Syrian Conflict Essays - Middle East, Politics Of Syria, Syria

Syrian Conflict Jessica Galati American Government Bergen Community College December 3, 2013 Dynamic Right now the most pressing discussion in international strategy is the utilization of compound weapons. The Syrian common war has come into the spotlight of that banter because of the administration's supposed utilization of synthetic weaponry against its own residents. In the wake of following this subject in paper articles, to comprehend the point fluidly, I have had the option to shape a comprehension of the theme what's more, structure my own assessments This paper will concentrate on the accompanying, the occasions that occurred in Damascus and how the nation was affected, the proof of compound weapon use by the Syrian President, Bashar al-Assad, and taking a nitty gritty glance at how the American government reacted to the assaults and how they should keep on acting accordingly these assaults. I will likewise illuminate you regarding my assessments of the activities and occasions inside the paper. Throughout recent years the United States clashes with the Middle East has been getting progressively serious and growing. With what begun as a contention inside the Iraqi government has now extended to more nations with higher stakes. The United States has started attempting to expel themselves from additional struggle, anyway the common war in Syria is difficult to overlook. Subsequent to abusing numerous understandings and guidelines, the Syrian governments claimed substance assaults on their residents has prodded numerous nations prepared to get arms. Much discussion is occurring about military contribution instead of conciliatory talks and understandings. Syria is depending on their partners to spare them from military strikes. The leader of Syria, Hafez al-Assad, took the nation after a arrangement of overthrows, and held the nation in an iron hold of human rights damaging law. His replacement, and child, Bashar al-Assad, advanced change for the nation however did next to no to change the course of the nation. Fights of the system, wishing to have the president's rule finished, started in March 2011. The fights and uprisings started as serene portrayals of hatred and defiance, anyway the Syrian armed force was sent to control such activities as to stay away from a revolt. The sent soldiers controlled the unarmed protestors by open terminating. Long periods of terminating crews taking on fights followed. This started the advancement of a full scale common war extending in the two years following. The regular citizen open was shocked and started taking on the Syrian military as volunteers as state armies with little coordination. After the request for some administration strikes against fights, a large number of the Syrian country's military officials surrendered to the revolutionary gathering, starting the Free Syrian Army, an umbrella gathering of the revolutionary military force, and went on to later speak to and control the resistance's military. Their objective is to expel Bashar al-Assad from power. The agitator gathering's militaries, lacking truly necessary solidarity, looked for help from turkey, and the Syrian National Council was brought to creation. This is currently perceived as an authentic agent gathering of Syria by many nations. Since the start of the common war, more than one hundred thousand have been slaughtered, more than 2,000,000 Syrian evacuees have fled to encompassing nations, and countless protestors have been detained and tormented. These assaults from both the administration and restriction raised monstrously. While we would all be able to state conclusively that the Damascus concoction strike was the most fatal Hundreds of men, ladies, and kids, some still in diapers, are discovered dead or harmed over the boulevards and filling the emergency clinics. This assault caught the universes eye and carried numerous to their feet, prepared to make a move. This was the main authoritative substance strike in which the UN could gather implicating proof. There were various substance weapon strikes announced all through the year other than the one happening in Damascus. As per American reports there were around 10 concoction assaults since 2012 and the quantity of losses from these by themselves has reached more than fifteen hundred men, ladies, what's more, youngsters. The UN has been endeavoring to access profoundly concentrated zones. After the Damascus assault and potential dangers coming in over the globe the UN squeezed quick access to the territory to test for concoction weapons. They were declined access until weeks after the fact when nearly the entirety of the proof would have cleared, raising warnings about the governments contribution. The system discharged a few cases that rebel armed forces had taken the gas and discharged it. Notwithstanding, UN specialists had discovered enough buildup and taken enough casualties for testing to

Management Accounting 2 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

The executives Accounting 2 - Essay Example The current CEO of the organization, Sylvia Trott had understood that the organization is slanting towards past accomplishments and the representatives were not happy with this conduct of the administration towards them. So as to quantify the presentation of the organization, a manageability approach has been embraced to distinguish certain key exhibition markers of the organization, for example, a) Social Indicators, b) Economic Indicators, and c) Financial Indicators. a) Social Indicators: The social markers of WealthWise are the fulfillment level of the workers, percent of female representatives in the top levels of the administration, number of workers enrolled, who used to jobless young people, moral positioning that were given by the clients for the business staff, and the quantity of local workers in the organization. b) Financial Indicators: The major monetary pointers that were considered are the arrival on ventures, protection premiums, and the net benefit of the organizati on. c) Economical Indicators: The prudent pointers were the practices, and strategies that the organization actualized for the neighborhood providers and the costs to look after them, the technique for selecting or recruiting the local staffs, and the ventures that were created to serve people in general. The mission of WealthWise during its initiation was to offer natural and social advantage to the individuals alongside benefit amplification. Further, with the advancement and development of the organization, the mission of WealthWise stretched out to help the clients in accomplishing an ideal way of life through budgetary arranging. Aside from this, representative fulfillment is additionally significant in such a case that the workers were disappointed then they can't fulfill their clients. The way of thinking of the organization is to reflect monetary development, trust and quality through developing upwards, discuss decidedly, with vitality, to accomplish its crucial, (2013a) In request to accomplish the strategic the organization, all the significant presentation pointers must be thought of. The social and the ecological advantage can be given to the clients and society through appraisal of the degree of worker fulfillment, issues like sexual orientation equality in the top levels of the organization, pay scales, and execution assessment strategies for the representatives (Ladley, 2010). The mission to develop and produce income can be accomplished by watching the budgetary markers of the organization, which comprise of gross protection premiums that the organization can create through protection deals, the arrival of the organization on venture, and the net benefit. Aside from this, the monetary pointers would give a perspective on the impacts of approaches, practices of WealthWise, relationship with the providers, employing process, and so on (Rose, and Hudgins, 2010). Answer 3 Performance pointers are the components that are surveyed to assess the pres entation of the organization. The term key execution pointers (KPIs) are utilized by the organizations to investigate the achievement components of different exercises of the organization. The KPIs can be quantitative, directional, money related, noteworthy, and reasonable. If there should be an occurrence of WealthWise few KPIs, for example, efficient, budgetary and social, were considered for assessing the exhibition and

