently do academic research, collect and synthesize information, outsource materials and clearly present each in the research essay form will save you a lot of precious time. Preparations Before Your Write Before you go to the library or start doing your research elsewhere, think carefully what you’d like to write about. It’s time to brainstorm for a while in order to know what topic to choose and how to approach it appropriately. At this stage, you’re supposed to find the focus you need to find relevant sources. If you don’t know where to start in case of logistics, it is recommended to do some preliminary research in order to get a sense of the field of study. Read as much background information as possible in encyclopedias and specialized dictionaries. This knowledge that these sources supply will help you to brainstorm the topic and write an essay of a high quality. Select the Topic You’re Interested In If your professor provided you with a topic to research, skip this part. If your task is to choose the topic you like, ensure to give your preference to something that interests you. The writing process is difficult, but if you select the topic that interests you, the process will be less tiresome. The following is a list of research essay topics in logistics to help you get started: History, Current Trends and Future Implications in Logistics; Mitigating Supply Chain Risk through Improved Confidence; Impact of Internet Retailing Business on Supply Chain Management; An Overview of Inherent Logistics Risks and the Strategies to Minimize Them; How Logistics and Chain Management Can Help to Strengthen the Business Operation; An Overview of Sustainable Logistics Management Practices between Emerging and Developed Countries; Transportation and Its Influence on Logistics. According to ‘The Management of Business Logistics: A Supply Chain Perspective’ written by John Joseph Coyle, Edward J. Bardi, C. John Langley, there are four logistics subdivisions, where you can find potential topics: Business logistics. This field of study is focused on the impact of all the companies that are involved in the production of services and goods. Military logistics. This subdivision of logistics includes all that is necessary to support the military forces’ operational capability together with their equipment to ensure efficiency, reliability and readiness. Event logistics. Here the question is about the management of everything involved (staff, facilities and activities) in scheduling, organizing and deploying all the resources to guarantee the event occurrence and efficient withdrawal later. Service logistics. This subdivision of logistics is about scheduling, acquisition and management of staff, facilities and materials needed to sustain operation of the service. Choose any sub-field mentioned above and search for the topics it includes. However, keep in mind that some students prefer choosing complicated topics in order to impress their professors. Choose that way only if you know you have enough time to do research, gather academic sources, check each, outline and write the research essay. If you make things harder on yourself and fail to time wisely, you will definitely lose this academic battle. Manage Your Resources Before you even start writing, work with your sources. You have to review each before you begin to write, so that you can have the text clearly planned. There are many different types of resources that you may use to write a research essay in logistics. Some of the examples are given below: Academic journals like International Journal of Logistics Management and International Journal of Logistics Research and Applications are written by professionals in the field. Use the periodicals to find sophisticated and detailed information on your topic. Books in logistics can be found online and at your college library. Keep in mind that books are among the most reliable options that you have when it comes to searching for the essay writing sources. Online dictionaries, encyclopedias and interviews. If possible, rely upon these resources as your primary source of both information and inspiration. Take Notes When you’re at the research stage, don’t forget to take notes on the materials that you explore. The fact is that it can be difficult to recall information you have seen here or there when you start writing, especially if you use loads of materials and work with an unfamiliar topic. Taking notes will help you to always know where exactly you found this or that statement. Now that you know what subdivisions the field of logistics has, organize your notes by each so you can easily find references later. If you have physical copies of books or magazines at hand, sticky tabs will help you to mark or number pages to ease the reference stage. Make sure to keep your notes simple and brief. Thus, you will be able to understand them no matter how many days or weeks will pass. Develop an Objective Depending on the purpose of the research essay in logistics, you may find yourself requiring to adopt a certain position or draw some conclusions in your research. As you study your topic, ask yourself if the information you find meets the objective of your essay. For example, if you write a research essay about the impact of information technology on the modern logistics systems, make sure to present two sides of your argument and then identify information that is related to different viewpoints of the topic. Choose your side and stick to it. In case with the topic given above, you may choose the side that proves that technology has a positive influence on the logistics sector: ‘Technology is a real vehicle to boost performance and supply chain competitiveness by improving the overall efficiency and effectiveness of logistics system. Thus, selecting the right tech tools for various logistics activities and processes is a must to any business willing to gain competitive advantage in competitive market.’ Outline Your Research Essay To ease the process of writing and make sure you include all important information into your assignment, ensure to create a simple outline. This scheme will include the key points of your essay and will help you to make sure your text sections look good in a paper. Besides, using an outline will help you to arrange and rearrange the components of the essay to order them logically. If you don’t know how to build an outline on your own, here’s an example of the traditional research essay outline that is in line with the requirements in most US colleges: Introduction Catchy question or sentence to attract attention of your readers. Provide thesis statement that is an arguable claim that you will discuss in your research essay and support with evidence. Body Key Point #1: Topic sentence – short intro of paragraph Argument to support thesis Evidence from a reliable source Concluding sentence – sum up paragraph Key Point #2: Topic sentence – short intro of paragraph Argument to support thesis Evidence from a reliable source Concluding sentence – sum up paragraph Key Point #3: Topic sentence – short intro of paragraph Argument to support thesis Evidence from a reliable source Concluding sentence – sum up paragraph Conclusion Restate your research question. Sum up the key ideas mentioned in the body. Do not introduce any new claims. Prepare an Introduction In this part of your research essay, you have to introduce your topic and inform your readers on the purpose of your project. If you are going to research a debated topic, let your readers know in your introduction. From your opening part, your readers should have a clear idea of what the research essay is going to be about and how it is arranged. A catchy introduction is an integral part of the research essay in logistics because many readers will decide if your paper is worth reading by having a quick look at the first two or three lines of the paper. Take a look at some attention-grabbing facts that you may use as a hook in your introduction: Every year logistics delivers millions of beer bottles that is equivalent to 25 000 famous double-decker buses; It is possible to travel the world entirely on shipping containers. A man known as Thor Pederson has managed to travel more than half of the world without ever boarding a flight. Thor makes sure he is going to be shipped from one continent to another just like office supplies. Every time the man travels completely for free. He has even reached Kenya this unusual way; The average food product travels up to 1500 miles before it reaches your home; Nearly 70% of freight transported in the United States depends on trucks. In actual fact, trucks transport nearly $670 billion worth of manufactured goods annually; The largest ship on the globe can easily and comfortably carry and transport the Eiffel tower; One in twelve people in the United Kingdom of Great Britain work in a logistics sector – that’s more than 1,5 million people; An interesting fact is that the first person, who was widely credited with using Supply Chain Management, was Henry Ford. He designed and built all of his factories in order to ease the process of managing his shipping and inventory needs; In Japan, all fragile items are transported in husks from rice. The Body: Analyze Your Research Carefully and critically read through the materials you have gathered while researching the topic. You need to know exactly what the researchers and logistics experts are saying and why. Take notes as you read. Check surveys and questionnaires in logistics sector to identify the main conclusions, and the approach that the field experts apply to arrive at their conclusions. Make sure to create a brief summary of the whole, with some additional marks from your side. Use direct quotations only if you know they are crucial to set your point. Provide clear and understandable results of your research. Have you done it in the area of international shipping through dangerous zones? If yes, provide your suggestions on how these zones can be avoided and how protection can be secured for truck drivers, pilots and crews based on the research results. If, at some point of your research, you realize that in the light of your research you have to reconsider your research question or thesis statement, go ahead. Does the evidence support your thesis statement and answer the research question? Have you changed your mind on the course of your research? If necessary, change the course of your research to account for the information your research uncovered. Write the Section for Your Conclusions The final part of your research essay in logistics stands apart from the rest of the paper in that it goes about the results of your research only. The concluding part of the essay provides closure and sums up the main points of the research one last time. When you write the final section of the essay, keep in mind that it is your last chance to impress your readers and help them understand why your research matters. In other words, your concluding sections of the logistics research essay should provide answer to the â€Å"So what?† question. In simple terms, give your audience something to think about after they are done with the last sentence of your essay. Make sure your conclusion adds completeness to your research essay. If possible, end the text on a positive note.