What Are the Signs of a Midlife Crisis

What Are the Signs of a Midlife Crisis Happiness Print What Are the Signs of a Midlife Crisis? Midlife can be the unhappiest time in a persons life By Amy Morin, LCSW facebook twitter instagram Amy Morin, LCSW, is a psychotherapist, author of the bestselling book 13 Things Mentally Strong People Dont Do, and a highly sought-after speaker. Learn about our editorial policy Amy Morin, LCSW Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Carly Snyder, MD on November 10, 2019 facebook twitter linkedin Carly Snyder, MD is a reproductive and perinatal psychiatrist who combines traditional psychiatry with integrative medicine-based treatments.   Learn about our Medical Review Board Carly Snyder, MD Updated on February 24, 2020 More in Self-Improvement Happiness Meditation Stress Management Spirituality Holistic Health Inspiration Brain Health Technology Relationships View All In This Article Table of Contents Expand Are Midlife Crises Real? Emotional Crisis Signs Why a Crisis May Occur Midlife Happiness Slump Crisis vs. Depression Crisis vs. Dementia Positive Aspect When to Get Help How to Help a Loved One View All Back To Top People who are having a midlife crisis are thought to be struggling with their own mortality and, somewhere during midlife, they ditch some of their responsibilities in favor of fun. Thats why the term midlife crisis often causes people to picture mistresses and sports cars. It’s thought that aging leads to feelings of depression, remorse, and anxiety. And a midlife crisis is a phase that helps people feel youthful again as they struggle to come to terms with the fact that their lives are half over. But, the emotional turmoil some people experience during midlife doesn’t always lead to major lifestyle changes that involve the desire to be young again. In fact, a midlife crisis could turn into something positive. Are Midlife Crises Real? Not everyone experiences a midlife crisis. In fact, studies show a midlife crisis isn’t an issue for people in many parts of the world. In fact, some researchers believe the notion of the midlife crisis is a social construct. And it’s the belief that you’re supposed to have some sort of crisis in your 40s that leads some people to say they experience a breakdown. A national survey of Midlife in the United States conducted a poll to determine how many people experience midlife crises. Approximately 26 percent of the participants reported having a midlife crisis. Most of the participants reported that their midlife crisis occurred before age 40 or after 50, however. That raises the question about whether these crises were truly related to midlife since midlife is typically considered age 45. Out of the one in four people who say they had a midlife crisis, the vast majority say it was brought on by a major event, rather than age. Factors that triggered the crisis included life changes such as divorce, job loss, loss of a loved one, or relocation. Signs of an Emotional Crisis Since “midlife crisis” isn’t an official diagnosis, it’s a difficult concept for researchers to study. Researchers often disagree on what constitutes a midlife crisis. Much of the research depends on individuals’ answers to questions about whether they’ve experienced a midlife crisis. Of course, what one person defines as a crisis may not be consistent with what another person considers to be a midlife crisis. While it’s typically thought that a midlife crisis involves the fear of mortality or the desire to be young again, the emotions experienced during a midlife crisis may not be all that much different from the distress someone might experience during any other type of life crisis. The American Psychological Association says an emotional crisis is evident from “a clear and abrupt change in behavior.” Examples of behavioral changes can include:Neglect of personal hygieneDramatic changes in sleep habitsWeight loss or gainPronounced changes in mood, such as increased anger, irritability, sadness, or anxiety.Withdrawal from usual routine or relationships Illustration by Brianna Gilmartin, Verywell Why a Midlife Crisis May Occur For many people, midlife is a time when relationships and roles are changing. Some people may need to begin caring for aging parents during midlife. Others may become empty nestersâ€"or they may feel as though their teenagers are growing up too fast. For other people, middle age may be a time of regrets. Some people may regret not choosing a different career path or not creating a life they once dreamed about living.   The aging process becomes more apparent than ever during this time as well. Some individuals may develop illnesses while others may begin to notice a decline in their physical abilities. For some individuals, midlife may be a time of immense reflection. They may look back over their years and question what their lives might have been like if they’d taken a different path. Others may reflect on the happier days in their lives. For those who are goal oriented, there may be less reflection and more action. Rather than look back on years gone by, they may begin scrambling to accomplish bigger goals in the second half of their lives. The Midlife Happiness Slump Many studies indicate that happiness is U-shaped. A gradual decline in happiness begins during the late teen years and continues until an individual is in their 40s. Happiness begins increasing again in an individual’s 50s. Data on half a million Americans and Europeans found this trend to be true. Individuals in their 60s reported they’d never been happier, but people in their 40s felt like they were at an all-time low. This U-shaped curve doesn’t appear to be universal, however. It’s more prevalent in high-income nations. The gradual decline in happiness may explain why some people seem to hit a midlife crisisâ€"they’re in a happiness slump. Even though data suggests people become happier again later in life, there’s a pervasive belief that happiness continues to decline as we age. So, some people in their mid-40s may think life is only going to get worseâ€"which may spark a midlife crisis. Midlife Crisis vs. Depression Some people may experience depression during midlife and refer to their depressive state as their midlife crisis. Women between the ages of 40 and 59 in the United States have the highest rates of depression (12.3 percent) of any group based on age and gender, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Suicide rates are highest during middle ageâ€"among white men in particular. People between the ages of 45 and 54 are more likely to kill themselves than any other age group. Does a midlife crisis cause depression? Does depression cause a midlife crisis? Or, is the depression people experience during midlife simply referred to as a midlife crisis? Similarly, does a midlife crisis increase the risk of suicide? No one knows for certain if a midlife crisis is separate from a mental health crisis that might simply occur during any stage of an individual’s life. Midlife Crisis vs. Dementia Some people may mistake health issues for a midlife crisis as well. A shift in behavior or a change in personality could be a sign of dementia. And while we tend to think Alzheimer’s and dementia only affect the elderly, the Alzheimer society reports that 5 percent of cases begin prior to age 65. People with early-onset dementia may have trouble planning, organizing, or thinking ahead. Consequently, they may be stressed or grow confused easily. In an article for The Conversation, Carmela Tartaglia, a clinician and scientist who is affiliated with the Alzheimer’s Society of Toronto, said, “Initially, a change in personality can be misinterpreted by the partner as indifference, a midlife crisis, or as something else.” Tartaglia explains that the changes brought about by dementia often lead to separation or divorce before a proper diagnosis is ever made. Positive Aspect A 2016 study published in the International Journal of Behavioral Development found an upside to the midlife crisisâ€"curiosity. Researchers found that people who were experiencing a crisisâ€"whether it was a quarter-life or a midlife crisisâ€"experienced enhanced curiosity. Participants reported being more curious about themselves and the wider world around them.   The distress and uncertainty participants experienced brought about openness to new ideas, which could bring insight and creative solutions. That curiosity could lead to new breakthroughs or new opportunities, which might be the silver lining in the midst of a crisis. How to Know When to Get Help Midlife turmoil might bring about positive changes that don’t require professional help. Perhaps you become more spiritual or maybe you decide to begin volunteering so you feel as though your life has more meaning. But it could also take a toll on your well-being. If you find yourself experiencing a psychological crisis during midlife, you shouldn’t treat it differently than any other emotional crisis. If you experience distressing symptoms that impair your functioning, seek professional help. Here are some times when you should talk to your doctor or contact a mental health professional:Your emotional distress impairs your ability to sleep or it affects your appetiteYou can’t concentrate at work or you’ve had to call in sick due to your distressYour stress or mood is taking a toll on your relationships, such as increased fighting with a partner or siblingYou’ve lost interest in leisure activities and hobbies If you’re thinking of making some major life changes, like ending a long-term relationship, switching careers, or relocatingâ€"and your desire to make those changes stems from inner turmoil related to midlifeâ€"it could be a good idea to talk to a mental health professional before taking the leap. How to Help a Loved One If you suspect a friend or family member may be experiencing a midlife crisis, there are several things you can do to be supportive: Be a good listener:  Let your loved one talk about their distress. Listen in a nonjudgmental way and hold off on offering advice in the beginning.Express your concern:  Avoid saying things like, “You seem to be having a midlife crisis.” Instead, ask questions that don’t shame or place blame. Say something like, “You don’t seem like yourself lately. Are you OK?”Talk about the importance of getting help:  Encourage the person to talk to their physician. Keep in mind that there could be a medical issue behind the changes you see. A thyroid condition, for example, might cause a change in mood. Or, you might be seeing early signs of dementia. A physician can rule out medical issues and determine if a referral to a mental health professional is warranted.Get help for yourself:  If someone close to you refuses to seek help, get help for yourself. Talking to a mental health professional can help you develop a plan that allows you to be supportive of the other individual while als o setting healthy boundaries for yourself.Seek immediate assistance if someone is suicidal:  If someone is threatening to harm themselves or other people, intervene immediately. If necessary, take the individual to the emergency room for an evaluation. If the person refuses to go to the hospital, call an ambulance and do not leave the individual unattended. If you are having suicidal thoughts, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 for support and assistance from a trained counselor. If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.

What Are the Signs of a Midlife Crisis

What Are the Signs of a Midlife Crisis Happiness Print What Are the Signs of a Midlife Crisis? Midlife can be the unhappiest time in a persons life By Amy Morin, LCSW facebook twitter instagram Amy Morin, LCSW, is a psychotherapist, author of the bestselling book 13 Things Mentally Strong People Dont Do, and a highly sought-after speaker. Learn about our editorial policy Amy Morin, LCSW Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Carly Snyder, MD on November 10, 2019 facebook twitter linkedin Carly Snyder, MD is a reproductive and perinatal psychiatrist who combines traditional psychiatry with integrative medicine-based treatments.   Learn about our Medical Review Board Carly Snyder, MD Updated on February 24, 2020 More in Self-Improvement Happiness Meditation Stress Management Spirituality Holistic Health Inspiration Brain Health Technology Relationships View All In This Article Table of Contents Expand Are Midlife Crises Real? Emotional Crisis Signs Why a Crisis May Occur Midlife Happiness Slump Crisis vs. Depression Crisis vs. Dementia Positive Aspect When to Get Help How to Help a Loved One View All Back To Top People who are having a midlife crisis are thought to be struggling with their own mortality and, somewhere during midlife, they ditch some of their responsibilities in favor of fun. Thats why the term midlife crisis often causes people to picture mistresses and sports cars. It’s thought that aging leads to feelings of depression, remorse, and anxiety. And a midlife crisis is a phase that helps people feel youthful again as they struggle to come to terms with the fact that their lives are half over. But, the emotional turmoil some people experience during midlife doesn’t always lead to major lifestyle changes that involve the desire to be young again. In fact, a midlife crisis could turn into something positive. Are Midlife Crises Real? Not everyone experiences a midlife crisis. In fact, studies show a midlife crisis isn’t an issue for people in many parts of the world. In fact, some researchers believe the notion of the midlife crisis is a social construct. And it’s the belief that you’re supposed to have some sort of crisis in your 40s that leads some people to say they experience a breakdown. A national survey of Midlife in the United States conducted a poll to determine how many people experience midlife crises. Approximately 26 percent of the participants reported having a midlife crisis. Most of the participants reported that their midlife crisis occurred before age 40 or after 50, however. That raises the question about whether these crises were truly related to midlife since midlife is typically considered age 45. Out of the one in four people who say they had a midlife crisis, the vast majority say it was brought on by a major event, rather than age. Factors that triggered the crisis included life changes such as divorce, job loss, loss of a loved one, or relocation. Signs of an Emotional Crisis Since “midlife crisis” isn’t an official diagnosis, it’s a difficult concept for researchers to study. Researchers often disagree on what constitutes a midlife crisis. Much of the research depends on individuals’ answers to questions about whether they’ve experienced a midlife crisis. Of course, what one person defines as a crisis may not be consistent with what another person considers to be a midlife crisis. While it’s typically thought that a midlife crisis involves the fear of mortality or the desire to be young again, the emotions experienced during a midlife crisis may not be all that much different from the distress someone might experience during any other type of life crisis. The American Psychological Association says an emotional crisis is evident from “a clear and abrupt change in behavior.” Examples of behavioral changes can include:Neglect of personal hygieneDramatic changes in sleep habitsWeight loss or gainPronounced changes in mood, such as increased anger, irritability, sadness, or anxiety.Withdrawal from usual routine or relationships Illustration by Brianna Gilmartin, Verywell Why a Midlife Crisis May Occur For many people, midlife is a time when relationships and roles are changing. Some people may need to begin caring for aging parents during midlife. Others may become empty nestersâ€"or they may feel as though their teenagers are growing up too fast. For other people, middle age may be a time of regrets. Some people may regret not choosing a different career path or not creating a life they once dreamed about living.   