A History of African Slave Traders

A History of African Slave Traders During the era of the trans-Atlantic slave trade, Europeans did not have the power to invade African states or kidnap African slaves at will. For the most part, the 12.5 million slaves transported across the Atlantic Ocean were purchased from African slave traders. It is a piece of the triangle trade about which there are still many critical misperceptions. Motivations for Slavery One question that many Westerners have about African slavers, is why were they willing to sell their own people? Why would they sell Africans to Europeans? The simple answer to this question is that they did not see slaves as their own people. Blackness (as an identity or marker of difference) was a preoccupation of Europeans, not Africans. There was also in this era no sense of being African. (Indeed, to this day, individuals are more likely to identify as being African rather than, say, Kenyan only after leaving Africa.) Some slaves were prisoners of, and many of these may have been seen as enemies or rivals to those who sold them. Others were people who had fallen into debt. They were different by virtue of their status (what we might think of today as their class). Slavers also kidnapped people, but again, there was no reason they would inherently see slaves as their own. Slavery as a Part of Life It might be tempting to think that African slave traders did not know how bad European plantation slavery was, but there was a lot of movement across the Atlantic. Not all traders would have known about the horrors of the Middle Passage or what life awaited slaves, but others at least had an idea. There are always people willing to ruthlessly exploit others in the quest for money and power, but the story of the African slave trade goes much further than a few bad people. Slavery and the sale of slaves, though, were parts of life. The concept of not selling slaves to willing buyers would have seemed strange to many people up until the 1800s. The goal was not to protect slaves, but to ensure that oneself and ones kin were not reduced to slaves. A Self-Replicating Cycle As the slave trade intensified in the 16 and 1700s, it also became harder not to participate in the trade in some regions of West Africa. The enormous demand for African slaves led to the formation of a few states whose economy and politics were centered around slave raiding and trading. States and political factions that participated in the trade gained access to firearms and luxury goods, which could be used to secure political support. States and communities who were not actively participating in the slave trade were increasingly at a disadvantage. The Mossi Kingdom is an example of a state that resisted the slave trade until the 1800s when it began trading in slaves as well. Opposition to the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade The Mossi Kingdom was not the only African state or community to resist selling slaves to Europeans. For instance, the king of the Kongo, Afonso I, who had converted to Catholicism, tried to stop the slave of slaves to Portuguese traders. He lacked the power, however, to police the whole of his territory, and traders as well as nobles engaged in the Trans-Atlantic slave trade to gain wealth and power. Alfonso tried writing to the Portuguese king and asking him to stop Portuguese traders from engaging in the slave trade, but his plea was ignored. The Benin Empire offers a very different example. Benin sold slaves to Europeans when it was expanding and fighting many wars - which produced prisoners of war. Once the state stabilized, it stopped trading slaves, until it started to decline in the 1700s. During this period of increasing instability, the state resumed participation in the slave trade.

Strategic Management Of Ferrari Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Strategic Management Of Ferrari - Essay Example Ferrari iÃ'• known and iÃ'• highly valued everywhere in the world. From the UÐ… to Japan, from Germany and Ð…witzerland to India, to France, AuÃ'•tralia, New Zealand, RuÃ'•Ã'•ia, Brazil, and Argentina. The term ConÃ'•tructor applieÃ'• in F1 for a corporate or any well-organized body which conÃ'•tructÃ'• the car, engine or chaÃ'•Ã'•iÃ'•. The conÃ'•tructor of an engine or chaÃ'•Ã'•iÃ'• ownÃ'• the intellectual rightÃ'• to it. (Porter, 1985, 44) The title of Formula 1 World Champion ConÃ'•tructor iÃ'• given to the car that haÃ'• drawn the moÃ'•t pointÃ'• during the courÃ'•e of the Ã'•eaÃ'•on. A carÃ'• engine and chaÃ'•Ã'•iÃ'•, both are taken into account while deciding on itÃ'• pointÃ'•. If a carÃ'• chaÃ'•Ã'•iÃ'• and engine conÃ'•tructor iÃ'• the Ã'•ame, the title Ã'•imply goeÃ'• to that conÃ'•tructor. But, if the makerÃ'• of the chaÃ'•Ã'•iÃ'• and engine are different, the title iÃ'• given jointly, like Ferrari-Honda, Renault-MercedeÃ'• etc. The name of the chaÃ'•Ã'•iÃ'• conÃ'•tructor comeÃ'• before that of the engine conÃ'•tructor. The termÃ'• conÃ'•tructor and entrant have different and Ã'•pecific meaningÃ'•. An entrant iÃ'• the perÃ'•on or corporate entity that regiÃ'•terÃ'• a car and driver for a race Ã'•eaÃ'•on. Thereafter the reÃ'•ponÃ'•ibility of preparing and maintaining that car during the race weekend lieÃ'• with them. The term team iÃ'• uÃ'•ually applied to an entrant organization. The 1970Ã'• were the laÃ'•t decade Ferrari entered aÃ'• a workÃ'• effort in Ã'•portÃ'• car racing. After an uninÃ'•pired performance in the 1973 F1 World ChampionÃ'•hip, Enzo Ferrari Ã'•topped all development of Ã'•portÃ'• carÃ'• in prototype and GT racing at the end of the year, although, Enzo planned to pull out of F1, that year which waÃ'• the year of the laÃ'•t "official" Targa Florio road race Enzo regarded aÃ'• more important to him.