The aging process becomes more apparent than ever during this time as well. Some individuals may develop illnesses while others may begin to notice a decline in their physical abilities. For some individuals, midlife may be a time of immense reflection. They may look back over their years and question what their lives might have been like if they’d taken a different path. Others may reflect on the happier days in their lives. For those who are goal oriented, there may be less reflection and more action. Rather than look back on years gone by, they may begin scrambling to accomplish bigger goals in the second half of their lives. The Midlife Happiness Slump Many studies indicate that happiness is U-shaped. A gradual decline in happiness begins during the late teen years and continues until an individual is in their 40s. Happiness begins increasing again in an individual’s 50s. Data on half a million Americans and Europeans found this trend to be true. Individuals in their 60s reported they’d never been happier, but people in their 40s felt like they were at an all-time low. This U-shaped curve doesn’t appear to be universal, however. It’s more prevalent in high-income nations. The gradual decline in happiness may explain why some people seem to hit a midlife crisisâ€"they’re in a happiness slump. Even though data suggests people become happier again later in life, there’s a pervasive belief that happiness continues to decline as we age. So, some people in their mid-40s may think life is only going to get worseâ€"which may spark a midlife crisis. Midlife Crisis vs. Depression Some people may experience depression during midlife and refer to their depressive state as their midlife crisis. Women between the ages of 40 and 59 in the United States have the highest rates of depression (12.3 percent) of any group based on age and gender, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Suicide rates are highest during middle ageâ€"among white men in particular. People between the ages of 45 and 54 are more likely to kill themselves than any other age group. Does a midlife crisis cause depression? Does depression cause a midlife crisis? Or, is the depression people experience during midlife simply referred to as a midlife crisis? Similarly, does a midlife crisis increase the risk of suicide? No one knows for certain if a midlife crisis is separate from a mental health crisis that might simply occur during any stage of an individual’s life. Midlife Crisis vs. Dementia Some people may mistake health issues for a midlife crisis as well. A shift in behavior or a change in personality could be a sign of dementia. And while we tend to think Alzheimer’s and dementia only affect the elderly, the Alzheimer society reports that 5 percent of cases begin prior to age 65. People with early-onset dementia may have trouble planning, organizing, or thinking ahead. Consequently, they may be stressed or grow confused easily. In an article for The Conversation, Carmela Tartaglia, a clinician and scientist who is affiliated with the Alzheimer’s Society of Toronto, said, “Initially, a change in personality can be misinterpreted by the partner as indifference, a midlife crisis, or as something else.” Tartaglia explains that the changes brought about by dementia often lead to separation or divorce before a proper diagnosis is ever made. Positive Aspect A 2016 study published in the International Journal of Behavioral Development found an upside to the midlife crisisâ€"curiosity. Researchers found that people who were experiencing a crisisâ€"whether it was a quarter-life or a midlife crisisâ€"experienced enhanced curiosity. Participants reported being more curious about themselves and the wider world around them.   The distress and uncertainty participants experienced brought about openness to new ideas, which could bring insight and creative solutions. That curiosity could lead to new breakthroughs or new opportunities, which might be the silver lining in the midst of a crisis. How to Know When to Get Help Midlife turmoil might bring about positive changes that don’t require professional help. Perhaps you become more spiritual or maybe you decide to begin volunteering so you feel as though your life has more meaning. But it could also take a toll on your well-being. If you find yourself experiencing a psychological crisis during midlife, you shouldn’t treat it differently than any other emotional crisis. If you experience distressing symptoms that impair your functioning, seek professional help. Here are some times when you should talk to your doctor or contact a mental health professional:Your emotional distress impairs your ability to sleep or it affects your appetiteYou can’t concentrate at work or you’ve had to call in sick due to your distressYour stress or mood is taking a toll on your relationships, such as increased fighting with a partner or siblingYou’ve lost interest in leisure activities and hobbies If you’re thinking of making some major life changes, like ending a long-term relationship, switching careers, or relocatingâ€"and your desire to make those changes stems from inner turmoil related to midlifeâ€"it could be a good idea to talk to a mental health professional before taking the leap. How to Help a Loved One If you suspect a friend or family member may be experiencing a midlife crisis, there are several things you can do to be supportive: Be a good listener:  Let your loved one talk about their distress. Listen in a nonjudgmental way and hold off on offering advice in the beginning.Express your concern:  Avoid saying things like, “You seem to be having a midlife crisis.” Instead, ask questions that don’t shame or place blame. Say something like, “You don’t seem like yourself lately. Are you OK?”Talk about the importance of getting help:  Encourage the person to talk to their physician. Keep in mind that there could be a medical issue behind the changes you see. A thyroid condition, for example, might cause a change in mood. Or, you might be seeing early signs of dementia. A physician can rule out medical issues and determine if a referral to a mental health professional is warranted.Get help for yourself:  If someone close to you refuses to seek help, get help for yourself. Talking to a mental health professional can help you develop a plan that allows you to be supportive of the other individual while als o setting healthy boundaries for yourself.Seek immediate assistance if someone is suicidal:  If someone is threatening to harm themselves or other people, intervene immediately. If necessary, take the individual to the emergency room for an evaluation. If the person refuses to go to the hospital, call an ambulance and do not leave the individual unattended. If you are having suicidal thoughts, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 for support and assistance from a trained counselor. If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.

Essay on Progression of the Kouroi - 1333 Words

Progression of the Kouroi What is a kouros? In Greek, kouros means a young man. In art, a kouros is a statue of a young nude male who stands with his hands at his sides and one leg, usually his left, advanced. Throughout the Archaic period, which dates from 610 B.C. to 480 B.C., the basic pose of kouroi (plural for kouros) remained the same, though the anatomy of the figures gradually became more naturalistic or true to life. The ideology that the Greek sculptors wanted to achieve greater naturalism is proven through the progression of the kouroi during the period. At a glance, three main features deem the Getty Kouros under the general classification of a kouros: hands, hair, and feet. The hands are clenched into fists. They†¦show more content†¦Despite this, the Kouros was put on display on October 1986. During the early nineties, a fake marble torso that is similar to the Getty Kouros is discovered. Therefore, the fake torso was purchased for research and the Kouros was removed from the display for reevaluation of the previous studies. In May of 1992, the Kouros was displayed in Athens, Greece, at an international conference on its authenticity. Although the majority of art historians and archeologists condemn it, most of the scientists believe the Kouros to be authentic. Up to this day, the question of the Getty Kouros authenticity remains a mystery for the statue is still dated as Greek, 530 B.C. or modern forgery. The controversy of the authenticity of the Getty Kouros will be addressed shortly after the characterization of the kouros. Kroisos, a kouros from a cemetery at Anavysos, most resembles the Getty Kouros. By comparing the Getty Kouros shown at different angles with Kroisos a lot of similarities can be seen. The placement of the feet on the base in relation to the position of the hands and the shoulders, as well as details of the head, can help to determine whether a kouros turns to the left or right. This subtle movement in either direction is found among all authentic kouroi. The bent (or broken) axis of the left foot of the Getty Kouros is one ofShow MoreRelatedGreek Mythology : The Epic Tale The Iliad1179 Words   |  5 Pagesstyles and functions. In the case of this study, the mythological god Apollo is the subject of the artistic works of the votive known as the â€Å"Mantiklos Apollo† and the statue of â€Å"Apollo† that was found in Pireaus. These figures show a natural progression in style and technique. They are important because they represent the sacred beliefs and superstition s of their respective cultures and time periods. The two stylistic periods represented in this study, are the Geometric period and archaic period

Satire in Jonathan Swift´s Gullivers Travels - 1944 Words

In the early eighteenth-century, Irish writer Jonathan Swift produced one of the most printed novels known to date. The novel, Gulliver’s Travels, not only received recognition for being reprinted an immense amount of time, but also for the satire found within the novel. Swift intended his novel to be used as a scapegoat in which he would reveal his opinion on the English society. Swift was able to demonstrate this satire through the four part plot of Gulliver’s Travels. Each part of the novel told the journey of the protagonist and focal character, Lemuel Gulliver, to an unknown island. Lemuel Gulliver spent a majority of his life bouncing around from place to place until settling in London as a practicing doctor. Once Gulliver’s business†¦show more content†¦The size of a Lilliputian’s heel illustrated whether he belonged to the group supporting or opposing the Emperor and his rule. Gulliver then gained insight that the Lilliputians are in a war with neighboring island Belfescu over matter that no one seemed to remember. With time, it surfaced that the reason of the endless war is over which end an egg is properly cracked at. Lilliputians believed the correct way to crack an egg was with the small end, while some rejected this belief and adapted that the correct way to crack an egg was with the big end. The problems Gulliver learned about the Lilliputian society and government acts as a parallel to that in England. The tactic by which government officials are appointed in Lilliput is meant to criticize England’s system of appointing and its unprofessionalism. The split in Lilliputian society into little heels and big heels adheres to the two political parties in England, the Tories and Whigs. The argument over how to crack an egg, leading to an endless war with Belfescu, mirrors the history of England. The split into Lilliput and Belfescu represents the break in church between Catholics and Protestants. The war represents the on going battle between England and France over a reason no one can recollect. Gulliver found the problems in the Lilliputian’s society to be pointless, while they found it to be critical. Gulliver’s journey in Lilliput stresses that there is no point for Tories and Whigs, England and France, or theShow MoreRelatedGulliver s Travels By Jona than Swift1116 Words   |  5 PagesGulliver’s Travels was written by Jonathan Swift in 1721. Jonathan Swift, born in 1667 was an Irish satirist, poet and pamphleteer. He later became Duke of the St Patrick Cathedral in Dublin (Ireland). He was also a minister between 1710 and 1714 (Swift Biography 1). â€Å"Gulliver’s Travels† tells the story of Gulliver as he travels throughout the world and meets different societies. Each trip allows him to encounter some fascinating civilizations. The first trip of Gulliver is Lilliput, where the populationRead MoreGulliver ´s Travels by Jonathan Swift: Biographical Summary1982 Words   |  8 PagesGulliver’s Travels – Jonathan Swift – Biographical Summary Jonathan Swift was born on November 30, 1667 in Ireland to English parents, Jonathan and Abigail. His father, Jonathan, died shortly after his birth, leaving his mother to raise him and his sister alone. In Ireland, Swift was dependent on a nanny for three years because his mother moved to England. The young man was educated because of the patronage of his Uncle, Godwin Swift. Godwin sent him to Kilkenny Grammar School at age six, whichRead MoreJonathan Swift s Literary Canon Of Politically And Comically Prolific Satires996 Words   |  4 PagesThesis Statement: Jonathan Swift’s literary canon of politically and comically-prolific satires, fantasies, and allegories was seasoned with his exposure to the follies of the economic, religious and governing institutions of the British Empire, and thus, he sought to lampoon and caricature the current events and social, cultural, religious, and political trends that were so omnipotent during his lifetime. Swift’s exposure to the monarchical mentality and rife factional conflicts pervading the politicalRead MoreExploring the Ways Jonathan Swift Satirises England of the 1720s818 Words   |  4 PagesExploring the Ways Jonathan Swift Satirises England of the 1720s In this essay, I will be considering some of the ways Jonathan Swift satirises the English society. 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Politics and Development in Asia Free Essays

string(116) " passage of laws that would be favorable to its people and not to its foreign neighbors or former colonial masters\." 1. In what political respects is the developing world truly developing, and in what significant parts of it are not? Discuss and substantiate by giving examples (Focus: Asia) In understanding political developments in Asia, being the bulk of the world’s developing nations, I begin this paper by looking at the historical developments that have largely shaped and defined the Asian nations. More importantly I focus on the Southeast Asian region of the continent due to its diversity as well as the pervading regional cooperation that has directly affected, if not impacted other Asian countries during the years after World War II. We will write a custom essay sample on Politics and Development in Asia or any similar topic only for you Order Now Secondly I would draw three distinctions of how developing nations are truly developing with respects to three vital political areas, mainly: the functions of the government, the electoral process and the participation of civil society. These three aspects would focus on how developing nations in Asia have managed to progress politically after its democracy was established. Historical Overview Geographically speaking the Asian continent spans 17 million square kilometers and is home to a population of over 4 billion people. In the past 60 or so years it has largely been host to over a dozen developing nations such as: the Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, Myanmar, Cambodia, Vietnam and also to progressive developing or developed nations as well. This balance between developing and developed nations is attributed to the influences and a country’s experience under colonial rule. During this era, Europeans believed that Asians were largely backward both socially and economically and only served for the economic enhancement of its parent nation (Charskykh, 2005), more importantly the locals in these countries served the purpose of being the labor force of their colonial masters. It was through this labor and various instances of social, physical and mental discrimination that many of the Asian countries that had been colonized were forced to revolt. This sense of nationalism, even at its most infantile  stages (as seen in Philippine society) had helped to consolidate and unify the different levels of society to enact political change that would help in the betterment of the country. Revolution being the catalyst for political change in Asia has helped foster the spread of independent governments, however it can also be said that revolution wasn’t the only catalyst for the development of early political change in the region. It was during the events that occurred after World War II—the Cold War—that further changed the political landscape of the Asian region, the age of multi-polarity in Richard Haas’ article on The Age of Non-polarity (2008) draws a distinction that countries were further developed wherein power of two sovereign nations (the United States and the USSR) helped numerous Asian countries as a means of spreading ideological and political attitudes among different countries. The age of non-polarity as well as the effects of the Cold War helped to consolidate and change the different Asian countries political institutions, structures and the very mechanisms, which are evident in today’s countries. Political Development It can be said that countries in Asia, seeing from the events or circumstances that had shaped it historically, is seen as a progressive continent host to many of the world’s developing nations. In recent years, Asia has played a large role in defining East-West relations both politically and economically. With the growing influence and presence of China, the world has turned its eye on the eastern portion of the map and thus, this has helped to bring in numerous investments and interests to the region. However, despite this surge of regional interest, Asia still has many issues to tackle, such as the role of democracy and the democratization process that some countries are sorely lacking, this is part and parcel to the formation of their government, its role and function that should help and aid the people. Secondly, the electoral process, which has served to gauge how democratized a country is to the point that it is willing to progress. More importantly, the electoral processes in a developing country is often observed and watched because of how it affects the people—being the  most basic right to political participation and representation—and by large its effects on a country’s relations with its Asian and global neighbors. Lastly the participation of civil society, in any democratized nation, civil society plays a key role in strengthening and forwarding the issues that are important to the people to the government. More than that, civil society has also played a role in disciplining the government through its â€Å"expose and oppose† tactics, tactics that have helped initiate change in the government through the passing of laws and reforms that would protect the basic rights of the citizens. Functions of the Government As mentioned earlier, Asian governments being a direct product of independence from the de-colonization process or a product of a bi-polar world order are currently experience what political scientists call the â€Å"third wave† of democracy. This third wave according to Samuel Huntington (1990) is essentially characterized by the loss of legitimacy of authoritarian regimes, a growth in economic output, changes in the Catholic Church; regional contingency factors; and external factors (notably the influence of the European Union and the US). Huntington’s Third Wave of democracy enabled many newly independent countries to establish themselves in their region, much in the same way the Philippines, India, Indonesia and Malaysia did after the Second World War and the subsequent years after. Moreover, because of the waves of democratization, these fledgling governments sought to establish their own national identity as well as strengthen its patrimony. Hence we see governmen ts working to abolish and reform parts of their system from colonial influences or vestiges of it. Hence, governments in Asia are functioning however to use the standards of many Western nations, there are countries that are still in need of further development. Governments in this continent are developing in the sense that immediately after their independence they had begun instituting change, the passage of laws that would be favorable to its people and not to its foreign neighbors or former colonial masters. You read "Politics and Development in Asia" in category "Papers" More importantly, it was the passing of their own constitution, which embodied their own ideals and aspirations. Besides that being a democratic country, governments have taken into effect the very thing that they weren’t able to have under colonial rule, their rights and privileges. Like any other democratic country, the government as well as its branches is tasked with the preservation of their constituent’s basic human, political and social rights. Moreover the governments of Asia during this third wave of democratization have largely distanced itself from the use of its military to coerce the people into action, as seen in the case of the political upheavals in Indonesia, Malaysia and even the Philippines that help restore civilian rule and enact legislation that places all decision-making processes of the military under civilian authority. Hence, the role of the government and its development in the political landscape of Asia is essentially characterized by the waves of democracy that had followed after numerous political and social upheavals that had happened in the region that had allowed for democracy to proper. Moreover, the political development of Asia is largely attributed to the national identity that had been formed prior to their independence as well as the belief that civilian authority should pervade in all aspects of the government structure. Electoral Processes The electoral process of Asia and by large any democratic country for that matter has been part and parcel of strengthening the democratization of any country. More importantly the electoral processes is seen as the establishment and legitimizing of a government that would adhere to the standards of different political watchdogs, media and Western governments that have investments in a particular Asian country. Electoral process as a measure of political development in developing nations usually stems from the desire to fulfill some of the promises of democracy or change the democratic landscape to as fulfill the problem of diminished and failed expectations of democracy as embodied in Mark Warren’s article on democratic participation (p. 679, 2002), drawing from the  experiences from the Asian countries such as Thailand; democracy through its elections has failed to address the needs of its people. This has led to the disillusionment or disenfranchisement of voters that have led citizens to become critical of their government. Elections in Southeast Asian countries strengthen the political participation of different levels of society by allowing greater sectoral participation as well as the existence of party-list systems that aim to bridge the gap between the government and civil society itself. More importantly elections are a way for allowing a wide-range of issues and platforms of dialogues to be tackled and addressed so as to initiate reform and change within a system that a citizen may no longer believe in. It is because of this most basic political aspect that citizens are duly empowered to create an environment that would allow them greater representation and for their issues to be heard because the electoral processes in any democratic country is an avenue for change. Civil Society Through the efforts of electoral processes in developing nations, civil society also plays a larger role in the development of democracies in the continent. Civil society is the representation of the people to the government; they serve as the platforms of dialogues as well as the source of political lobbying and confrontation. Such as the case in Myanmar where various civil groups protested against government action levied by the military junta against Aung San Suu Kyi, in China the protestation of their freedom to express themselves freely has been an issue that had led to the pullout of some international companies that had censured their content. Besides these all too familiar modes of political confrontation, civil society also lobbies for issues that marginalize a certain group of people. They represent and voice out the concerns of societies that the government may have neglected to address. Secondly civil society also exposes and opposes those people in the establishment of their crimes. Governmental crimes that range from graft and corruption to other irregularities in the system that seek to create inequality or those that would benefit only a certain individual or group of people that would directly benefit from such  a malfeasance. Another aspect of civil society in Asia is that it is vibrant, in the sense that these groups are constantly vigilant of the government’s movements, procedures and every minute detail that would affect the people. One could say that the government cannot move without some group or party noticing it. Because of this vibrancy there is a wider range of perspectives and opinions that the government has to address to allow equality and participation of the people and the groups that represent their interests. Conclusion Politically speaking, the developing nations in Asia are truly developing albeit at a slow pace, however these countries face numerous problems such as the prevalence of cacique democracy, patron-client relationships, the growing incidence of graft and corruption as well as the lack of accountability and transparency. Besides these institutional problems, Asian countries are quick to act using means that would question the legitimacy of a government (i.e. People Power revolutions both in the Philippines and Indonesia). Thirdly, political developments in an Asian country has only helped to serve the elites of society by creating laws that would greatly benefit them or help them stay in power. And lastly there is the proliferation of political dynasties and the existence of bureaucratic powers that have limited the progression of democracy and equality in the government. 2. Are the main political trends experienced by the developing world in recent decades summed up best by increasing diversity or alternatively growing convergence? Discuss extensively (Focus: Asia). In today’s globalized world, political trends have been largely varied in different parts of the world, yet each of these trends have helped in the establishment of strong governments and a vibrant civil society. The growing political trend of today’s developing world is the use of media as a platform of dialogue and garnering a wider influence that spans not just local but international borders as well. Secondly, the sudden rise of terrorism and the increase of regional and global security at the onset of the 21st century, has made steady grounds in the discussion of what could  and should be done to address political upheaval brought about by the events of September 11, 2001 in the United States. Thirdly, the further strengthening of regional and international economic and political cooperation, with respects to China, Singapore and Japan as emerging economies of the 21st century and how this has affected Western influences in the continent. Media As mentioned earlier in my introduction, one of the prevailing political trends of the developing world is the use of media—in all its forms—to further the cause of both civilian and the government. In this highly globalized world, the media is at the forefront of providing information that would either help or discredit a politician or the government. In recent years, the prevalence of media in all aspects of society was seen through the formation of websites designed for greater interaction (Web 2.0) that allows ordinary people to post, comment or critique on issues that are miles apart. During the 2008 US elections, media helped to bolster the presence of candidates running for the presidency, using new technologies that allowed ordinary people’s opinions and questions to be heard and also to evaluate these candidates based on their answers. Hence, in Zaller’s paper titled â€Å"A Theory of Media Politics† (1999) â€Å"For politicians, the goal of media politics is to use mass communication to mobilize the public support they need to win elections and to get their programs enacted while in office. For journalists, the goal of media politics is to produce stories that attract big audiences and that emphasize the â€Å"Independent and Significant Voice of Journalists.† For citizens, the goal is to monitor politics and hold politicians accountable on the basis of minimal effort†. Another instance of the use of media to change or forward opinion and movement was during the elections in Iran that were heavily critical of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s re-election to the presidency of Iran. His re-election served as a catalyst for media and the Internet to react and criticize what  the public perceived as the massive fraud and failure of elections that was happening. On Myanmar, during the events that led to the arrest of an American that had â€Å"trespassed† opposition leader’s Aung San Suu Kyi’s home led to a media storm that called for the violation of human rights of both the leader and the American. Thus, media as a political trend is vastly critical in denouncing governmental actions that it perceives as the limitation of political movement (freedom of speech and expression) as well the protection and advancement of issues that span borders. It is evident that through the Internet and other forms of media that political issues are now known globally, that one portion of the world can already actively participate in issues that are important to them. Security and Terrorism Even before the events of September 11, 2001 terrorism and security in the developing world, specifically the Southeast Asian region of the world, had been experiencing increasingly high levels of terrorist activities due in part to the movement of terrorist cells that had existed during the height of the Cold War and after the fall of Communism in 1991 led to the establishment of different Islamic terrorist groups in Central Asia then would later branch out to the different regions of Southeast Asia. According to Ambassador Alfonso T. Yuchengco in his speech titled â€Å"Islamist Terrorism in Southeast Asia† (2003) he mentions that the movement of these splinter groups led to the formation of the Jemaah Islamiyah terrorist cell which has been operating in different parts of Southeast Asia such as Indonesia, Pakistan and the Philippines. The terrorist group has played a large part in redefining internal security in the region due to its attacks following the events of 9-11 such as the 2002 Bali Bombings and other campaigns of terror done by the JI in Indonesia,. More importantly, Yuchengco stressed on the growing problem that this groups are privately trained and funded by Middle-Eastern groups such as the Al Qaida network. This has led to a crackdown of terrorist and militant groups as well as the pressuring of the United States of respective SEA governments to crackdown on suspected militant groups, individuals and organizations (Vaughn, B., et al, 2009). Regional and International Cooperation With the bulk of developing nations concentrated in the Asian regions as well the various emerging economies in Asia, it is evident and imperative that one of the political trends in developing nations is the bolstering of regional and international cooperation both economically and politically. The bolstering of these two types of cooperation is vastly seen in the scope of Foreign Policy goals as both milieu and direct national goals. Milieu in the sense that these Asian nations are doing not for the self-interest of their country but rather â€Å"nations pursuing them are out not to defend or increase possessions they hold to the exclusion of others, but aim instead at shaping conditions beyond their national boundaries†. And secondly, direct national goals those that focus on national dependence, or national/collective security or the enhancement of trade relations and negations between two different nation-states (Wolfers, A., 1962). Regional and International cooperation has since become a trend due to the growing number of emerging and so-called â€Å"Tiger Economies† that have helped attract the interests of Western nations in the continent, this has helped to bring in foreign direct investments. More importantly the cooperation isn’t just focused primarily on nation-states economic agreements with one another but also the existence of international NGO’s aimed at developing different parts of developing countries. These NGO’s sole purpose is to help achieve sustainable development and provide livelihood and to help alleviate poverty and bridge the gap between the rich and the poor (Todaro, M., 2008). Increasing Divergence or Alternatively Growing Convergence From the effects of globalization it is evident that the through the political trends of the media, security and terrorism, and regional and international cooperation among developing and developed nation-states there is an alternatively growing convergence. Through the events following the end of the Cold War as well as numerous political upheavals in Asian and European countries that have led to countries being democratized, there is a convergence of political trends. Convergences in the sense that the factors  mentioned earlier have been able to establish significant changes in the internal political structures of a country, which have ultimately affected its relations with its neighboring countries. This convergence of political trends enables countries to share the same ideas and perspectives regarding key issues that would help or empower their country and other countries as well. Because of the strengthening of key issues, there are greater levels of cooperation and dialogue that helps in the advancement of relationships between nation-states. 3. Identify and discuss the internal (domestic) and external factors that contributed to the democratization of a developing world. After identifying, discuss the comparative importance of both factors in the process of democratization. (Focus: 1 Asian country). Philippines The Philippines has long been considered to be the bastion of democracy in the Asian continent, moreover it is also its oldest democratic country. In nearly a century, the Philippines has progressed democratically internally through the following aspects: democratic transitions after Marcos’ regime, the existence of constitutional reforms. On the other hand the external factors that contributed to the democratization of the developing world are: the Philippines’ relations with former communist countries and its relationship with the Islamic countries Internal Factors Internally, the Philippines contributed to the democratization of the world by showing exactly how it transitioned democratically from an authoritarian regime to that of a democratic one. It was the events of People Power I and thereafter that showed how much progress the Philippines had made during its darkest days. The People Power revolution showed that when the government becomes a problem, as specified in some of the categories when a democratic government is no longer a democratic one when its people has lost its trust on the government, it destroys the community order and many more. These  distinctions helped to unify the people to action because of the belief that democracy should fulfill and meet the expectations of its people. In the context of Philippine society, Marcosian rule helped to create a vibrant civil society hence Clifton Sherrill (2006 p. 224) states, â€Å"the need for such groups is critical given the existing social order. Because the traditional elites dominate society, only through mass organization can the lower class establish an audible political view†, in this statement it was evident that political participation by the people were severely limited. In any democratic country, civil society allows for the people to voice out their concerns, that Mark Warren (2002 p. 681) states that when the government has failed to realize the promises it had set out to fill, the citizens become critical of their government, thus the establishment is seen as â€Å"incompetent, untrustworthy, and even corrupt†. More importantly civil society drawing their experiences from the Martial Law period has opted to stay on the streets, since civil society is composed of different groups each with varying opinions â€Å"these groups have consistently played a crucial role in mobilizing civil society to defend the democratic transition and to check authoritarian tendencies on the part of political elites† (Eaton, K., 2003, p. 487). Hence it can be concluded that from our experiences under Marcos’ rule we have managed to create a democracy that is more critical and observant of the movement of the government. It is able to discern Another aspect of democratic transitions after Marcos’ rule are the constitutional reforms enacted, mainly the creation of a multi-party/party-list system and the safeguards embodied in the constitution against authoritarian tendencies. Firstly the 1987 Philippine constitution allowed and introduced provisions that were â€Å"designed to widen democratic space and allow for greater participation of other sectors in Philippine society† and more importantly the inception of the party-list law was to serve as the mechanism for proportional representation in the different marginalized sectors of society (Teehankee, n.d. p. 180; p. 182). Through the introduction of such a provision, this allowed for greater civic participation of the people, the allowing of different marginalized groups help to put key issues of concerns such as: development, rights and those that have minimal representation or who have no voice in society (i.e. the  unborn). On the other hand, the framers of the constitution also included specific portions in the constitution that would limit the powers of the president and the military. Some of the basic safeguards is the often cited principle of â€Å"checks and balances† but more than that, the constitution also implemented provisions such as the declaration of martial law with the concurrence of the congress, the creation of the Sandiganbayan to curtail graft and corruption within the government (De Leon, H., 2001). External Factors Externally the Philippines has contributed to the democratization of developing countries by pursuing a foreign policy that is mutually beneficial to both parties. In this portion of the paper I will be discussing how the Philippines in a span of 50 years or so years has maintained diplomatic and democratic relations between Islamic countries and former Communist countries. These external relations done by the Philippines shows how democracy has helped the country establish important economic and political linkages with many of the world’s fledgling democracies and maintain cordial relations with international organizations with regards to its own internal conflicts. I begin by looking at the Philippines and its relation with the Islamic countries, then by looking at the Philippines and its relations with a communist country, particularly that of China. The Philippines and the Islamic countries relationship has long been a colorful one, it stems from the Philippines’ relations with other Islamic nations. A relationship that had relied heavily on global interdependency in the Middle East, due to the large supply of oil in the region, the need to expand the markets of the Philippines, and the growing number of OFW’s in the region (Wadi, J., 1998). It was because of these key factors that the Philippines has remained strong diplomatic relations with the other Islamic countries, this type of relationship was geared towards a mutual interdependence both financially and economically. However, the Philippines had also play a significant role with regards to its special relationship with the United States. This relationship with the US as well as their influence over the Philippines’ foreign policy had alienated other countries, particularly Pakistan after the creation of the Israeli state in  1948. It was only in 1973 during the Arab oil boycott that the Philippines â€Å"embarked on an unprecedented diplomatic offensive to recognize almost twenty countries in the Islamic world in the 70s†. This form of action helped to bolster the presence of the Middle East not just in the Asian continent but also help in the growth of their presence in the Southeast Asian region. The pursuit of mutual interdependence is largely seen as an effort to democratize relations between former colonial countries as well as to establish strong cultural and economical linkages that would help the Philippines in tackling many of its internal problems, notably the conflicts in Mindanao. The second aspect is the relationship of the Philippines with other communist countries notably the People’s Republic of China (PRC) during the 1970s when it was advocating for the implementation of the â€Å"One China Policy† in the UN. The relationship of the two countries are strongly linked with our earlier formal diplomatic relations with the Republic of China (ROC) or Taiwan, during the height of the Cold War, the Philippines had maintained a decisively strong anti-communist stance and thus resolved to deal mostly with Taiwan, which at the time was the duly-recognized Chinese country. Our foreign relations with the ROC (due in part to the influence of Americans) were primarily focused on maintaining a strategic military advancement within the region as well as the curtailing of the spread of communism within the region. However, much in the same way that the 1973 Arab oil boycott affected the country, under the presidency of Marcos, the country began establishing more formal diplomatic relations with the PRC. A relationship that was to help the Philippines sustain growth by accepting oil shipments from them in exchange for the PRC to import Philippine products such as coconut oil, lumber sugar, copper ore, and other metals. Hence in the years that followed, even after the fall of communism, the country’s relationship with China has been economically and culturally focused (Lim, B., 1998). Comparative Importance The comparative importance of the two factors is seen in their reciprocation  towards one another. In the context of Philippine politics and society, internally we face numerous problems that hinder our growth and development, especially after numerous political and social upheavals that have constantly marred our progress and image towards other Asian nations. However, through the enactment of certain reforms internally, we are thereby creating a political landscape bereft of anomalies and other discrepancies that would otherwise hinder the maturation of the country’s political system. It was because of the events of Martial Law and the People Power Revolution during the early 70’s and the late 80’s that we have managed to transform the country into one that is highly critical of the actions of the government and yet allow it to function within the rule of the civilians as opposed to the rule of the military. More importantly, through the advancement of civic participation within the country, the Philippines is able to garner a wider perspective and opinion on the issues that it needs to tackle. By creating a strong society, the country is able to externally project itself as able to handle different and vital political relations that would be beneficial to the establishment of a stronger society both politically and economically. How to cite Politics and Development in Asia, Papers